Can past tournaments give us an idea of ​​who might stand out in November?

The Div. A boys’ soccer field is perhaps the most difficult to handicap. Defending champion Concord-Carlisle (11-2-3) suffered some losses from last year’s historic group, but welcomed back defensive back sensation Cole Henschke. Now the No. 5 seed, the Patriots will have tough competition as they look to repeat. Newton South (13-1-4) has essentially been in control as the top-seeded team. Led by the play of Ikaro Da Silva in net, Lowell (18-0-0) emerges as a major threat as the No. 2 school. No. 3 Weymouth (14-2-2) and No. 7 Natick (10-4-3) dominated the Bay State Conference. Fourth-ranked St. John’s Prep (13-1-4) is still a candidate to exit the Catholic Conference. Also keep an eye on No. 14 Xaverian (10-5-3).

Some felt that Oliver Ames simply took too many hits after winning the Div. 2 crown in 2022. That’s it. Instead, the Tigers simply reloaded and were able to repeat as Joey Carney buried the game-ending goal in overtime to give his school a second straight championship (a 1-0 overtime win over Wakefield). Now, No. 3 seed Oliver Ames (13-2-2) is chasing three in a row. Zack Gilson (13 shutouts) stood tall in net, while Craig Chruchill was the Tigers’ top scorer. Could we see a rematch in the title match? It’s entirely possible, considering Wakefield (15-2-1) is your No. 1 seed this season. No. 2 Mansfield (13-3-2) has enjoyed a resurgence this fall, as has fourth-seeded Hingham, which improved to 15-2-1 under new head coach Dave Leahy. Sleepers include No. 17 Billerica (11-5-2), No. 19 Milford (10-4-4), No. 25 Sharon (11-4-3) and No. 28 Worcester South (14-1-2).

The Div. Pitch 3 could be extremely entertaining; don’t be surprised to see some upsets, although top-seeded Pope Francis (15-0-3) will look to reverse that trend. Second-seeded Dover-Sherborn (13-3-2) and No. 3 Medfield (12-4-2) are tough contenders in the vaunted Tri-Valley League, while Dedham (14-3 -1), No. 4, has always enjoyed deep playoffs. We could see sixth-place North Reading (16-0-2) being a threat, along with No. 9 Norwell (16-1-2). Despite an undefeated campaign, Chicopee (16-0-2) is your 11th seed, while No. 14 Pembroke (13-2-3) has consistently given opponents blows. Last year’s champion, Newburyport (8-7-3), is 22nd overall.

Transition to Div. No. 4 Cohasset (14-4-2) and No. 2 Lynnfield (12-3-3) are your top teams to eliminate. Pittsfield (9-5-4) is coming off a tough schedule but emerged with the third seed after leading the power rankings for part of the fall. Potential dark horses include No. 12 Greater Lawrence (15-0-3), No. 15 Gardner (13-0-3) and No. 26 Northbridge (12-5-1).

Boston International had a superb season en route to a 13-2-3 record and reaped the rewards as the recipient of first place overall in the division. 5. Consistent programs such as No. 2 Sutton (15-3-0) and No. 3 Bromfield (11-3-4) are also represented and should make deep tournament runs.

DIV. 1

Best match of the first round

No. 30 Bishop Feehan vs. No. 35 Methuen

Maybe an upset

No. 36 North Andover over No. 29 Acton-Boxboro

A sleeper

No. 39 Somerville

Final four

No. 1 Newton South, No. 2 Lowell, No. 4 St. John’s Prep, No. 14 Xaverian

Champion

Lowell

DIV. 2

Best match of the first round

No. 16 Westwood vs. No. 17 Billerica

Maybe an upset

No. 23 Somerset Berkley vs. No. 10 Marblehead

A sleeper

No. 28 Worcester South (South High Community)

Final four

No. 1 Wakefield, No. 3 Oliver Ames, No. 4 Hingham, No. 7 Wayland

Champion

#3 Oliver Ames

DIV. 3

Best match of the first round

No. 14 Pembroke vs. No. 19 Swampscott

Maybe an upset

No. 23 Greater Lowell over No. 10 Holliston

A sleeper

No. 15 Blackstone Valley

Final four

No. 1 Pope Francis, No. 2 Dover-Sherborn, No. 4 Dedham, No. 6 North Reading

Champion

No. 4 Dedham

DIV. 4

Best match of the first round

No. 15 Gardner vs. No. 18 South Hadley

Maybe an upset

No. 23 Westfield Technical Academy vs. No. 10 Rockland

A sleeper

No. 26 Northbridge

Final four

No. 1 Cohasset, No. 2 Lynnfield, No. 6 Tyngsboro, No. 12 Grand Laurent

Champion

No. 1 Cohasset

DIV. 5

Best match of the first round

No. 25 Atlantis Charter vs. No. 40 Smith Voke

Maybe an upset

New mission n°18 on n°15 Rockport

A sleeper

No. 33 SPECIES

Final four

No. 1 Boston International, No. 2 Sutton, No. 3 Bromfield, No. 5 Maynard

Champion

No.3 Bromfield