Friday Night Lights: Dartmouth @ New Bedford

As part of Fun 107's double header coverage of Friday Night Lights action this week, the Fun Crew will be at New Beford high this Friday, as the Whalers welcome the rival Dartmouth Indians to town.

Talk about big time match ups. There aren't much more publicized or talked about regular season matches than the classic Dartmouth/New Bedford show down every year. Now add in the fact that both teams are playing well and looking for playoff births.

New Bedford comes into the match up feeling good after disposing of Barrington High School 42-0, last Saturday. Their high powered offensive attack, led by senior quarterback Andrew Rapoza has looked sharp in back to back wins, after it had been stalled in consecutive weeks with Rapoza sidelined with a concussion.

Look for Rapoza to try to get the passing game working early, as the receiving corps around him, led by senior Emmanuel Onuoha Jr., is strong all around. Also keep an eye on powerful, senior running back Jonathan Moraes, who has played well so far.

If the Whaler offense steps up and puts a lot of points on the board, head coach Mark DeBrito should feel good about getting a win. In their three victories the team has scored 128 points, while they've only managed 12 points combined in their two losses.

On the flip side of things is reigning Division III state Champs, Dartmouth. The Indians are also 3-2 on the season, though they are coming off of a tough loss to league opponent Bridgewater-Raynham. The 16-13 loss left a sour taste in the Indians' mouth, especially due to some controversial calls late by the refs, so look for them to come out hungry for a bounce back win Friday.

Dartmouth's offensive attack really starts with the running game and senior captain Chris Martin. After a bit of a slow start to the year, the veteran back has return to his old form and anchored a strong backfield. For Dartmouth, led by head coach Rick White, to win, they'll need Martin to have a big day and quarterback Cole Jacobsen to continue his steady play at quarterback. Also look for hybrid receiver Alex Tisdelle, who does a bit of everything, to make a play here or there that could change the game.

The real story, however, might be Dartmouth's strong defense and its potential to make plays and neutralize New Bedford's multifaceted attack. The Indians have held three opponents under 10 points this year, including a shutout of Attleboro, and haven't given up more than 16 points in a game. In a number of their games, the defense has also put points on the board themselves, which is a huge boost. Look for defensive coordinator Mike Martin to have his team swarming to the ball all night long.

Prediction- Make no doubt about it, this game is about more than just Friday. It's about a rivalry that many of these kids' own parents participated in, in past year, so emotions should be running high. That might benefit Dartmouth as the team is used to playing big games with its title run from a year ago. The crowd should also give both teams a boost as the showing is always good for each school.

In looking at this single match up, however, it looks like its going to come down to the Whaler offense against the Indian defense and whoever blinks first. Based on their ability to neutralize every offense they've faced so far, the edge has to go to Dartmouth as it seems they'll find a way to slow Rapoza and that vaunted New Bedford offense. The only way to know for sure what will happen is to check out the game, however. So make your plans, meet up with friends and get to New Bedford High School for 7 p.m. to see some great football and a great rivalry.