Editor’s Note: Each Thursday, Coaches Aid will take a look at the top games throughout Vermont state for the upcoming seven days in Game Tracker.
Week 6 games to watch
FOOTBALL
Essex at Burlington, Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Every game the high-flying and undefeated Hornets play is an event these days, but this one takes on special significance because the surprising Seahorses are 4-1 and in contention for a playoff spot. Can Cooper Wile et al keep pace with Air Essex? Or will ‘Mad-Skillz’ Max Librizzi continue to steamroll all comers?
Rutland at Hartford, Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
They met for the title last year. This time around the stakes are almost as high. Both teams are 3-2 and the winner is in great shape for a playoff berth. After losing two straight to open the season the ‘Canes are on a roll with three consecutive wins. The Raiders are headed in the opposite direction, having lost two in a row.
Windsor at Bellows Falls, Saturday, Oct.10, 2 p.m.
Something has got to give here. The Yellow Jackets are on an incredible roll, having outscored opponents 233-6 in a 5-0 start. The Terriers opened with a 2-0 loss to Moriah, N.Y., but since then they have outscored in-state opponents 174-6. The winner is the unquestioned front-runner for the D-III title.
BOYS SOCCER
Montpelier at Spaulding, Thursday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m.
Two Central Vermont powers collide in a game with Capital Division and playoff implications.
Essex at Champlain Valley, Saturday, Oct. 10, 3 p.m.
Note the late start due to SATs and make sure to arrive early to get a prime parking spot. These two teams are the best in the state and staged an epic battle a week ago. Assuming all the wounds have healed, this one shapes up as the best game of the bunch in a busy weekend.
GIRLS SOCCER
Mount Mansfield at Burlington, Friday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.
The upstart Cougars take on the defending champion Seahorses at Buck Hard Field. BHS has a tremendous defense. MMU has impressed on offense. Sounds like a battle of wills if we ever saw one.








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