Durfee hosts Somerset Berkley in Week 1 football showdown

Opening week, more specifically opening day, of the local high school football season presents one of the annually most anticipated matchups of the year. Durfee vs. Somerset Berkley Regional.

That intense rivalry renewal is one of four Week 1 games involving Greater Fall River teams. Durfee, Case and Atlantis Charter all play on Friday night while Bishop Stang tees it up on Saturday.

Diman Regional and Tiverton are idle this week.

Somerset Berkley at Durfee, Friday, 7 p.m .

Owners of an 0-10 record a year ago, the host Hilltoppers this year would dearly love to end that streak. Durfee boasts some bulk along the line, most notably in Eligjah Robitaille, and there is speed and size at the skill positions. The big question, like last year, may be the defense. … Somerset Berkley may be a team devoid of superstars but that, in past years, hasn’t stopped the Raiders from succeeding. Running back/kicker Brandon Medeiros, now a junior, burst onto the scene over the last third of last season and should present a challenge for Durfee’s defense. SBR (5-5) last year mixed more passing into its tight-set offense.

Tri-County at Case, Friday 6:30 p.m.

Coming off a 7-4 season that included the South Coast Conference Gold championship, the Cardinals return two top-notch skill players in speedy quarterback Daniel Silva and big-play wide receiver Clayton Dyer. Strong as well as fast, Silva is a big play waiting to happen. A key for case may be how well the defense develops.

Atlantis Charter at Coyle & Cassidy, Friday, 4 p.m.

This game is Greater Fall River flavored on both sides of the line. A half-dozen of players from Bishop Connolly are competing for Coyle & Cassidy on a first-year co-op between the schools. Coyle & Cassidy had a strong 2018 season, advancing to the Division 7 South final, and the Warriors are determined to take the next step in ’19. … In its third year of varsity football, Atlantis Charter a year ago picked up the program's first W. Making Coyle & Cassidy No. 2 would raise eyebrows far beyond our area.

Roxbury Preparatory School at Bishop Stang, Saturday, 11 a.m.

While no one is expecting Stang’s’ offense to be non-stop three yards and a cloud of dust, the running game could be their long suit, even though they graduated their top skill players, most notably ultra-versatile quarterback Justin Lopes. Stang returns four offensive linemen, including guard/linebacker Joe Paulo and tight end Vito Consoletti.

Email Greg Sullivan at gsullivan@heraldnews.com. Follow him @GregSullivanHN.