Undefeated Watertown Football Team Opens State Playoff Run Friday Night

Reported by Jack LaRose | Watertown High School Student Reporter

Video Edited by Gavin Russo | Watertown High School Student

After completing an undefeated regular season and capturing the Middlesex League Freedom Division championship, the Watertown High School football team is preparing for its first postseason appearance since 2022.

The third-seeded Raiders (8-0) will host No. 14 North Reading on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Victory Field in the opening round of the MIAA Division 5 State Tournament. It marks Watertown's first home playoff game since 2016.

Led by third-year head coach Joey Carroll, the Raiders have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround following last season's 3-6 finish. Watertown secured its league championship with a 30-14 victory over Wilmington, completing a perfect 5-0 record in Middlesex League play.

Players credit their success to offseason conditioning, an experienced offensive line, strong senior leadership and a renewed commitment to the program.

Senior quarterback Coleman Keuchkarian-McKeen has helped lead a versatile offense, while the team's six senior captains have emphasized preparation, accountability and taking the season one game at a time.

North Reading enters the matchup having shared first place in the Cape Ann League Kinney Division. The Hornets won the Division 5 state championship in 2022.

The winner advances to the Division 5 quarterfinals to face either Norton or Medfield.

WCA-TV will provide live coverage of Friday night's playoff matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans can watch the game on WCA-TV's Education Channel (Comcast 8 and RCN 15) or stream it online at wcatv.org/education.

This report was produced through WCA-TV's collaboration with Mike Riley's Digital Media and Communications classes at Watertown High School, providing students with hands-on experience in local news reporting and video production.