MASCAC picks: Jan. 4

Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a great holiday and an enjoyable New Year’s!
Now that we are back into the swing of things, it will be interesting to see what programs in the MASCAC take off in the second-half, or take a few steps back.
This is arguably the best time of the season. Each game now is that much more crucial, and even more important as we get closer to the postseason.
Now, not to brag or anything, but I have been on quite the run with my weekly picks. I have had a couple of weeks off, and I am hoping that I didn’t get rusty, but either way, let’s take a look at the picks.
Friday Jan. 4
Massachusetts-Dartmouth Corsairs (5-2-2) vs. Neumann Knights (5-4-2)
Both of these teams have yet to play since Dec. 8, so expect a lot of high energy early. Mass.-Dartmouth won two of its last three, while Neumann has struggled a bit heading into the break. The Corsairs pack more punch up front, and if there haven’t been any major changes, look for Mass.-Dartmouth to ring in 2013 with a victory. Mass.-Dartmouth 4-1

Saturday Jan. 5
Framingham State Rams (1-9-0) vs. Franklin Pierce Ravens (4-4-1)
It has no doubt been a tough first-half for the Rams. They are the only team in the MASCAC without a conference win, and the last time they were victorious was back in late November against Southern New Hampshire. Franklin Pierce plays in the same conference as SNHU, so can this be a good sign for the Rams? I don’t think so. Franklin Pierce is better than SNHU, and will handle Framingham. Franklin Pierce 5-2
Southern Maine Huskies (5-6-0) vs. Salem State Vikings (5-4-1)
The Huskies finished 2012 losing three of their last four, while the Vikings won three of their last four. This is the game of the weekend for me. Southern Maine is always a competitive team, is Salem State. Both programs will come out flying to start 2013 in the right way. like the Vikings though in this close battle. The Huskies give up a lot of goals, while the Vikings offense is one of the tops in the MASCAC. Salem State 5-2
Picks to date: 14-6-2 (30 points)