Overview
- Junior quarterback Caden Smith won it with a 3-yard rushing touchdown on Central Catholic’s first overtime possession.
- Natick’s Brayden Lewis missed a 39-yard field goal at the end of regulation, then converted a 31-yarder to open overtime for a brief 17-14 lead.
- Central Catholic seized early control with consecutive 74-yard touchdown drives to build a 14-0 advantage.
- Natick rallied to tie before halftime on a 48-yard scoring pass to Brandon Leshinski and a short touchdown run by James Mortarelli.
- The No. 5 Raiders improved to 7-3 and return to the state semifinal for the first time since 2022, drawing No. 1 St. John’s Prep in a rematch after a 47-21 regular-season loss.