Friday Win Would Propel Rockets to North Title Game

It took a tremendous act of theater, but the Reading High School football team is in the North Division 2 semifinal game. The Rockets won a thrilling quarterfinal game, 29-28, last week and as a result are still alive in the postseason. Here are five things to know about this week's home semifinal tilt.

1. Who, What, When, Where: The Rockets host Waltham at 7 p.m. on Friday night under the lights at Reading Memorial High School. The winner of the game will advance to the North Division 2 championship game against either top seed Haverhill or No. 4 Lincoln-Sudbury.

2. How They Got Here: Reading is riding a five-game winning streak after losing to Arlington in its second game of the year. The Rockets won a see-saw battle last week against Cambridge after taking the lead, losing it, and regaining the lead all in the final 1:29. Waltham, meanwhile, is coming off of its own thriller during which they beat North Andover on a last-second field goal.

3. Scouting the Hawks: In the Dual County League, Waltham lost its opener against Newton North before winning four straight games. The Hawks lost to Acton-Boxborough to close out the year but bounced back with last week's victory. Watch for quarterback Dana Parello, who threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns while running for 136 yard and another score against North Andover.

4. Rockets to Watch: Quarterback Drew Belcher, as he has been for several years, was a major factor last week. On the first go ahead drive he gobbled up chunks of yards and led Reading to a go-ahead score. Then, after Cambridge went up seconds later, Belcher connected with Rob DiLoreto for a 60-yard score. Liam Kenneally has been big for the Reading offense over the last several weeks as well, pounded out yards and finding the end zone.

5. Patch Coverage: We will be on the sidelines on Friday night, covering the latest playoff game. Can't make the game? No worries, we've got you covered. Be sure to follow Reading Patch on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the game.