Reading, Woburn Square Off in Battle of One-Loss Teams

The Woburn High School football team visits Reading after suffering its first loss of the year last week in Arlington. On Friday night, the Rockets hope to make it two in a row for the Tanners. Here are five things to know about this week's Friday night football action.

1. Who, What, When and Where: Reading High School, riding a three-game winning streak, hosts Woburn on Friday night at 7 p.m.

2. Scouting the Tanners: Woburn has proven to be an explosive team, averaging 24.7 points per game, a number that was higher until last week's 40-6 loss against Arlington. The Tanners defensive points per gave average spiked after last week's loss as well, but Woburn is still allowing a respectable 21.3 points per contest.

3. Reading's Road to 4-1: The Rocket defense has been a highlight all season, letting in 16.8 points per game. That total is good for second in the Middlesex League Liberty Division behind Arlington's staggering 11.8 points allowed. Reading's offense has begun to click as well. After sputtering a bit in its opening three games, the Rockets have scored 83 points in the last two games behind gaudy numbers by quarterback Drew Belcher and a balanced running game that is racking up the yards.

4. Who to Watch For: There will be plenty of talent on the field Friday night. Woburn quarterback Rob Voci can hurt opponents with his legs, and the running game of Marvin Jean and Chris Jewett has shown the Tanners are always just one handoff from breaking a game-changing play. Reading is led by Belcher, who can beat defenses with his arm or legs. In the backfield, Liam Kenneally is off to a strong start to the year and D'Andrea Burcy had an explosive game versus Belmont.

5. What's Next: Following Friday's game, Reading has just its Thanksgiving Day game left on the regular season schedule. The Rockets, however, are hoping to make some major noise in the playoffs.