The high school football playoff picture is officially set, and several local teams are preparing to host first-round matchups as the postseason gets underway.
In Division 1, Franklin will open its playoff run at home against Andover, giving the Panthers home-field advantage in their first-round contest.
Division 3 features several area teams with important matchups ahead. Mansfield will host Malden Catholic, while Milford, which finished with a 7-1 record, will welcome No. 15 Masconomet Regional. King Philip will host Reading, and North Attleboro will also enjoy a home matchup against Plymouth State.
In Division 4, Canton will hit the road to face Shepherd Hill in its opening-round contest.
Meanwhile, in Division 5, Foxboro will have home-field advantage when it takes on Apponequet.
With the playoff brackets now finalized, teams will turn their attention to preparation for the opening round, where the stakes rise and every game carries postseason significance.
For local football fans, the first round promises plenty of action, with several area programs looking to extend their seasons and make a run in the state playoffs.
