Nashoba (5-6, 3-2 Division 1B) leads the Thanksgiving series, 12-3. The Patriots finished 2-9, 0-5.

"We seem to be hitting our stride at the right time," Nashoba coach Ken Tucker said. "We certainly waited long enough, but our kids are playing well, executing well, and playing with confidence."

The Chieftains have come under some criticism because they have qualified for the Division 1 playoffs with a sub-.500 record. Nashoba, the No. 6 seed, will face No. 3 Marlboro on Tuesday.

"It seems a bit strange to be talking about going to the playoffs," Tucker admitted, "but it is the system that was put in place. We will show up ready to play against whoever they match us up with."

Nashoba dominated from the opening snap, scoring on the game's third play on a 48-yard run by Randy Patterson. From there, the Chieftains took advantage of three North Middlesex miscues to open a 35-0 lead after one quarter.

Conor Wyand scored the first of his two touchdowns one play after North Middlesex failed on a fake punt, making a great grab of a Will Hurley pass in the end zone.

The Patriots tried another fake on its next possession, but Patterson picked it off and returned it to the NM 33. Billy Lombardo eventually scored from 3 yards out to make it 21-0 just seven minutes in.

Things got worse for the Patriots , as Jim Garvey's squib kick hit a Patriots' player in the helmet and bounced right into the hands of Nashoba's Ricky Genetti. Four plays later, Hurley connected with Wyand for an 18-yard score and a 28-0 lead.

The first-quarter barrage ended with 34 seconds left, as the game's defensive MVP Tom Oliver returned an interception 25 yards for a score.

"Thanksgiving Day is special, and we do a lot to get the kids ready to play from the opening kickoff," Tucker said. "Getting up early was something we wanted to do. We knew it would give our kids confidence and take some away from North Middlesex."

Hurley, who was named the game's offensive MVP, capped the scoring with a 2-yard run midway through the second quarter.

From there, Nashoba left things to its defense. Led by Oliver, Peter Hagermoser, Mike Vittorioso, Matt Morrison and Patterson, the Chieftains held the Pats scoreless.

"The defense was outstanding," Tucker said. "They played as well as they have all season. They shut down the run and created turnovers, which is huge in any game."

NASHOBA 42, N. MIDDLESEX 0

N MIDDLESEX(2-9, 0-5 D1B)0000-0

NASHOBA(5-6, 3-2 D1B)35700-42

Nashoba - Randy Patterson 48 run (Jim Garvey kick)

Nashoba - Conor Wyand 20 pass from Will Hurley (Garvey kick)

Nashoba - Billy Lombardo 3 run (Garvey kick)

Nashoba - Wyand 18 pass from Hurley (Garvey kick)

Nashoba - Tom Oliver 25 interception return (Garvey kick)

Nashoba - Hurley 2 run (Garvey kick)