North Attleborough senior Frankie Strachan was stiff-arming Milton defenders all day, totaling 165 yards and four touchdowns on 34 carries.
North Attleborough senior Frankie Strachan was stiff-arming Milton defenders all day, totaling 165 yards and four touchdowns on 34 carries.Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for The Boston Globe
MILFORD — To reach its second consecutive Division 3 title game, North Attleborough coach Mike Strachan knew his team needed to limit opportunities for Milton’s high-powered offense.
The Red Rocketeers did so almost immediately Saturday, when Milton senior quarterback Patrick Collins fumbled the game’s first snap from scrimmage and sophomore defensive end Aiden Jackson scooped it up.
It took North Attleborough just three minutes to capitalize, with star senior Frankie Strachan plowing into the end zone for the opening score.
That sequence set the tone for the No. 7 Red Rocketeers, who recovered two crucial fumbles and dominated the run game in a 42-29 triumph over third-seeded Milton in a Division 3 semifinal at Milford High.
“We’ve talked about climbing our mountain all year, and they have just answered the bell every single time,” said Mike Strachan. “To beat that football team, some really good players, a dynamic offense . . . I’m really proud.”
Milford, MA - 11/22/2025 - North Attleborough senior Dylan Brousseau (4) runs past Milton senior Aidan Rowley (6) at the Division 3 Milton vs. North Attleborough MIAA football semifinals at Milford High School in Milford, MA on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson for The Boston Globe)
Milford, MA - 11/22/2025 - North Attleborough senior Dylan Brousseau (4) runs past Milton senior Aidan Rowley (6) at the Division 3 Milton vs. North Attleborough MIAA football semifinals at Milford High School in Milford, MA on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson for The Boston Globe)Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for The Boston Globe
The Red Rocketeers (9-2) were led by Frankie Strachan (the head coach’s nephew), a 6-foot-1-inch, 250-pound wrecking ball, who rushed 34 times for 165 yards and four touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Dylan Brousseau was effective in the run game with 13 carries for 129 yards, and used play-action to complete four passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in the first half.
“He’s been a superstar for us this year,” said Mike Strachan. “He’s been just a pleasant surprise. He is a super smart quarterback, who can run, can pass.”
The Wildcats (9-2) mounted responses behind the stellar play of Collins (14 completions, 239 yards, 2 touchdowns), who connected with senior Michael McGee for a 5-yard score on fourth down to cut North Attleborough’s lead to 22-15 at halftime.
The Red Rocketeers rushing attack took control as the game wore on, and Frankie Strachan racked up three rushing touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
Milford, MA - 11/22/2025 - North Attleborough senior Frankie Strachan (7) is tackled by a Milton player at the Division 3 Milton vs. North Attleborough MIAA football semifinals at Milford High School in Milford, MA on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson for The Boston Globe)
Milford, MA - 11/22/2025 - North Attleborough senior Frankie Strachan (7) is tackled by a Milton player at the Division 3 Milton vs. North Attleborough MIAA football semifinals at Milford High School in Milford, MA on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson for The Boston Globe)Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for The Boston Globe
“I just have all the faith in the guys up front, they were blocking for me all day when I made my moves,” said Frankie Strachan.
The win advances North Attleborough to a Division 3 Super Bowl tilt against No. 1 King Phillip (11-0), which already beat the Red Rocketeers, 21-7, on Sept. 12.
“We’re so confident,” said Frankie Strachan. “We’re a physical football team. They’re physical too. But at the end of the day, it comes down to who makes less mistakes, and I think we’re going to come out on top.”
Milton senior Patrick Mason (88) jumps up to catch a pass against North Attleborough's defense.
Milton senior Patrick Mason (88) jumps up to catch a pass against North Attleborough's defense.Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for The Boston Globe
Matty Wasserman can be reached at matty.wasserman@globe.com. Follow him @Matty_Wasserman.