It wouldn’t feel right at this point to go a week in the crystal ball without the scare of the first losing record since a tough opening week.

In the hours leading up to the Ed Burns Coffee Pot finals on Sunday, where parity saw two sixth-seeded teams and an eighth-seed make an appearance, we got that scare.

The Essex Tech and Billerica boys teams continue to heat up in the home stretch, as do the Malden Catholic, Pope Francis and Lincoln-Sudbury girls. They won big matchups they were predicted against in, leaving the crystal ball just one game above .500 heading into the last two games on Sunday. Marshfield used a big third period to secure the win, though, and Norwood overcame a late deficit to deliver a sensational comeback win to save the week.

Expecting the 11 or 12-win weeks every time in the crystal ball is unrealistic this year. We’re just hoping for good hockey, and this week – filled with rematches between contenders – should bring plenty of punch. Premier Div. 3 boys teams will especially be tested.

Here’s a few games to look out for, with a reminder that no team is featured twice in one week.

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 9-6
OVERALL: 79-45-11

** WINNERS in CAPS

BOYS
Wednesday
ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS vs Franklin, 5:10 p.m. – Expect Franklin to be fired up following a loss to Marshfield in the Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament, but Archies has shown composure in tight matchups all year.

Hopkinton vs NORWOOD, 6 p.m. – Could be a big week of championships for the Mustangs. After taking the Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament Brinn title, Norwood seals the Tri-Valley League Large.

Reading vs ARLINGTON, 7:45 p.m. – Top two teams in the Middlesex League Liberty square off again. A Rockets win would seal the league title. Don’t expect parity to give in now, though, especially in this league.

Thursday
SHAWSHEEN vs Marblehead, 7:10 p.m. – Headers have turned around a slow start to stand tall in the MIAA Div. 3 power rankings’ top 10. Shawsheen flexes its strength at home.

Friday
SANDWICH vs Nantucket, 2:40 p.m. – Hard to pick against the Whalers, who enter the week without a loss since the opener. Major Div. 4 matchup, Knights find a way.

Saturday
Pope Francis vs CATHOLIC MEMORIAL, 12:30 p.m. – Cardinals are rolling, will be hungry in a rematch of Div. 1 powers. It won’t be 8-3 again, but CM edges out another signature win.

ST. JOHN’S PREP vs St. John’s (S), 2:20 p.m. – Never count a Catholic Conference matchup as an easy one. Eagles take care of business.

ESSEX TECH vs Lynnfield, 5 p.m. – Pioneers had their moment in the sun at home in this matchup, now it’s the Hawks’ turn in another big Div. 3 battle.

Nauset vs SCITUATE, 6:10 p.m. – Rematch battle between the two top-ranked teams in Div. 3. Sailors avenge loss to Warriors in ICO Cup.

Buddy Ferreira Classic – The annual tournament between some top public and private school teams is always must-watch hockey.

GIRLS
Monday
Winthrop vs PEABODY/LYNNFIELD/NORTH READING, 4:30 p.m. – Always an excellent matchup to follow between two coaches who are good friends. PLNR’s Michelle Roach could have supreme bragging rights this summer.

Wednesday
Braintree vs MILTON, 6 p.m. – Wildcats are red-hot on an 11-game unbeaten streak, with three overtime wins. That late-game poise will be needed to take the season sweep.

SHREWSBURY vs Algonquin, 7:25 p.m. – Two of the best out of Central Mass. go toe-to-toe. Reigning Div. 1 champs continue to round into form heading into the playoffs.

Sandwich vs BISHOP FEEHAN, 8 p.m. – Shamrocks have been up in down in a rock-fight of a schedule, but deliver a big road win.

Saturday
Pope Francis vs MALDEN CATHOLIC, 2 p.m. – Both programs have heated up with a string of signature wins over the last week. Could go either way.

NAUSET vs Martha’s Vineyard, 4:10 p.m. – Round 2 between two premier Cape and Islands League teams. Warriors rebound from their first loss in 15 games.

DUXBURY vs Canton, 5:40 p.m. – State final rematches always bring a lot of juice. Dragons recover from their first losing streak in a very long time.