WEST BOYLSTON, Mass. - The West Boylston football team is gearing up for the Division 8 state semifinals on Saturday. 

The Lions won the Division 7 state championship last year, and they know their foundation of toughness, trust and togetherness can be a winning formula.

"This team, we've been playing all together for years now," said linebacker Christian Dufault. "We just have that chemistry together. We've been playing together since we were young."

"I think part of it is how close we are to each other, how long everyone's been playing with each other," said quarterback Connor Rice. "I think it really just helps everyone because everyone knows each other so well. They know their weaknesses and strengths and can help each other."

"We have a lot of talent all around," said quarterback Luke Foley. "So no matter who you give the ball to or who is blocking, we know that we can trust them. So, that's why we're so dangerous."

West Boylston will face Cathedral Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Doyle Field in Leominster.