High School Championships Force Patriots out of Practice Facilities

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are clearing out of their stadium to make room for high school football.

Gillette Stadium is hosting six Eastern Massachusetts high school Super Bowls, which are the divisional state championships. That means the NFL team is heading up to its indoor practice bubble to finish its preparation for Monday night’s game against the New York Jets.

Coach Bill Belichick said Saturday he’s just trying to stay out of the way.

The Patriots and Jets are tied for the lead in the AFC East, and their 9-2 record is tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the best record in the NFL.

The winner of Monday night’s game will have the inside track on the division title and home-field advantage in the playoffs.