Chuck Adamopoulos was confident in his offense.

But with the graduation of all four starting linebackers, the Central Catholic football coach had concerns about the Raiders’ D.

No need to worry.

Fourth-ranked Central Catholic cruised to a comfortable 28-6 win over No. 11 Reading at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence on Saturday.

“I’m really happy with the defense,’’ said Adamopoulos of a unit that limited Reading to 134 yards of offense. “Reading does a really good job with their offense, playing around with their formations, so the kids did a good job. I was happy.’’

Sophomore Joe Howshan registered a pick in the second quarter and Johandy Gonzalez blanketed Reading receivers all afternoon, including a key deflection in the fourth quarter.

On offense, Central junior QB Bret Edwards completed his first six passes, the sixth a 4-yard toss to senior David Onyemen with 40 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter for a 7-0 lead.

Edwards and Reading’s Corey DiLoreto traded interceptions, but Central’s 3-4 defense continued to impress, securing the edges and continually pinning Reading deep in its own territory.

Late in the second quarter, Edwards and junior back Max Faro fueled a two-minute drill, culiminating with a 10-yard keeper from the Central quarterback.

“The offensive line made me wicked comfortable,’’ Edwards said. “They gave me a lot of time to throw the ball.’’

Gonzalez took the second-half kickoff back 42 yards, setting up his own 47-yard scoring reception from Edwards (14 of 24 passing, 160 yards) on the next play.

Reading broke through on a scoring run by DiLoreto, but on the next possession, Central put the game out of reach on a 66-yard scamper by Fargo (eight carries, 94 yards).

“[The defense] came together, made the plays and gave us great field position every time,’’ Edwards said.

“Our defense was the reason we won the game.’’

St. John’s Shrewsbury 30, Catholic Memorial 28 — Owen Ryan broke up a Matt Marcantano pass in the end zone on a 2-point conversation attempt, sealing the season-opening win for the Pioneers.

QB Steven Bucciaglia scored from 5 yards out in the first quarter and connected with Nick Pallotta for another 5-yarder in the third quarter.

Tewksbury 43, Malden Catholic 21 — Jay Connolly (6 for 7, 103 yards, 2 TDs) and Brendan Winn (22 rushes, 155 yards, 3 TDs) powered the Redmen attack while the Tewksbury defense collected three interceptions and forced a fumble.

Canton 6, Pentucket 0 — Junior Alec Ragusa scored the game’s lone touchdown on a 2-yard run and also registered a game-high nine tackles at inside linebacker for the Bulldogs. Senior safety Dennis Ross’s fourth-quarter interception clinched the win.

Beverly 22, Wakefield 0 — Senior Luke Flaherty scored a pair of touchdowns to pace the Panthers, presenting first-year coach Andrew Morency with his inaugural win.

Lexington 49, Newton South 23 — Junior quarterback Sal Frelick rushed for two touchdowns and passed for three more to propel the Minutemen.

Newton North 9, Waltham 7 — The Tigers defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions, to earn the nonleague win.

Watertown 48, Arlington Catholic 7 — Deon Smith scored on 35- and 28-yard TD runs and returned a punt 50 yards for a score to lead the Raiders.

Foxborough 27, Hingham 16 — Senior quarterback Mark Clagg went 14 for 19 for 213 yards and three touchdowns for the Warriors.

St. Mary’s 42, Dorchester 6 — Abraham Toe and Calvin Johnson each ran for two TDs to lead the No. 20 Spartans.