Outlook: Year One of the Reilly era was a success as Abington advanced to the Division 6 quarterfinals. The building blocks are in place for a Year Two leap. The Green Wave return five South Shore League All-Stars; senior running back Mason Nash, senior running back/defensive back Ryan Solimini, senior wide receivers Kingston Maxwell (6-3, 175) and Kris Patterson, and senior linebacker Jake Tikonoff. Junior Thomas Muniz (6-4, 315) joins senior captains Andrew Van Luling and Gino Micele as key pieces on the offensive line. Reilly's son, Michael, graduated, leaving a hole to fill at quarterback. Reilly will fill that hole with his son, Jack. Jack Reilly, a lefthanded junior, had a strong summer in 7-on-7 passing leagues.
Outlook: Brian Vaughan comes to Arlington Catholic after spending the last eight seasons as the lead man at Lynn Classical. Senior All-League linebacker John Recinto returns with added responsibilities as the new starting quarterback. Classmate Collin Harris (6-0, 290) is the top returning lineman and senior Jayden Goncalves returns as the lead back, capable of picking up tough yards as well as providing a home run threat. Senior Jordan Lane and junior Jimmy Rogers return as playmakers in the passing game. The Cougars return enough core pieces to significantly improve last year's 1-10 record.
Outlook: The Blackhawks once again put together a promising season under Haddad in 2024. Despite falling short of the postseason, Bellingham secured its third straight winning season, closing with a seven-game winning streak. The next step is to qualify for the playoffs. The defense will lead the way, starting with reigning Tri-Valley League Defensive Player of the Year Sam Sullivan, a senior. He is joined by senior TVL All-Stars Wyatt Callery (LB) and Michael Demers (WR/OLB). Senior captain William Lahousse (5-7, 195) is a pillar on both lines. Junior Cam MacGregor will take the reins at quarterback, making him the third starter in three seasons.
Outlook: With 14 seniors returning from a 7-4 season, the Crusaders drop from Division 5 as part of the new alignment cycle. Senior captains Dylan Patturelli (996 yards, 12 TDs, 95 tackles) and Tyler Connolly (800 yards, 10 TDs, 100 tackles) will shoulder the load both in the backfield and at linebacker. Senior Luis Levenishti (6-2 270) leads an inexperienced but talented line. Woods believes Patturelli, Connolly and Levenihti are as good as any player at their position on the North Shore. Joining Levenishti on the line is fellow captain Tye Piraino. The fifth senior captain is Jesse Timson (WR/DB), who will be counted on to make plays on both ends of the field. There's no shortage of skill for the Crusaders, though depth could become an issue if injuries mount.
Outlook: The Cardinals are looking to shake off a down season. If Spellman is to turn things around, it will largely be due to their receiving core. The trio of senior Liam Wrightington, senior Max Nabstedt, and junior Zack Villano will captain the team and contribute defensively. The Cardinals are one of the more youthful teams D6 and may start as few as five seniors across both sides of the ball. But that inexperience has fostered a competitive environment on the practice this summer. "It has has created a camp full of great competition and guys pushing one another," said Donovan. Despite the young roster, the Cardinals believe they can return to the playoffs. "Our ultimate goal is to find ourselves back in the playoffs after a tough year in 2024," Donovan said.
Outlook: The Dolphins have far less experience across their roster compared to the last two seasons. D-Y is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and graduated two-time league MVP Jayden Barber. Junior Lincoln Slade will take over at quarterback for Barber. Senior Oliver Doto returns as a versatile offensive weapon for Chris Marsh and the coaching staff. Junior Max Blake (6-2, 220) returns to anchor the offensive line and junior Aiden Gonsalves is back as a rangy linebacker. Senior captain Ledor Auguste (6-2, 250) is a key contributor on both lines. The Dolphins have had 46 players in camp this summer. "The team has shown a lot of improvement and toughness throughout camp and it looks like we could be a versatile group," said Marsh.
Outlook: East Bridgewater had an up-and-down first season under coach Greg O'Sullivan, winning the first five games, dropping the next five, before beating West Bridgewater on Thanksgiving. The Vikings are hoping to find more consistency this fall and return to the postseason. Entering year two, O'Sullivan said his team has a better understanding of the offensive and defensive schemes. Senior Austin Dewhurst, who impressed in a split backfield before a season-opening injury, is poised to break out as the lead back. Senior linemen Brayden Krappe, Devon Blair and Joseph Jarvio lead the way up front, hoping to emulate last year's success with the ground game. Cylas Hickey will see carries in the backfield, as well, in addition to his duties as a defensive end. Senior captains Jack McDermott and Devon Blair will also be called on to be difference makers.
Outlook: Coming off back-to-back trips to the Super Bowl, Fairhaven has enough to make another deep postseason run this fall. Record-breaking tailback Justin Marques (post-grad at Portsmouth Abbey) has departed, but senior Aaron Lague is poised to emerge as the top option after amassing 1,000 yards last season as a complimentary option to Marques. Senior captain Evan Lamontagne is taking over under center, replacing dual-threat option Cam Burke. Lineman Zach Moura (6-1, 280), a senior captain, is a multi-year starter on the offensive line. Classmate Jacob DeSousa (6-2, 245) will be a fixture on both lines. Senior Josh Vieira (6-5, 205) will be a disruptive force at defensive end. Senior linebacker and captain Ian Alexion is another impact defender. "The standard has now been raised by previous teams," said Almeida. "We have to understand the work it took to get there and try to improve as the year goes on like our teams have in the past. It is not who is the best team in August, it is who is the best team late October and into November."
Outlook: With Anthony Palladino stepping down after 11 seasons, Alex Monteiro takes the helm as head coach working on the staff at Bridgewater State. Monteiro inherits solid pieces from last year's team, including junior back Aedan Borges. In nine games last season, Borges accounted for over 900 yards and 16 touchdowns. Borges and senior Charlie Medas (6-1 275) are returning South Coast Conference All-Stars. Medas is a mauler in the run game at left tackle. Junior wide receiver Cooper Bert and linebacker Cole Rego (6-1 220) will play pivotal roles for the Cardinals. "[This is] a hard working group of young men trying to reestablish a culture and identity. [I am] very excited to see how they develop as a team over the season" said Monteiro.
Outlook: The Pioneers return only four starters from last year's quarterfinal run. Senior Dan Lemieux -- a returning two-way starter -- will add kicking and punting duties to his resume this fall. "He can truly do it all" said coach Patrick Lamusta. Senior quarterback Matt Tracy replaces Cape Ann League MVP and Globe All-Scholastic Tyler Adamo. "[Tracy] has a great sense for the game and knows our plays inside and out," said Lamusta. The offensive line features only one senior, captain Ben Gavit. Joining Gavit (6-2, 210) up front are a trio of sophomores: Alex Amico (6-1, 250), Jack Tranfaglia (5-9, 185), and Marko Tare (6-3, 200), as well as junior Joe Rosa. "You will see some speed on the defensive side with a bunch of players who like to hit and be physical," said Lamusta. The Pioneers enjoy good numbers, with about 60 players in the program.
Outlook: The Mustangs improved from 1-10 to 8-3 in Year One under coach Ted Rigney. With a drop down to D6, the Mustangs have their sights on a second straight playoff berth. "Expectations are pretty high with a lot of returning starters. Hoping to build on the success of last season," said Rigney. Senior captain Dylan Costa is coming off a 100-tackle season and will lead the defense. Senior captains Aidan Tkowski and Jacob White will be the top receiving weapons for Logan Keaney. Keaney, a senior dual-threat QB, is moving over from wide receiver.
Outlook: Rob Sliney is in his fourth season coaching the Sharks, who enter a first-year co-op with St. John Paul II. Sliney admitted that the biggest challenge will be building the program's numbers, and improving on team chemistry will be a crucial factor this upcoming season as the two schools merge. Look for a fast-paced West Coast offense with quick, short passes made up of screens, slants, and drag routes to move the chains. "We have a small senior group and a lot of young players to build off of," said Sliney. "The kids are buying in and we keep growing everyday . . . I think we will have the numbers to support a positive season."
Outlook: The Whalers have plenty of returning experience as they look to improve on a tough 2024 season. Senior Arann Hanlon (WR/S) has been a reliable offensive weapon for multiple years and will be one of the focal points for the Whalers this season. Sophomore quarterback Burke Lombardi gained valuable experience as a freshman, and is set to become one of the top signal callers in the Cape & Islands League. Seniors Jeremy Jenkinson and Andrew Lavin are key to setting up the running game and slowing down the opponent's rushing attack. Junior David Guillen is in line for an expanded role out of the backfield. "I think the kids are starting to see how special they will be," said second-year coach Coreese Everett. "[I'm] very excited to see this team in full go."
Outlook: Three-year assistant Jason Pithie takes helm of the Clippers; he previously assisted at East Bridgewater. Norwell will lean on its defense early on as the offense finds its footing. Senior captain Dylan Varekamp, a defensive end, senior linebacker JJ Troy, and junior tackle George Bonnevie will anchor the unit. For the second straight year, Norwell is replacing its entire offensive front. "The first game is always a question mark. Who are we? You can't find out until the lights are on and there's another team in front of you" said Pithie. Junior quarterback Jack Luccarelli, the reigning South Shore League MVP, totaled 27 touchdowns (21 rushing, 6 passing) and over 1,500 yards (1,008 rushing, 552 passing) last season. With the graduation of Globe All-Scholastic running back Will Bostrom, expect Luccarelli's numbers to increase. Sophomores Ryan Bonzagni and Connor Woodland will also contribute. "Our first goal is to win a South Shore League title and our second goal is to win a state championship," Pithie said.
Outlook: Fresh off their eighth consecutive postseason appearance, expectations remain high for the Bulldogs. The defense will lead the way early in the season, while some younger faces find their footing at the offensive skill positions. Senior captain Brendan Spenard (6-6, 270) will be a two-way force and fellow captains Brody Hiles and Tucker Roy will be called on to be impact defenders at the second level. "We have a bunch of talented young players who lack game experience at the varsity level," said coach Bryce Guilbeault. "We have to get those guys up to pace fast to be the type of team we want to be early in the season." Cam Pepin is expected to be an impact player at running back and defensive back and sophomore Benji Baptiste will see carries in the run-heavy offense. Sophomore Connor Nelson will be taking over at quarterback.
Outlook: For the first time in 43 years, there is a new coach overseeing the Pentucket football team. Steve Hayden retired after a 42-year run and 251 wins. Leary takes over after serving as co-coach last season. Senior quarterback Steven Harper returns after throwing for 27 touchdowns and more than 2,300 yards. Seniors Nick Carrion (6-0, 180), a Cape Ann League All-Star, and Luke Zavaski (5-11, 180), who amassed more than 900 receiving yards, return as his top targets. Senior Jackson Miller returns to lead the backfield.
Outlook: The Blue Knights are coming off a successful two-year run with Bob Lomp, making consecutive playoff appearances. Lomp departed for New Bedford and Borsari, formerly coach at Carver and St. John Paul II, takes over and hopes to keep the running game humming. Senior captains James Niemiec (5-8, 225) and Evan Watts (6-1, 290) will be key to the running game, leading the way for juniors Damian King and Tucker Carline. Sandwich is also switching conferences this season, departing the South Shore League for the Cape & Islands.
Coach: Robert Almeida (14th season). Career: 223-117-1 (including Somerville, Beverly, Wilmington, Malden Catholic).
Outlook: The Spartans will once again have a strong rushing attack led by a senior-laden offensive line made up of seniors Connor Gangi (6-0, 240), Michael Peacock (5-10, 220), Brian Langill (5-10, 220), Thomas Wood (5-9, 180), and junior Jeremy Friedman (6-1, 250). The Spartans also feature two tight ends in their base double-wing offense: Senior Tony Dean (6-6, 210) and junior Cooper Brisson (6-1, 175). Senior captain Peter Boccelli (6-1, 185) will take over as the primary running back and will double as one of the top linebackers in the Middlesex League. Senior captain Sean Powers returns under center. Stoneham's new artificial turf stadium is complete after Spartans did not play any home games last season. "We are beyond excited to be home in our beautiful stadium," said Almeida.
Outlook: Tri-County is motivated to build on last year's banner season, which included the Cougars' first vocational title, a 36-30 win over rival Blue Hills for the MVADA Small championship. "That was huge for our kids," said coach Andy Gomes. "A lot of these players started as freshmen and went through the growing pains of that 1-9 season. Then, they understood that working hard, positive body language, and effort was what we needed to do." Junior running back/cornerback Nick O'Brien, a returning Mayflower All-Star, is a game-breaking talent. The captains, quarterback Declan Walker and running back/linebacker Matt Pinto, both four-year starters, are focal points. Walker is coming off a 1,000-yard junior season. Pinto's twin, Chris, is also a team captain and will play outside linebacker and slot receiver. The lines will be anchored by senior captain Brody Resendes (5-9, 210). Riley Dahl and four-year starter Jack Hazeldine also return up front. "This is a new year, and we have a much harder road this year," said Gomes. "We have to take it one rep, one play at a time. We are all excited to see how this team turns out. I do know one thing about this team: they will not settle for mediocrity."
Outlook: A first-year head coach, Ed Melanson takes the reins of the Vikings this fall. He has more than 20 years experience as an offensive and defensive assistant, including the last three seasons at Triton and stops at Hamilton-Wenham, North Reading, Peabody, Danvers, Chelsea, and St. Mary's. The Vikings are switching their offensive system from the spread to single wing. The running back trio of captains Athan Eggleston (5-5, 185), Everett Romano (6-0 200), and Carl Lucy (6-1 225) should complement each other well in the new run-heavy scheme. "The players have really bought in on what we are doing on the field and off," said Melanson. "They showed up in the weightroom [this summer] and show up every day to work hard and learn this game."
Outlook: The Wildcats are ready to kick off the Joe Cavanaugh era. "It's an exciting and humbling opportunity to be able to take over as the head coach in your home town," Cavanaugh said. "We are working hard to bring back the pride and traditions that made Wilmington football so well respected over the years." After a challenging 2024 season there is reason for optimism. Leading the way are returning Middlesex League All-Stars Pat DeLucia (TE) and Noah Matton (OL/DL), both team captains.The 6-foot-2, 195-pound DeLucia will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Matton (6-0, 240) is one of the premier linemen in the Middlesex League. "With a senior class of 18 players, we return a lot of experience and we are looking forward to turning some heads this season," Cavanaugh said. Captains Timmy Watson and Luke Cushing will make the offensive line a strength and seniors Gus Lambert (RB/LB) and Colin Allard (WR/DB) will be counted on as reliable playmakers.
Outlook: The Vikings, coming off three straight seven-win seasons, will once again feature a strong run game. Senior captains Seth Sacco (RB/OLB) and Sean Dolen (QB/OLB) will be the offensive focal points. The offensive and defensive lines will have to catch up to the skill positions for the Vikings to maximize their potential. Senior captain Roy Konopaska (6-3, 275) will be the leader on both lines, playing center and defensive tackle. There is no clear favorite in the Northeastern Conference's Lynch Division and the Vikings should be in the mix, along with Swampscott.