Category Archives: Sports

Sports

2025 NFL Draft Recap: Hits, Misses & Surprises

Leave a comment

By Luke Curran, ’27

Staff Writer

The 2025 NFL Draft is done, and there’s a lot to discuss. Some teams made smart picks, some took significant risks, and a few surprises shook things up. A couple of players left earlier than expected, while others fell significantly. In hindsight, this year’s draft did not fall short of expectations.

When reflecting on the first round of the draft, it’s clear that many teams selected players who were considered the best fit for certain positions. Organizations such as the Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants sought talented quarterbacks, while other teams, including the New England Patriots, drafted offensive linemen. The Titans, possessing the first overall pick, selected Cam Ward from the University of Miami. Other notable players chosen within the first round included Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who went to Jacksonville; Will Campbell, a left tackle selected by New England; and Ashton Jeanty, heading to Las Vegas as a running back. 

Some significant risks were taken within the first round of the draft, including quarterback decisions. One notable example is Jaxson Dart, selected 25th overall by the New York Giants. Dart was projected to land outside of the first round. Other risky draft picks include quarterback Tyler Shough, taken by New Orleans, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel, selected by Cleveland. 

However, some players who were projected to land in the first round were not as fortunate. A clear example of this is former NFL star Deion Sanders’ son, Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback from Colorado. Shedeur Sanders was widely anticipated to fall within the first round, yet many teams passed up on him. The Cleveland Browns eventually chose Sanders as the 144th overall pick in the 5th round of the draft after a series of other quarterbacks had been selected before him. 

This 2025 NFL draft class is loaded with talent and standout players who have each given it their all just to be drafted. The efforts shown by these individuals reveal the hard work required to be part of the league, no matter how easy it may appear to be. Overall, it’s clear that the future is bright for several teams and players. The next class of stars is on the way, and fans have a lot to look forward to.

Featured image: https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/13355067/nfl-draft-2025-tennessee-titans-select-cam-ward-with-first-pick-as-travis-hunter-heads-to-jacksonville-jaguars

News, Sports

Records Are Made To Be Broken

Leave a comment

By Bella Ciccolo, ’26

Staff Writer

The Hanover High School Indoor Track season may be over, but it will long be remembered for its legacy of success. Anna Egan, Altonio Royster, and Ben Willis all broke school records this season, along with the boys 4×800 relay and the girls 4×200 team.

The HHS track team competes at the Reggie Lewis Center located in Roxbury. Hundreds of students from across the South Shore gathered weekly to race, with the complex booming with fans cheering on their teams. Coached by Patty Nee and Brendan Sullivan, Hanover athletes used that atmosphere, and a lot of hard work, to reach their personal and team goals.

Anna Egan, a junior, broke the school record for the 55m dash that she first set in her sophomore year with a new time of 7.66 seconds. In a distance that short, every millisecond counts. Anna credits focusing on her start and continuous dedication at practice in helping her achieve this goal. Anna’s favorite quote is “Don’t wish for it, work for it” and this inspired her at practice.

Ben Willis, also a junior, broke school records in both the 600m and the 1000m. He ran a time of 1:29.71 to shatter the 600m mark, which had been standing since Adam Cook ran a 1:30 in 2008. Ten days after accomplishing this, Willis lowered his time – and the school record – even further to 1:27.42. At state meet, he broke it again with a time of 1:25.04. Midway through the season, Willis set his sights on the 1000m, setting a record time of 2:47.48 in his first attempt.

Altonio Royster, a sophomore, broke the school’s long jump record with a distance of 19’10.5.” The previous record was 19’5.25,” set by Marvin Felix in 2023. “There were a lot of weeks of of just training and just pushing myself to be the best I could be,” Altonio said.

While track is often regarded as an individual sport, members of the relays must work together like a well-oiled machine in order to compete. This season, the boys 4x800m relay school record was broken with a time of 9:11:53. Willis and fellow juniors Matt Bell, Joe Lynch and James McDermod reached this goal at the Patriot League Championship meet on Feb. 8. Their time was 13 seconds faster than the previous record. The girls 4x200m relay set a new school record at the state meet with a time of 1:55:01. The relay included seniors Sam Baker and Ella Brinkman, junior Anna Egan and sophomore Callie Delaney.

With many members of the Indoor Track team moving outside for the spring season, it would be no surprise if the school recordbook continues to be rewritten. The team’s first home meet will be against Pembroke on April 9.

News, Sports

Unified Sports Win is About More than Final Score

Leave a comment

By The Hawk staff

The Hanover High School Unified basketball team made a powerful statement as they took on a team fielded by Student Council in a packed gym on Feb. 6. While the final score stood at Unified 79, StuCo 21, what counted more than the many, many (many) baskets made was the teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendship on display.

For the Unified team, top scorers were Danny Campbell, Bre Thomas, Jillian Richards, JJ Molina-Para, and Adel Mustafa-Rivera. Dom Castaldini and Maeve Patten showed determination as they made passes and grabbed rebounds. Molina-Para wowed the crowd with his 360-turns before sinking several baskets, and Richards’ countless steals from StuCo players were almost criminal.

The StuCo team kept their spirits high, with several members of HHS basketball teams making impressive shots. The atmosphere was festive thanks to the play-by-play of HHS senior Thomas Perkins, and the Hanover Hawk mascot rallying the crowd. Congratulations to players from both teams! Special thanks go out to Unified Sports organizers Ms. Mann and Ms. Gately, Athletic Director Scott Hutchison and all the fans in attendance.

The HHS Unified team will take part in a Jamboree at Abington High School on Feb. 12, playing teams from Abington and Carver high schools. We wish them best of luck!

Pioneered by Special Olympics, the goal of Unified Sports is to partner people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. By training and playing together, Unified teams promote inclusion, friendship and self esteem, according to the Special Olympics website. An estimated 19 million young people participate in Unified Sports nationwide.

Sports

Patriots Tap New Head Coach After Losing Season

Leave a comment

By Ryan Costello, ’27

Staff Writer

After the New England Patriots finished 4-13 in the 2024-25 season, many people demanded changes in the franchise. The former Patriots linebacker, Jerod Mayo, named coach after the departure of fixture Bill Belichick, was criticized by fans throughout the season. Many fans were upset with Mayo in Week 18 after the Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills, 23-16, causing them to give up their number one draft pick and drop to number four. Mayo was fired soon after, with Patriots CEO Robert Kraft saying, “I felt guilty” and “I put him in an untenable situation.”

Kraft tapped another Patriots alum to replace Mayo, former linebacker Mike Vrabel. People think Vrabel has the experience for the job considering he has been the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans and the head coach for the Tennessee Titans. During his time playing as a Patriot, he became a three-time Super Bowl champion. People are also eager to see what he can do with quarterback Drake Maye’s second year with the team.

Fans have been frustrated with the Patriots and their lack of playoff success in the years since Tom Brady left. Vrabel has a good reputation for leadership, principle, and an ability to bring out the best in his players. He has strong knowledge for game management and an instinct for decision making. He is good at making important strategic calls, especially when the stakes are high.

With a new head coach, fans are feeling optimistic for the future. Now all we have to do is see how the draft in April plays out. With some good moves, hopefully next season will give fans more to cheer about.

Sports

2025 NFL Draft: Next Up

Leave a comment

By Luke Curran, ’27

Staff Writer

What future stars will change the game? As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are set on the next wave of talent who might redefine the league. With several new teams receiving top draft picks this year, many questions have been raised about the future potential of these organizations.

Teams such as the Tenessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants currently possess the top three picks in the draft, set to take place in Green Bay, Wisc., April 24-26. The players projected to land the top three spots are Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cameron Ward of Miami, both QBs, and EDGE Abdul Carter from Penn State.

Sanders, the son of former NFL star and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, is expected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming draft. He’s one of the most talented players, having thrown for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Cameron Ward, Miami’s current QB, has also been impressive, with over 4,300 yards and 39 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, an edge rusher, tallied 12 sacks in 2024. All three have showcased their skills and continue to impress with their potential.

NFL fans have been busy creating mock drafts and imagining how the event might unfold. With hopes for a brighter future, eager supporters continue to speculate about how new additions could shape their team’s roster. Many believe it’s likely that the top two quarterbacks in the draft will land with the Titans (1st pick) and the Las Vegas Raiders (6th pick).

However, the order in which players are selected is still uncertain as teams continue to evaluate their options, and trades can always shake up the draft order. This draft will be a key moment in shaping the future of the league, as teams aim to secure the talent that will carry them into the next era of professional football.

The New England Patriots earned the fourth pick after beating Buffalo 23-16 in the final game of the season. Some expressed frustration with coach Jerod Mayo, who was fired soon after, because a loss would have given the Pats a last-place finish and the top draft pick.

The draft will be key for teams looking to strengthen their rosters and prepare for the future. Although this event will not take place for another few months, anticipation continues to grow. Regardless of the outcome, this year’s draft cycle will be one to remember.

Sports

The NFL Rookie Race: Who Will Win First-Year Honors?

Leave a comment

By Luke Curran, ’27

Staff Writer

As the 2024-25 NFL playoffs approach, various rookies from this year’s draft have shown potential and development on both sides of the ball. Players such as Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders have handled their roles as starters since week one, displaying their talents and abilities to make decisions on and off the field. Other notable rookies have progressed throughout the season. However, the question remains: which rookie will emerge as the best?

When analyzing the development of the inexperienced, one clear sign is often statistics. Among NFL rookie quarterbacks, Denver’s Bo Nix leads the bunch with 2,842 passing yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns. Not far behind him, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and the Patriots’ own Drake Maye trail, throwing 1500+ passing yards and scoring more than 10 touchdowns each.

Another essential factor in determining this tightly contested race is the team surrounding each player. When examining each situation closer, many of these rookies have conveyed their talents, even while facing several issues around them. This is especially evident with Drake Maye in New England, where the team has struggled to a 3-10 record so far.

While the race for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year award is still a toss up, each contender presents a unique skillset to their team and has performed highly in their position. Whether in leading the squad as a quarterback or making impressive turnovers on defense, these rookies have shown they have bright futures ahead.

The Rookie of the Year will be announced on the eve of Super Bowl LIX, which will be played in New Orleans on Feb. 9.

News, Sports

Powder Puff: More than a Game

Leave a comment

By Bella Ciccolo, ’26

Staff Writer

The Powder Puff is a longstanding school tradition where Junior and Senior girls have the opportunity to face one another in a football game, coached by members of the varsity football team. This year’s contest between the “Spidey Seniors” and “Jackpot Juniors” took place near Thanksgiving and was very competitive. It’s become precedent that the Seniors dominate and win every year. However, the Juniors posed a potential threat to this legacy.

Tess Madden scores for the Juniors.

Tess Madden put the Juniors on the scoreboard first with a touchdown. The Seniors’ shocked expressions made it clear that they had expected the traditional easy victory and were caught off guard. But the Spidey Seniors quickly regained their composure, responding with two touchdowns of their own. The Class of 2025 gained the lead and shifted the momentum in their favor.

This intense rivalry between the teams was evident by the loud, energetic atmosphere. It was a tight game with lots of calls from the referees which the Seniors were able to capitalize on. Despite not having any formal practice or preparation leading up to the game, the Spidey Seniors were able to turn situations to their advantage. In contrast, the Juniors took a more strategic approach, holding a practice the night before the game. During this practice the Jackpot Juniors created their foundation of plays, lineups, and, most importantly, teamwork. However, the lack of preparation on the Seniors’ part didn’t seem to hinder their performance.  When asked if the Juniors should have won, Finley Nadeau, a Class of 2026 running back, simply replied, “Yes,” highlighting the value of her class’s preparation and teamwork.

The Junior O-Line prepares at practice.
The Juniors wide receiver line poses at practice.

Ultimately, the Seniors won the game but the Juniors put up a strong fight. Powder Puff’s meaning extends beyond the final score—it’s an opportunity to strengthen the sense of community within each class. For many, like Hope Miller, a Junior wide receiver, the experience was just as much about the friendships as the competition. She shared that she was “looking forward to playing with her friends,” highlighting the spirit of unity. Powderpuff is a unique experience to branch outside of your circle and make friends within your class.

Spidey Seniors – Class of 2025
Jackpot Juniors – Class of 2026

Check out a photo album and video taken for HPS by Mrs. Monahan:

Powder Puff Album

Powder Puff Video

Sports

Cheer Squad Makes History with State Crown

Leave a comment

By Emily Davis, ’27

Sports Editor

The Hanover High School Competition Cheer team won first place in the MSAA Division 3 State Championship on Nov. 24, the first state title for the team in school history. Their score of 94.7 was 1.5 points higher than the second place finisher and the highest score HHS Cheer has ever received.

En route to the state title, the squad was named Patriot League Champions and event Grand Champions on Nov. 6. They continued their winning streak at the 2024 MSAA South Regional Championship, surpassing their recent scoring record to win that crown as well. 

Senior captains Izzy Latessa and Lily Chiappini both agreed that this year was a dream come true. The success of the team comes from more than just an excellent routine; as Chiappini stated, it comes from, “the strong bonds we built and the heart and soul we put into everything we did.”

“Winning states has shown us,” Chiappini added, “that when we believe in each other and want it, we can win it!”

The squad performs during the Homecoming Week pep rally in October.
The Competition Cheer team poses in front of the new state title banner in the HHS cafeteria.



Sports

AFC East: Future in Focus

1 Comment

By Luke Curran

Staff Writer, ’27

The opening of the 2024-2025 NFL season for the Eastern American Football Conference has been slower than anticipated. Many of these teams’ unpleasant starts have left the rest of the season up in the air. Despite their sluggish starts, each franchise still has goals it hopes to achieve. Here’s what’s happening.

While the New England Patriots rebuild under a new and revamped offense, the New York Jets have looked to showcase a promising starting lineup for the season. The Miami Dolphins have been torn apart by injury and continue to fight for consistency. However, the Buffalo Bills have exhibited the most success, asserting dominance over the league and displaying a talented roster.

Throughout the uncertainty, the AFC East has shown licks of success and improvement, signing new players and filing career extensions as the trade deadline approaches. According to a report from NFL.com, the New York Jets, led by current HC Jeff Ulbrich, successfully acquired star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on October 15. Another crucial division move occurred recently, according to CNN.com, when Amari Cooper was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills.

The new additions and changes for these teams have improved the overall status of the division as the league approaches weeks 10 and 11. The current division standings in the AFC East show the Bills at the top with a steady 7-2 record. The Patriots, Dolphins and Jets lag behind with just three wins apiece.

In short, the AFC East has shown potential, even with an unfavorable start to the season. Through much discipline, these teams have the potential to develop every day for the remainder of the 18-week season.

Sports

Girls Soccer Works to Retain Momentum of Past Seasons

Leave a comment

by Emily Davis, ’27

Sports Editor

There is no doubt that Hanover Girls Varsity Soccer has had amazing seasons. They won the Division 3 state championship in 2022 and made it to the state finals in 2023. But with the graduation of many seniors, this year’s team is facing a rebuilding season.

Led by senior captains Callie Baldwin, Hannah Geary and Sophie Schiller, the 2024 team has gone 7-4-1 in its first 12 games, and was ranked 8th in the Oct. 8 MIAA state power rankings. In an interview with The Hawk, Baldwin, Geary and senior Savannah Draheim agreed the 2024 team has had a slow start and is trying to find its rhythm. 

The team started the season with a tie and a loss, won the next five games and then lost two back to back before winning the next two. The rollercoaster season can be attributed in part to the loss of nine seniors to graduation, including goalie Natalie Mutschler. Despite the girls’ struggle to find their groove, there have been bright spots. Junior Maelyn Foley was named a Boston Globe Eastern Mass Player of the Week on Sept 25 for scoring one goal in a 2-1 league win against Silver Lake and two in a 2-1 defeat of North Quincy.

When asked their goals for this year, Draheim said, “We want to win the league, but have to beat Scituate on senior night.” That big game is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 6:30 pm.

When the team won the state championship in 2022, it was the first title in 20 years. The 1-0 loss to Norwell in the 2023 title game was a heartbreaker after an exciting tournament run.

The regular season ends Oct. 25. Schedule and scores can be found on Arbiter Sports or by following Hanover HS Athletics on X, formerly Twitter.