Category Archives: Sports

Sports

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Sports

A Rebuilding Year for the Patriots

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By Luke Curran

Staff Writer, ’27

The first four weeks of the 2024-2025 NFL season have startled many fans, from contract negotiation standoffs to exhilarating games dragging into overtime. Throughout it all, the New England Patriots have looked to establish themselves above the bottom teams in the league. Under the brand-new leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots have entered the season with a completely revamped offense and an even stronger defense.

The team has worked through the off-season to recruit new players, such as securing Drake Maye, the third pick in the NFL draft and the “Quarterback of the future.” With other key additions and better strategic improvements, the Patriots are trying to deliver a promising opening season for fans. The Patriots aim to make a strong statement for the future, with a bright young team ready to perform at the highest level possible.

With a road win against Cincinnati, the Patriots earned their first opening weekend victory since beating Miami at home in 2020. The win was the fourth over Cincinnati in Patriots’ history and shut down criticism from opposing fans.

However, the optimism for the season took a hit in the next three games, with the team falling to 1-3. Although the Patriots have been lackluster in their most recent games, players remain motivated to improve and grow. “I am the biggest team player, if you ever see me on the sideline in a game, I’m the biggest team player,” said star wide receiver Demario Douglas in a Patriots.com interview after the team’s close loss to the Seattle Seahawks in week 2. “Just go out there and play. Whatever coach asks me to do, I’m going to do.”

Ultimately, the New England Patriots have chosen to undertake a slow rebuild during the 2024 season, under the command of Mayo and starting veteran quarterback Jacoby Brisset. While there have been flashes of potential, inconsistency has plagued the overall performance of this new and inexperienced team. The future is bright, but the promise of this season may be dim.

Sports

Who will be Patriots QB after Mac Jones Trade?

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By Jack Baldinelli, ’27

Staff Writer

The New England Patriots have traded quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In return they will get a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, scheduled to take place April 25-27 in Detroit. With this decision, the question is who are the Pats going to draft as their new quarterback for the 2024 season? With a new quarterback, and a new coach after parting ways with veteran Bill Belichick, the Patriots will look a lot different this year.

Jones was the 15th overall draft pick in the 2021 draft, leading the Patriots to the playoffs after Tom Brady left and making the Pro Bowl his rookie year. But his value fell after going 2-9 this season and 18-25 as a starter with the Patriots. Jones will be playing for his hometown in Jacksonville, where reporters believe he will be Trever Lawrence’s backup. 

The Patriots were lucky to get something for a player who is on his way out, especially with Jared Mayo preparing for his first year as head coach. Now they enter the draft with the third overall pick as well as an extra sixth-round choice. Reporters say the Patriots are most likely to draft quarterback Jayden Daniels from LSU. Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Memorial Trophy and had a combined total of 123 rushing and passing touchdowns. If they take Daniels, he will be the third quarterback the Patriots have tried since Brady.

Sports

Swim/Dive Finishes Strong Amid Questions about Lack of Busing

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By Siena Oliver, ’27

Staff Writer

The Hanover-Marshfield Swim and Dive season ended in historic fashion this year. In a series of Patriot League meets last weekend, the girls placed second out of eight teams and the boys placed fourth. Although the girls didn’t win the League meet, they swam an undefeated season and are the overall Patriot League Champions for the first time in HHS history! In addition to working hard in practices and at meets, swimmers have had another challenge to overcome: how to get to and from meets without school-sponsored busing

Since the winter season began after Thanksgiving, the swim team has had meets fairly consistently, ramping up to one or even two a week. Many of these meets, home or away, have been held at Percy Walker Pool in Duxbury; two of the four weekly practices also take place there. Driving to this pool from Hanover can take 20 to 25 minutes, and none of the meets have had team buses. This has left students with two options: drive themselves or figure out a ride from parents or older friends who all undoubtedly have busy schedules of their own.

Many of the meets start at 3:30 or 4 pm, but swimmers are required to arrive no later than 3 pm for warm-ups. This is almost impossible for Hanover students who get dismissed from school at 2:30, especially those with working parents who don’t get home until later. 

This begs the question why doesn’t the swim team have buses to and from meets? Many people’s minds go straight to funding. Getting buses takes money, right? So that must be the problem. While this may be partially true, Scott Hutchison, HHS athletic director, explains that it also has to do with how swim and some other winter teams operate.

Several winter sports teams practice and compete at off-campus facilities, including swim, hockey and gymnastics, Mr. Hutchison said. Buses are not provided to those “home” facilities, and often other facilities within a similar distance from HHS.  With limited funding, it is not possible to provide buses to the various off-campus venues for practices and competitions. The fact that the swim team is combined with Marshfield High School is also a factor, Mr. Hutchison added. Because it is a combined team, it quickly becomes hard to coordinate things with dismissal times, different locations, and the need for a coach to be on the bus at all times.

“As a parent, I felt like it was challenging at times to not have buses especially if the meet was right after school,” said Katherine, one parent of a swim team freshman. “When I was on a swim team in high school and college, being on a bus was part of what bonded the team and always felt like an exciting lead up to the meet.”

Thankfully, the Hanover-Marshfield Swim and Dive team has persevered and had a great season. But in the future, it would be a relief to have more busing so athletes could focus on their performances in the pool and not about how they’re going to get there and back home.

Entertainment, Sports

Marching Band Adapts to Losing Home Field Advantage

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By Owen Pierotti, ’27

Staff Writer

As the Hanover High School marching band started the season, we were missing one thing: our home field. Harry Gerrish Memorial Field, the home stadium for football and other field sports, went under construction last spring. With the installation of the new turf expected to be completed in mid-October, HHS football was scheduled to play away games for the first half of its season, and the band’s practice and performance routine were upended.

Since summer, the band has practiced on a grass area behind the auditorium that was prepared by the town Department of Public Works. Band leader Mr. Harden said the creation of the practice field, and more storage to go with it, was a “blessing in disguise.”

The band practices on the grass behind the auditorium.

“We missed the turf but are grateful for the athletics department and DPW,” he added.

Mr. Harden put hours of work into the practice field, with the help of others, to get the band ready for its unusual season. Performers worked to perfect their halftime show, called “Soar,” which features Mr. Blue Sky, Defying Gravity and How to Train Your Dragon Part 3.  The band managed a debut performance on Sept. 21 at a home game actually played in Scituate, thanks to donations from the Hanover Football boosters that paid for a bus. Percussion section leader Brian Tawa, a junior, said moving the large drums and other instruments for that performance was “definitely an adjustment.”

Construction on the turf finished early, opening for HHS girls’ soccer on Sept. 28. But, with the football schedule already set, the band will have to wait until the Hawks play Quincy on Oct. 13 to finally perform on our home field.

“It’s definitely been challenging, but we persevered and it ended up being a great experience,” said brass section leader Aidan O’Connor, a senior.

The Pride of Hanover Marching Band performs at the Sept. 21 game in Scituate.

Dante Heffron, a junior who serves as drum major, noted there was probably never a  time that the construction wouldn’t interfere with something (In fact, the track was not redone along with the turf because of a rainy summer and will have to be closed in the spring). 

“But we’re going to get a couple of more games on the field, and it’ll be fun,” he said.

Alec Jewson, a senior who leads the woodwind section, noted that the band has shown its adaptability since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think we’re generally a very persevering group anyways, with all the stuff we had to deal with during and after COVID,” he said, “so I’m honestly not really surprised we’ve done so well this year, even without a field. All of the other leadership team had confidence in this new group, and we’re still seeing so much growth and improvement beyond what we had expected, so it’s pretty cool.”

Showing perseverance and adaptability as our home field was being redone, our band is ready for upcoming performances. We’re hoping Hawk nation packs the stands for the Oct. 13 return home. We’re also looking forward to next year, when hopefully there will be more home games!

Sports

Winter Sports: Mann Repeats as Wrestling Champ, Track Sets School Records

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Wrestling

Junior captain Anthony Mann won both the Division 3 Sectional and the State Championship for the second straight year, becoming Hanover’s first repeat state champ. Competing in the 145 lb weight class this year, Mann qualified for All-States, where he finished fourth, and the New England championships on March 4. Mann was also named league MVP and All Star. Last year, he competed at 138 lbs.

Senior captain Angel Bonilla, wrestling at 138 lbs, finished second in the D3 sectionals and 7th in the state championship. Senior captain John Ryan earned second place at sectionals at 152 lbs and made it to day two of the state competition before bowing out. Both Bonilla and Ryan were named league All Stars.

The team also sent freshman Conlan Geary (106), junior Austin Parker (170) and senior Griffin Gasdia (182) to the state tournament. Senior Jimmy Godin won the league Sportsmanship Award and Gaddis was named league Scholar-Athlete.

Indoor Track

The Hawks shattered several school records in a strong season.

Sophomore Hannah Geary placed second at the Division 4 championship in the 1000m and 12th at the Meet of Champions. Her performances set a new school record of 3:04. Geary also anchored the 4x800m relay team with junior Sophia Foley, junior Ayla McDermod and freshman Bella Ciccolo. They set a school record at the D4 championship. 

Junior Natalie Mutschler set school records in the shot put and 55 meter hurdles. She finished third in high jump at the D4 championship, qualifying for that event and the 55m hurdles at the Meet of Champions. Natalie also qualified for the MSTCA Individual Pentathlon on March 2, which includes the 55m hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put and 800m run.

Foley, Geary and Mutchler were named Patriot League All Stars along with junior sprinter Marvin Felix. Seniors Anna Mahoney and Ryan Jones won league Sportsmanship Awards. Senior Michael DeMayo and junior Katelyn Farrell were named Scholar-Athletes.

Boys Basketball

With a regular season record of 13-7, the team earned 9th seed in the Division 3 tournament. The Hawks topped 41st seed North Reading in the round of 32 game at home March 4. The 54-51 win was powered by a strong second half from senior captain Jake Peterson. In the round of 16 on March 7, the team fought hard but fell short to 8th seeded Oakmont High School, 41-32.

The team, led by senior captains and league all stars Peterson, Charlie Carroll and David Quinlan, also defended its title in the Crosby-Couto Tournament over February vacation. Quinlan won tournament MVP and Peterson was named All-Tournament.

Senior Jacob Openshaw won the league Sportsmanship Award and senior Teddy McCrann was named Scholar-Athlete.

Boys Hockey

Ranked 7th in the Division 3 tournament, the Hawks kicked off postseason play March 1 with a 6-0 win over 21st seeded North Reading. With eyes on repeating the state titles earned in 2020 and 2022, the team advanced to the round of 16 on March 4 but fell to 12th seed Triton, 2-0.

The team finished the regular season 7-10-3, led by senior captains Ben Lines, Liam Joy, Liam Monahan, Ryan Coutts and Tyler Richards. Senior Ryan Coutts won the league Sportsmanship Award. Monahan was named Scholar-Athlete as well as an All Star with Lines and Richards.

Girls Basketball

Ranked 21st seed in the Division 2 tournament with a regular season record of 14-5, the team made it to the round of 32 in tournament play. They faced South High Community in Worcester on March 3, but lost 50-42. Junior Mary Kate Flynn led the effort with 22 pounds and 16 rebounds. In the preliminrary round on Feb. 27, the Hawks had home-court advantage against 44th seed High School of Commerce. Led by freshman Tess Madden with 21 points, the Hawks won 73-16.

Flynn, junior Olivia Damon and senior Mary Carven were named Patriot League All Stars. Madden earned the Scholar-Athlete Award and sophomore Cam Bradford won the Sportsmanship Award.

Girls Hockey

Behind senior captains Merri DeCoste, Cailyn McCarthy, Samantha Burke and Sarah Long, the team finished the regular season 7-11-1. They fell just short of qualifying for the tournament. McCarthy earned the Patriot League Sportsmanship Award and junior Eva Kelliher won Scholar-Athlete. DeCoste, senior Sarah Long and Sophie Schiller were named All Stars.

Dance

The team honed a dynamic competition routine during half-time performances of home basketball games. They earned first place at the Natick Invitational and fifth place at the MSAA State Championships at Framingham High School on March 4. Emma Schlumper won a league Sportsmanship Award and Riley McCormick was named Scholar-Athlete.

Gymnastics

The Hawks finished third out of seven teams in the Patriot League meet on February 11. Freshman Natalie Frank led the effort, earning second place on the and floor and tying for third place on the beam with teammate Harley Delmonico, also a freshman. Junior captain Morgan Sullivan finished fourth on the floor. In the all-around, junior Jadyn Molloy came in 6th and senior Holly Rossi finished 10th.

Frank was named Patriot League Scholar Athlete and a league All-Star on floor. Sophomore Maddie Curtis received the league Sportsmanship Award, and Molloy earned league All-Star on beam.

Swim/dive

Coming soon

Photo Albums

Girls hoop

Boys hoop

Wrestling