Category Archives: Sports

Sports

Patriots Tap New Head Coach After Losing Season

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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

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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?

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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.