Season Opener Preview
The Athol high school football team enters the new season with a roster of 25 players, but only two seniors see the field, signaling a reliance on underclassmen to carry the load.
At the helm of the spread offense is junior quarterback Cam Cox, who shifted from receiver and running back last year and already logged a touchdown pass in his second season as a quarterback.
Cox’s speed and playmaking will be complemented by wide receiver Liam Flynn, a high‑end talent whose route‑running and catch‑making are expected to open up new opportunities.
The backfield will see increased action for running back Logan Lashua, who is slated to receive a larger share of carries after the team’s rushing attack struggled last season due to inexperience.
On the line, junior Seth Manjourea has moved to center to bring steadiness, while second‑year lineman Misael Martinez is expected to add more edge to the front.
Linebackers Jameson Vancott and Aaiden Hippler round out the defense, offering sideline‑to‑sideline presence that the coaching staff hopes will tighten up play.
The team’s first test comes on September 12 at 7 p.m., when they travel to face Frontier, a matchup that will serve as an early gauge of the squad’s progress.