The South Shore is buzzing as high school football teams prepare for a new season marked by significant roster changes. With 23 of the 27 Patriot Ledger/Enterprise first‑team All‑Scholastics having graduated, fresh faces are set to step into the spotlight across the region.
Local coaches from the Patriot League, the South Shore League, the Bay State Conference, the Mayflower Conference and the Catholic Central League were surveyed to pinpoint clubs that could defy expectations. Among the names that repeatedly surfaced were Braintree, Rockland, Quincy and Whitman‑Hanson, each carrying a mix of experience and untapped talent.
Braintree’s New Leaders
Braintree, which finished last year at 2‑9, is anchored by senior Nick Saunders and sophomore Cillian O'Mahony. The pair will be asked to shoulder a heavier load as the team navigates a demanding schedule that includes a non‑league clash with Quincy, a game that could set the tone for their campaign.
Rockland, coming off a 5‑6 season, brings back dynamic runner Marvelous Pleasant and junior receiver Patrick McDonagh. After a single‑win campaign the year before, the squad hopes its revamped offense can translate into more consistent results on the field.
Quincy returned to the Division 2 state tournament last year and will look to build on that momentum. Rising senior Jonas Ala is expected to be a key playmaker, stepping into a larger role now that Leo Steinberg has moved on.
Whitman‑Hanson’s Rebuilding Effort
Whitman‑Hanson, despite a 1‑10 record, is guided by former player Bill Frazier. Captains Bobby Walker and Austin Brown will lead a young group that lost 13 players, including All‑Scholastic running back Thiago Magalhaes, but the coaching staff believes the experience gained could spark a turnaround.
The broader outlook suggests that the combination of fresh talent, improved coaching staffs and a willingness to embrace new challenges could produce several surprise packages. As the season unfolds, the South Shore may well witness a reshuffling of traditional power dynamics.