While this Hingham football season may look rather dim, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for the harbormen. With three straight losses, the Harbormen have a lot of ground to pick up however with a major recent win against Plymouth North, a couple of easier opponents left on the schedule, and four more home games the Harbormen can easily obtain a primer spot in this year’s playoffs.
There is plenty to be excited for about this year’s team and Hingham is loaded with a star-studded roster. The offense is led by sophomore quarterback Jake Varholak, who is surrounded by veteran receiving threats that pose a matchup nightmare for the opposing team’s secondary. However, the most dangerous aspect of attack for the harbormen this year is their strong running game, led by seniors Will St. Pierre and Jeremy Aylward. Will missed multiple games last year due to injury; however, he is back on the field and his strong field vision combined with his sheer athleticism leads to St. Pierre having a major impact on the field.
However, one of the most surprising contributors to the running game has come from Sophomore Chase Beighley. Chase, who was awarded the Hingham Athlete of the Week award on the season’s opening weekend- an accolade sponsored by College Hype- has been tearing it up for the harbormen. Chase’s strength, agility, and hustle on the field make him one of the most electric players on the roster and is a great addition to the already strong running attack. When asked about the recent 28-8 win over Plymouth North, Chase stated, “We did what we needed to do and what we always say, finish.” The win proved the Harbormen have a talented squad and will not go down without a fight, and Chase even found his way in the endzone for Hingham’s first touchdown of the game. The offense is complete with the Harbormen’s strong offensive line led by senior captain Matthew Kelley.
The only thing that may top the harbormen’s offensive is their defense. The stacked Hingham defense this year has been stifling, and have made a great recovery considering that last year’s defense was composed of almost all seniors. The defensive line is quick, strong, and big. It is led by captain Gunner Corey and features captain Matthew Kelly. Sophomore Ryan Davis has also been a surprising player this year, and with his quick hands, he is becoming one of the top players on the line. The linebacker core has also excelled and while it is a younger aspect of the team, with juniors Alex Leavy and Andy Ross performing well there is no doubt that the middle of the field is locked down for a majority of the season.
Maybe Hingham’s strongest aspect of the team this year is its secondary. Led by almost all seniors including, Kevin Sullivan, Jack Nicholas, Logan Price, Aidan Crean, Pat Ryan, and a handful of other stars. The secondary has shined this year and what they lack in size they make up for in speed and aggression. When asked about the defense, cornerback Kevin Sullivan replied, “Our defense is going to make or break games for us. Our defensive line has been suffocating this year, which really helps the linebackers and the secondary out. There is a lot of chemistry on the defense as most of the players are seniors. Alex Leavy, Andy Ross, and Ryan Davis have all really stepped up though.” Kevin has high hopes for the harbormen this year and with this lockdown defense they may be able to accomplish just about anything.
It would be a shame to talk about this year’s Hingham Football team and not mention kicker Harry Bradshaw who has been absolute money all year and holds the team together like glue. This year’s Hingham team is very exciting and will be a squad on everyone’s radar come playoffs.
