With the end of Labor Day weekend, it is officially Fall sports season at Franklin High. Franklin is typically dominant all-around in sports, having almost 75% total wins as a school last year. This fall shouldn’t be any different, with many returning athletes looking to continue their teams dominance in the Hockomock League and in the playoffs.

Football: Franklin football is coming off of an amazing 2018 season, with their first playoff win in almost 40 years, and tying for third in the Hockomock League. The team should remain in playoff contention once more this year, despite their losses from last year. The previous quarterback Nick Gordon is now playing at Framingham State, so the team has to rebuild their offensive lines a little bit. On the Hockomock Sports offensive player to watch list is senior running back Jack Nally, who plans on playing at Wesleyan next year. Also, on the defensive player to watch list on Hockomock Sports, is senior linebacker Evan Wertz, who averaged about 11 tackles per game last season. They open their season with a game against Milford at home on Friday 9/5.

Cheerleading: Franklin Cheer is the defending Division 1 State Champions, so they have a lot to prove this year as a team. They graduated several seniors, so they also have rebuilding to do this season as well. Some returning athletes include seniors Jacqueline Fernberg and Kenzie Muirhead, and junior Katie Boyle.

Girls Soccer: FHS’ girl’s soccer team is coming off of a great season last year, having finished second in the Kelley-Rex. Though they did graduate a few seniors, including Grace Gallo (who is now playing at Saint Michael’s), they have a lot of returning athletes including seniors Carly Alston and Anna Balkus, as well as sophomore Stella Regan. Their first game this season is at home on Friday 9/6 against Milford.

Boys Soccer: FHS Boys Soccer had a solid 2018 season, finishing third in the Kelley-Rex, but losing a tough game in the first round of the playoffs. They are looking to redeem themselves this year, with many returning athletes such as seniors Donny Tappin and Sam Stowell. They will open their season on 9/4 with an away game against Xaverian.

Field Hockey: Franklin field hockey is coming off of a great 2018 season, ending with a tough loss to Walpole in the sectional semifinals. The team has many returning starters but also lost key players such as Cassi Ronan and Emily Valentino. Returning, the team has Maeve Ledwith on defense, and Amanda Lewandowski on the forward line. As a team, they are working towards winning the Hockomock League and advancing even further in the state tournament. They open their season officially on Thursday 9/5 with an away game against Milford.

Volleyball: The volleyball team had an incredible 2018 season, winning the Hock and making it to the state semifinals. They graduated several seniors, including Lauren Mcgrath, who is now playing at Endicott. However, they do have many returning players including junior Ally Bonnet-Eymard. They will open their 2019 season with an away game at Milford on Thursday 9/5.

Girls XC: Girls cross country had a great 2018 season, but like many other FHS teams, lost many seniors such as Julia Fenerty, who is now running at Dartmouth. Returning to lead the pack for girls cross country is junior Sydney Hawkins and senior Sarah Guiliano.

Boys XC: Boys cross country had a monumental 2018 season and won the Hocks for the first time in 44 years. Though they did lose some seniors, they have a lot of runners returning including senior Tyler Brogan and junior Nick Calitri. They should have another amazing year and continue their dominance in the Hockomock.