Fall-sport Magicians ready for another go

In one week’s time, it will be August. That means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but around Humphrey Street in Marblehead, it’s about fall athletes getting ready for their respective preseasons.

Here are a few early observations that are on my mind.

On the gridiron, the football Magicians had a slow start to last season, losing their first four games. Then, it all clicked. Head coach Jim Rudloff found the right formula and the rest of the fall was history.

Even in the first round of the Division 4 state tournament, the Magicians were given the No. 14 seed and traveled to face No. 3 Middleborough, which was undefeated at home. That didn’t mean anything for the visitors, however, who stormed into enemy territory and took care of business, winning 21-12 for an unlikely upset.

Unfortunately for Marblehead, it’s losing a crux of senior talent and leadership – Ryan Commoss, Chris DeWitt, Christian Pacheco, and Jake Scogland, among others. It’ll be tough replacing the talent that left, but under the tutelage of Rudloff, Marblehead will always be a threat.

On the soccer field, the girls’ team is returning leading scorer Sadie Halpern. Halpern registered 11 goals while providing four assists as a sophomore last fall. Her speed was one of her greatest weapons, and now a junior, the first-team All-Northeastern Conference star is looking to do more in 2024.

In addition to Halpern, head coach Lisa Wales will have midfielder Sydney Ball and defender Ainsley MacDonald back, both of whom played significant roles on last year’s team.

On the boys’ side, look no further than standout goalie Rory Zampese (Check out his highlights on X, if you haven’t already.).

Boasting five clean sheets and multiple penalty saves last fall, the senior is truly a modern goalkeeper. Being able to play out from the back, the Magician gives his team confidence and a sense of calmness, if you ask me.

The Magicians also return Colin White, London McDonald, and Ilan Druker.

One standout player who made her mark as a freshman on the field hockey team was Kaliane Salem. As a ninth grader, Salem (2 goals, 4 assists) was a huge presence for the team and often delivered in the clutch. Let’s see what the upcoming sophomore has in store.

Now, to cross country, a program in which incoming junior Marrietta O’Connell has already left her mark. O’Connell, last year, took home the Northeastern Conference championship with ease. She ran an 18:25, which was nearly 90 seconds faster than the runner-up finisher.

In addition to her NEC title, O’Connell placed first in the Division 2A state qualifier with an 18:11. It’s safe to say, Marblehead has a rare talent in O’Connell, and it’s best to make sure you watch her compete before the end of her career.

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