'I like getting the ball': Changes have Middleboro's supporting stars ready for more

Winning hasn’t just been something that Middleboro High football has done under head coach Pat Kingman . It’s become an expectation.

Heading into his 14 ^th year with the program, this season is no different.

The Sachems have finished with six wins or more in each of the last three seasons, and hope to continue that streak this fall. Kingman's time at Middleboro has been highlighted by bringing the program a state title in 2017, when the Sachems beat Littleton to claim the MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl, the program's first since 1983.

“I think that’s the culture that’s been developed,” Kingman said. “The expectation is that guys think we’re going to come in here and win football games.”

Senior Caiden Carriuolo echoed that message. Not only does the team want to win games, but win titles like they have in the last decade.

“We have a lot of returning guys that know the culture around here, and are spreading it down to the younger guys,” Carriuolo said. “Our expectation is to win the league every year, no matter what.”

More: Middleboro seeking breakthrough in playoffs: 2024 Sachems schedule

However, just because it’s the expectation, the task doesn't become easier.

“Winning is hard, losing is easy,” Kingman added. “If you don’t work hard enough and don’t do what you’re supposed to do, you lose football games.”

Though Middleboro expects to be competitive as always this season, it might look a little different than last year. Not just because players have graduated and new faces are coming in, but because of several position changes that will have a significant impact on both sides of the field.

Carriuolo is one of those players moving positions. He was a two-year starter as a slot wide receiver and has now made the move to running back.

Carriuolo previously started at running back on the freshmen and junior varsity squads before stepping up to varsity to fill a hole in the team’s receiver room. Now he’s switching back to where he started his high school career.

Kingman said that Carriuolo is one of the most explosive players on the team.

“You only get so many touches when you’re playing receiver,” Kingman said. “We figured if we can get him more touches, we’ll give him more touches.”

With his receiving experience, Carriuolo can also be a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield. The senior kept it simple when talking about his excitement level to make the switch back.

“I like getting the ball,” Carriuolo said with a laugh.

Star defensive back Andrew Falk is also going through a position change. The 6-3, 190-pound safety isn’t leaving his position on the defense, but is also starting to incorporate reps on the offensive side both under center and at receiver.

Falk led the team in interceptions last season. A vocal and intuitive leader, Kingman said he has been one of the biggest tone setters since he became a starter his sophomore year.

“He knows where every kid is supposed to be. He knows where he’s supposed to be,” Kingman said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s got a really good idea of what’s going on.”

“He’s a tough kid and he’s one of those kids that never wants to come out, so it's like, ‘All right, you got to take a rest once in a while,’” Kingman joked.

“We were just talking about how if you can play multiple positions as an underclassman or someone coming up to play first year of varsity, you are five times more valuable,” Falk said.

Perhaps the prime example of that versatility is Wyatt Goyette, who Kingman says is their “jack of all trades,” able to play at any skill position.

Goyette actually started Week 1 at quarterback last season in a 46-12 win over Apponequet. In Middleboro’s second game against Holliston, (a 26-9 loss), Goyette got banged up, forcing him to stick to the defensive side of the field for the remainder of the season.

He also saw action as a return man, contributing in all three phases. As for what his role will be this year, Kingman said he can play wherever he is needed on the field.

“He’s just an athletic kid that is explosive,” Kingman said. “When he touches the ball, something exciting happens. We’ll find ways to get him the ball.”

Names to know

Caiden Carriuolo, senior running back

Andrew Falk, senior quarterback/safety

Wyatt Goyette, junior defensive back/quarterback

Travis Hayes, senior lineman: One of three returning starters on the offensive line, Kingman called Hayes and fellow lineman Danny Mosley “tough kids” that will excel in leadership roles this season.

Danny Mosley, senior lineman: Mosley, along with Hayes are considered by Kingman as “the elder statesman” upfront on the offense and will help some of the younger lineman throughout the season.

Colten Ward: junior quarterback

Brady Roche: senior tight end: Another playing changing positions, Roche will move from tackle to tight end this season.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: 'I like getting the ball': Changes have Middleboro's supporting stars ready for more