By Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editor 

For the second straight year, students from Law and Foran served as play-by-play announcers and color commentators for the annual Thanksgiving Day football game through the Milford Government Access Television (MGAT) YouTube channel. Advocate Sports Editor Logan Mullarkey interviewed Law senior and Advocate Editor-In-Chief Ella Franzman about her experience announcing the game.

Logan Mullarkey: How did you prepare before going on air for the game?

Ella Franzman: Before going on air for the Law vs. Foran Thanksgiving Day football game, I made sure I was thoroughly prepared by researching both teams. I studied their key players, season stats, and storylines that could add depth to the broadcast. I also reviewed the historical context, including past matchups, traditions tied to the game, and the unique aspects of the rivalry.

LM: What was your favorite moment while announcing the game?

EF: My favorite moment during the game was in the first quarter when the Lawmen recovered a fumble right after an unfortunate turnover on downs during a punt attempt. It was a turning point that gave the Lawmen another chance to strike first and set the tone for the rest of the game.

LM: What do you do if something unexpected happens during the broadcast?

EF: Unexpected moments are part of live broadcasting, and staying calm is key. If there’s a technical issue, like a microphone cutting out or a delay in the broadcast feed, I keep talking to fill the silence, engaging the audience with game analysis or interesting stories. If something unusual happens on the field, I make sure to acknowledge it and explain the situation, whether it’s a penalty, an injury, or an unexpected play. Luckily, our broadcast went very smoothly this time.

LM: How do you engage the community during the broadcast?

EF: We engaged the community by responding to comments left in the live chat area during the broadcast. We also gave shoutouts to family, friends, and teachers who have supported us, making the broadcast feel more connected to the community.

LM: What challenges did you face during the broadcast?

EF: Broadcasting a live event like this game comes with pressure, especially since it’s such a big community event. One challenge is staying accurate and energetic while keeping up with the fast pace of the game, especially when the action on the field gets chaotic. Weather also played a big factor; the tough conditions impacted the game and gave us more air time to fill, which required quick thinking.