Dylan Gaillard (Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys basketball team finished their season with a 7-13 record with a freshman on varsity playing a key role.

Freshman Dylan Gaillard had spent most of the season playing varsity and helped the team by being one of the first players off the bench and contributing with a game-winning three-pointer against Guilford at home.

“I tried to be the best version of myself for the team, and fulfill my role and help us be the most successful team we could be,” Gaillard said. “During the offseason, I’ll prepare for the next season, practicing and working harder and really focusing on being the best player I could be and helping the team be even more successful.”

Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland has helped Gaillard throughout the JV and varsity seasons, helping him become a better player as the year progressed.

“Dylan was dealing with a knee injury for the first week or two of the season, once he came back, he quickly moved up from freshman to JV and then to both JV and varsity; however, upon returning from his injury, Dylan brought a spark of energy to practices and games. He communicated well with his coaches and always challenged his teammates to be the best versions of themselves at practices – after all, iron sharpens iron,” McPartland said. “One thing about Dylan is that he’s always looking to get better, he improved a ton throughout the season from his shot-making to the mental side of the game, he was always asking questions about what he could do better and it was clear that he’s looking to make a big impact and I’m looking forward to seeing the work he does in the offseason.”

Senior Captain Alex Rodriguez helped Gaillard with his seasonal playing style, while both helping each other become the better version of themselves.

“Dylan really stepped up in his freshman year, bringing the energy and a much needed shooter this season,” Rodriguez said. “As a freshman, Dylan showed leadership with his work ethic in practices and games, as well as his support and encouragement.”

Senior Captain Cam Upchurch, who was a freshman starter earlier in his career, helped Gaillard get through the season. The two had an early connection with each other which helped as the season went on.

“Dylan contributed to the team by bringing great shooting and leadership off the bench,” Upchurch said. “He was a leader for the freshman and the younger guys because he is a freshman so he relates better with younger players, especially since he spent time on all three of the levels, freshman, JV, and varsity.” 

Sophomore Matthew Wittiman, a freshman starter for part of the season last year, also formed a bond with Gaiilard.

“Dylan contributed in some crucial moments,” Witteman said. “He helped out in every way, whenever people needed he was there for them. He brought a very positive attitude and was always ready to get after it which is important for leadership.”

(Photo courtesy @JLHSAthletics)

By Kishal Shah – Staff Reporter

Law’s gymnastics team recently wrapped up a successful winter season by placing at the SCC Tournament.  

As the season came to a close, the gymnasts reflected on their season and their individual and team accomplishments. 

Senior Co-Captains Paige Kantor and Olivia Pisacane played a vital role in helping to lead the other gymnasts through the season and boosting the team’s morale. Kantor’s main goal as a senior gymnast and leader was to set a positive team environment and promote a fun and collaborative environment. 

“As a leader and fellow athlete to the underclassmen, I hope they learned that the most important thing in Law gymnastics is to have fun, and bond with each other,” Kantor said. “I wanted them to know that there is no reason to get stressed out from a bad score or a bad routine so they should just have fun with it.”

Kantor acknowledged that the most vital part of a productive team dynamic is to always support your teammates.  

“I hope they learned to be very supportive of other gymnasts and teams and to always work hard,” Kantor said. 

Kantor’s favorite aspect about meet days was that they allowed for the opportunity for team bonding.

“My favorite part of meet days was definitely when the whole team would eat our sandwiches together before the meet,” Kantor said. “ I wouldn’t say I had any personal rituals, but as a team we would always wait to be the last team to do our cheer before we competed. It gave us good energy, hyped us up, and was sort of a good luck charm for our team!”

Pisacane feels very satisfied with her individual and team performance this season and over the past four years. 

“I did accomplish what I wanted,” Pisacane said. “It’s been amazing watching the team grow the past four years and each year seeing the new gymnast come in.”

Even though Pisacane was injured for most of the season, she had the opportunity to watch her fellow teammates achieve major milestones this season.

“Personally, I was injured most of the season and was not able to compete a lot,” Pisacane said. “However, I loved watching teammates achieve their records and achievements.” 

Junior Hailey Zapata has one more year left on the team, and as this season ends, she is focused on setting future goals for the upcoming season. 

“I wish to have a fun season next year with the team and just make the best out of my last season,” Zapata said. “I strive to do my best and challenge myself, but more importantly I want to enjoy my last year.”

As a freshman, Abbi Leydon felt very welcomed as a newcomer to the team, and remembered feeling a sense of reassurance knowing that the upperclassmen and sophomores were welcoming to her.

“The team is always positive and supporting others, cheering each other on and always happy and in a good mood,” Leydon said. “They’re very welcoming and funny and always know how to make anyone laugh. Some memories I remember are funny TikTok’s on the bus and (Head Coach) Mr. Simon always had a smiley face clipboard and would always hold it up when we would compete to make us laugh and be happy not nervous.”

Will Smith (Photo courtesy Henry Smith)

By Henry Smith – Staff Reporter

Senior wrestling captain Will Smith recently placed second at the SCC Tournament and third at Class Ms and hopes to continue his success into the upcoming State Open Tournament.

Smith has had lots of success this season with a record of 32 wins and 17 loses. He has placed in three out of the four tournaments the team has participated in, third in the Berlin Invitational, second in the SCC Tournament, and third in the Class M Tournament.

“I can attribute my success this season to a couple things such as my teammates and coaches who push me to be my absolute best,” Smith said.

Smith hopes to make the “Blood Round” at the State Open Tournament and place in the Top 6 at the 190 pound weight class.

At the Class M Tournament, Smith placed third, losing to the eventual champion. He wrestled the whole tournament with a cold.

Smith wrestled all offseason with Team Tugman wrestling club. He traveled to Penn State and other places to wrestle the best of the best and improve himself.

“Ever since Will started wrestling in the offseason he has improved by gaining more skills and pursuing his goals,” senior Tim Firla said.

Smith’s coaches have been with him throughout his years wrestling and have helped him the most.

“Throughout my wrestling career my coaches have helped me the most,” Smith said, “After wrestling for a little less than seven years they’ve always been in my corner.”

Smith exemplified his captain role after his placement in the Berlin invitational. He sets a good example for the team on how to practice.

“If he asks me to do something I listen; he sets an example of how to practice,” junior Santiago Peganos said. ”He has helped me improve my own wrestling skills by being a good example.”

Smith has helped the team by making new and less experienced wrestlers push themselves and become better.

“Will pushed me when I thought I had nothing left and made me try over and over until I did the moves correctly,” junior Max Steele said.

Smith’s height gives him an advantage when on the mat. 

“Will is so tall it is hard to do any moves on him,” sophomore Alex Morillo said. “It helps me by trying new styles and techniques, it really challenges me.” 

Faisal Karzoun (Photo courtesy Faisal Karzoun)

By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter 

Senior captain Faisal Karzoun is a sprinter for the Jonathan Law boys indoor track and field team.

Karzoun led the team to an incredibly successful season.

“I think the team exceeded expectations this season,” Karzoun said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, which is always pretty hard to overcome, but we did.”

Karzoun is a strong leader and pushes his teammates to be the best they can be. 

“He is a positive role model and starts practice with stretching and talking to really connect to his teammates,” Assistant Coach Liam Fedigan said. “By him being one of the best it makes people naturally look up to him and want to learn from him and become one of the best up there with him.”

Karzoun puts a lot of work in during the offseason and pushes himself to compete at a high level during the season. 

“What I did to train for the upcoming season was work my hardest in practice,” Karzoun said. “Also anytime I had the time I would try to get to the track.”

Karzoun is an accomplished sprinter but that isn’t his only ability. He is commended for learning on the fly and taking advice from coaches. 

“He is a positive role model and starts practice with stretching and talking to really connect to his teammates,” Fedigan said. “By him being one of the best it makes people naturally look up to him and want to learn from him and become one of the best up there with him.”

Karzoun is always reliable, rarely making mistakes. But even when he makes mistakes, he doesn’t let them get to his head and let it affect his game. 

“Almost every meet I’ve seen him PR and if he doesn’t he pushes people to their best and by him being positive and happy jumping around and hyping people up,” Nash said. “But he can be very serious when he needs to be but funny when necessary.”

Karzoun said he always tries to support the underclassmen. 

“Faisal has helped me improve by giving helpful tips and always supporting me,” sophomore Logan Mullarkey said. “He makes me want to work harder by pushing me to my limits.”

(Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law wrestling team has concluded their regular season with a dual meet record of 18-18, and now hopes to storm into States and finish the season even stronger than it started.

Although unexpected challenges have arisen throughout the season, the team holds out hope that its preseason goal of qualifying four to five wrestlers for State Opens will be met.

“Thus far, the season has gone slightly below expected in terms of our overall record – we finished the season with a dual meet record of 18-18 overall which wasn’t the goal we’d been trying to achieve,” Head Coach Mr. Schoonmaker said. “With that being said, we continue our preseason goal of having four to five Class M place winners.”

The team has been reliant on its upperclassmen and has had great success leaning on their seniors, especially their captains.  

“I believe my season as an individual has gone extremely well. I ended with a record of 33-15, placed second at SCC, and placed third in Class Ms,” Senior Captain Will Smith said. “As a team, I believe we performed up to our coach’s expectations, but I believe we could’ve done better in some areas.”

The upperclassmen have led the way and leave the team with high expectations for next year. 

“I feel like I will use this season as motivation for next year,” sophomore Amilio Venditti said.  “The seniors have helped the underclassmen discover what they’re capable of, and helped the team connect on another level.”

Not only have the underclassmen realized the success the upperclassmen have brought to the team, but fellow upperclassmen also acknowledge and recognize their teammates’ contributions  to a successful season. 

“I feel the seniors have been able to display what being a member of the Jonathan Law wrestling team means, on and off the mat,” senior Tim Firla said.

The team was led by seniors but also relied on the hard work and dedication of some underclassmen.

“At state qualifiers, we should have a few wrestlers make the State Open,” sophomore Henry Smith said.  “Senior Brayden Hancock, senior Will Smith, and sophomore Amilio Venditti have put in hard work all season for this tournament.”

The team remains excited for the State Tournament and the noise they feel they are capable of making.

Amilio Venditti (Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Aiden Ramos – Staff Reporter 

With the 2024-2025 wrestling season now concluded, sophomore Amilio Venditti is reflecting on a strong finish to his year.

Venditti was a key contributor to the squad this season, and his hard work and determination were evident in both practice and competition.

Building on a solid freshman campaign, Venditti pushed to surpass his previous accomplishments, but was one win short from going back to State Opens. Last year, he placed sixth at the Class M State Championship, a performance that earned him a spot in the State Opens.

“During practice, Amilio always puts in his best effort,” sophomore wrestler Henry Smith said. “His effort and focus during practice makes his teammates want to work harder”

Venditti’s dedication paid off on the mat. As a freshman, he posted a respectable 28-22 record. This season, he made noticeable improvements, finishing with a 30-12 record. With his strong performance, he reached the 30-win mark an impressive feat for any high school wrestler, let alone a sophomore.

“As a first-year freshman last year, he placed 6th at Class M’s, and qualified for State Opens,” senior Peter Gill said. 

Venditti’s leadership qualities gained recognition among his teammates. His commitment and example set a high standard for others to follow.

“Amilio is just one of those guys and you can see that he is leading by example and putting in the work where others don’t,” Senior Captain Will Smith said. 

With the season now behind him, Venditti remains focused on his future goals. His coaches took notice of his commitment to growth.

“Amilio is a hardworking and supportive teammate who pushes himself and others to improve,” Assistant Coach Mr. Ruzbarsky said. “He leads by example, showing dedication in training and competition. His positive energy and willingness to help others make him a strong presence in the team “ 

Looking beyond this season, Venditti hopes to be a contender for a state title before his high school career is over. For now, he reflects on his accomplishments while embracing every opportunity to improve and contribute to his team’s success in the coming years. 

“Unfortunately his season did not end as he and I would have liked as he was one match away from returning to the State Opens (lost in the Blood Round) but he had a successful season finishing with 30+ wins this season,” Head Coach Mr. Schoonmaker said. “I am extremely excited to have two more years to coach him.”

(Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporter

With the 2024-2025 Law indoor track season recently completed, sophomore Logan Mullarkey Has his eyes set for the future. 

Mullarkey’s work ethic is one of his defining traits during this past season. During practice, he always gives his best effort, constantly pushing himself to his limits. Whether he’s sprinting or enduring intense drills, Mullarkey’s dedication is evident. 

“Logan is a very hard worker during practice and he always tries his hardest,” sophomore teammate Talia Hagan said. “He pushes himself to his limits and always makes sure he puts in 100 percent.”

Mullarkey’s commitment to track has made him a strong leader on the team. Not only does he excel individually, but he also helps those around him. His power to motivate his teammates and keep them focused is one of his greatest strengths.

“Logan motivates us mentally and physically, making sure we’re all putting in the work,” sophomore teammate Alivia Bogert said. “He also makes sure we’re ready mentally.”

Mullarkey puts a good deal of work into the preparation mentally before a race. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation.

“Before a race, I try to block out everything except my lane and my goal, I focus on my breathing, visualize my start and finish, and remind myself of all the work I’ve put in during practice,” Mullarkey said. “I also love to listen to music to build confidence and stay calm, and I always made sure to always eat correctly beforehand.”

A standout moment in Mullarkey’s season came when, after a particularly tough practice, he stayed behind to put in the extra work.

“While others had gone home after the practice ended, Logan stayed after practice to work even more,” junior Molly Croce said. “His hard work paid off for him, and in the following meet, he broke seven seconds in his 55 and had a massive PR.”

As Mullarkey prepares for the two seasons ahead, one thing is clear: his future in track is bright, and he’s ready to tackle every challenge that comes his way.

“I believe that improvement takes time, so I focus on my own progress rather than comparing myself to others,” Mullarkey said. “The key is staying consistent with training and enjoying the journey.”

(Photo courtesy @milfordboysswim)

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter

The Milford Boys swim and dive team is wrapping up its 2024-25 season with their final meet on February 25.

The swim team, a combination of students from Law and Foran, is entering the final stretch of their season before they head to the playoffs. Their current record is 4-5 with their last meets scheduled for February 21 and 25. The captains of this season were Luke Vidosevic, Joe Lahav, Onuralp Unal, and Logan McCorkle. 

“I think the season went really well,” McCorkle said. “As a captain, I’m proud of how the team came together and put in the effort at every practice and meet.”

The team welcomed several new athletes this season to compete in individual and team events. 

Junior Sam Porzelt felt a sense of welcome during his first season on the team, not only from the coaches but teammates as well, which allowed him to improve as time went on.

“This season, I would say I improved a lot on my own personal times and form, but we also improved as a team working on the relay performances,” Porzelt said. “This being my first year swimming, I learned a lot from coaches but also other members of the team such as Logan McCorkle and so many others.”

Junior Hunter Corris noted that the team had a close connection, leading to success 

“The team atmosphere was very close-knit, and everyone was able to connect on a different level about the swim season,” Corris said. “One thing that helped the team get to know one another was the pasta parties before meets.”

Freshman Markiian Chervonyy emphasized that joining a new team can be difficult, but working together made it much easier for him. 

“Honestly, the first season is never easy for anyone and it was the same for me,” Chervonyy said. “But swimming is not only about challenges, it’s about team unity and how we cheer for each other, which we do very well and that’s what makes me want to stay part of the team.”

The team’s home matchups this season included Xavier, Daniel Hand, Sheehan, Fitch, Shelton and Cheshire. They also had a non-league meet against Waterford/Ledyard. 

Captain Onuralp Unal not only believed the team had a successful season, but also made personal progress this year. 

“I believe that the overall season was great especially with our first meet taking a win against Xavier which has always been a powerhouse,” Unal said. “Within my event the 100 fly I have seen my time decrease from my freshman year to this year as my technique has improved.”

Regardless of the outcome of this season, the team has been an important piece in many athletes’ lives. 

“It was definitely bittersweet since it was my last year, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group to finish my high school swim career with,” McCorkle said. 

(Photo courtesy Law Gymnastics)

By Haley Stroffolino – Social Media Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law gymnastics team is preparing for a successful season.

Practices are in full swing as gymnasts work on perfecting routines, focusing on individual strengths, and team building for upcoming meets.

“Each gymnast works on their own routine based on their strengths and ability to perform advanced elements,” Head Coach Pat Simon said. “Our goal is to qualify for the CIAC State Championships and have as many girls as possible compete in the CIAC State Open.”

The team has a strong foundation, supported by a well-equipped gym. Over the years, the program has expanded to host major events such as the CIAC Divisional Meets and this year’s New England Championships.

“We’ve added a lot of equipment over the years, which has made it possible for us to host these big events,” Simon said.

Senior gymnast Paige Kantor explained how the team is preparing for competition.

“We’re working on building and practicing our routines so we’re ready for the first meet,” Kantor said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what my teammates can do and having a successful season.”

For some gymnasts, their love for the sport started early. 

“I started gymnastics when I was really young because I thought it was fun to go on the bars and beam,” junior Lily Stankevich said.

Simon has been coaching the team since 1978 and continues to enjoy working with the athletes.

“The best part of coaching is working with excellent athletes and seeing former gymnasts return to support the program,” Stroffolino said. “It’s rewarding to see the program grow and thrive over the years.”

Yusuf Genc (Photo by Matthew Sanchez)

By Matthew Sanchez & Adrian Vitale – Staff Reporters 

Freshman sprinter Yusuf Genc is a new addition to the Jonathan Law boys indoor track team.

Genc has been running for years and hopes to bring that experience to the team. He feels that high school running is much more competitive and challenging than the competition he is accustomed to.

“I feel challenged but I feel as though I will be able to overcome them throughout the year to improve myself as a sprinter for the team,” Genc said.

Genc’s fellow freshman sprinters – Fiad Rahman, Erik Borowski, Marcos Tepetl, and Vincenzo Mannino – are excited to have him on the team.

“I think Yusuf is a very good fit for the team because he’s very athletic and smart,” Rahman said. “He’s always very focused in class, and I can tell he is determined about what he does.”

Mannino said that Genc’s printing talent is clear.

“When I saw him running, I knew he had the potential to be something,” Mannino said.

Tepetl said that Genc has the potential to have an immediate impact on the team.

“I think that he has great potential if he works hard,” Tepetl said. “He just needs to put his mind into it while also being consistent with his training.”

Borowski agreed.

“If he works hard consistently, he can become one of the fastest sprinters in the school’s team,” Borowski said. 

Brayden Hancock (Photo courtesy Brayden Hancock)

By Henry Smith & Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporters

With the 2024-2025 Law wrestling season underway, senior captain Brayden Hancock is looking to lead the team to a strong finish this season.

Hancock has helped the Lawmen in many ways, being a leader and good example that the team needs, from good power, and technique, and never fearing his opponents. He wrestles with passion and is willing to do whatever it takes to win on the mat.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can go this season in terms of States,” Hancock said. “Also, I’m looking forward to catching up with some of the wrestlers from other schools.”

Hancock has qualified for the State Tournament the past two years and looks forward to a third. He hopes to go further in the State Tournament than previous years.

“Brayden is always the hardest worker in the room,” senior Will Smith said. ”Our teammates see Brayden going 100 miles an hour during practice and seeing it makes them want to work harder.” 

Hancock has qualities that most wrestlers do not have. His stamina, power and a combination of technique helps him power through matches and to win.

“I’ve seen Brayden go from all power and a little skill to having good power and skill which really improved his ability to win,” Smith said.

Hancock has wrestled since his sophomore year. His success has come from the work that he puts in during practice.

“Brayden’s work ethic is unmatched,” Head Coach Matthew Schoonmaker said. “Day in and day out, Brayden commits 100% and works harder than virtually any wrestler I’ve coached in my 30 years as a wrestling coach.” 

Hancock’s work ethic is one of the examples he sets for the team.

“Brayden has been an outstanding leader for the team through both his actions and his attitude. One of the key ways he leads is by setting a strong example in training,” Assistant Coach Mr. Ruzbarsky said. “He consistently gives his best effort, showing up early, staying late, and pushing himself and others to improve every day.”

Hancock helps his teammates to get better every practice by pushing them harder and giving 100% all the time.

“Brayden is the lead example for the team,” senior Tim Firla said. “He never misses a rep and is always giving his all 100% of the time.”

(Photo courtesy Henry Smith)

By Connor Ryan and Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporters

The Jonathan Law wrestling team is looking forward to their upcoming winter season.

Law’s first match is at home against New Haven. This year’s coaches are Mr. Ruzbarsky and Matt Schoonmaker. 

“This season we have eight wrestlers returning that have done a good amount of off-season work,” Assistant Coach Mark Ruzbarsky said. “We are looking to have a 50% winning record as a team and some of our individuals have some very high goals personally as well.”

This year’s captain is senior Brayden Hancock. Hancock is looking to improve and lead the lawmen to a successful season.

“To prepare for the season, most returners have participated in offseason wrestling usually with a club such as Southside or Tugman,” Hancock said. “In addition, we’ve organized offseason team lifts to get in shape and get stronger for the season.” 

Schoonmaker expects to have multiple key players. He also hopes that they can improve record-wise.

“We are expecting to be above .500 this season, qualify four wrestlers to the State Opens this season and have at least one female State Champion,” Schoonmaker said. “Also, we are expecting five female State place winners at the women’s State Tournament and to finish Top three with two New England qualifiers and one New England Place winner.” 

The Lawmen are participating in many tournaments this winter. 

“This year we are bringing back our JK invitational tournament in February which we host,” Ruzbarsky said. “Also, we are very excited to have seven female wrestlers on the team and are very excited for the three girls tournaments we are attending. Lastly, the end of the season is always fun with our culminating girls and boys CIAC state tournaments.” 

Members of the team consider Law wrestling to be a second family.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my team and supporting them,” sophomore Selena Batres said. “Also, I want to watch them succeed in their matches.” 

The Lawmen lost six seniors from last year’s team, so their main goal will be to fill these spots before their first match.

“The team has gotten multiple new wrestlers to replace seniors that left,” sophomore Henry Smith said. “They have learned a lot preparing for our first meet. Jaden Oyola will make a big difference at heavyweight.”

Cam Upchurch (Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Reid Moulton & Logan Thomas – Staff Reporters

As senior Cam Upchurch enters his fourth and final season on the Law basketball team, he hopes to make a deep run through the postseason.

Upchurch has been a starter for his last three years and was a member of the 2022 team that won 17 games.

“My goals for the season are to make States again and to win more games than we did last season,” Upchurch said. “To get ready for the season, we have been having open gyms, lifts, conditioning, scrimmages, and skill work to get ready.”

Upchurch is a role model for the varsity team on and off the court. He guides them to succeed and win games and helps them become a better team.

“Cam has grown in a number of ways, certainly as a basketball player, but also as a leader,” Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said. “In terms of his evolution as a basketball player, the game has most definitely slowed down for him and each year he seems to see the floor better and better, he understands that the game wears and tears on your body and because of this, he has worked a ton on his pull-up jumper, which has improved tremendously. My hope for Cam this year primarily is that he stays healthy. He knows as one of the leaders of the team that he can never have a ‘bad day’ – that’s not to say that he can’t miss shots, turn the ball over on the occasion, or have off days basketball-wise, but he knows he needs to be focused, engaged, and vocal with the team.”

Upchurch plays a huge role as a captain of the varsity team, where he strives to excel on both sides of the floor.

“Cam brings so much to our team,” sophomore Emelio Garcia said. “His leadership and experience are invaluable, guiding us both on and off the court. He always motivates us to give our best and maintain a positive attitude even in tough moments, additionally, his ability to communicate effectively and make quick decisions during the game helps keep us focused and united.”

Over the past three years, Upchurch has gained his teammates’ respect on and off the court. 

“Cam is a great leader because he has a lot of experience of being on varsity and he is someone we can look up to,” sophomore Matthew Witteman said. “He helps us win because he contributes a lot to the offense and he is a great defender.”

(Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Yeiden Nieves & Cesar Mendez – Sports Editors

The Jonathan Law Powderpuff team defeated the Foran Lions 21-17 on November 27.

Law was led by captains Paige Kantor, Chloe Konareski, Ella Franzman, and Taylor Corretti. The offensive MVPs of the game were senior Chloe Konareski and senior Paige Kantor and the defensive MVPs were senior Tessa Piselli and senior Sophia Abbaspour.

Konareski scored three touchdowns – two rushing and one receiving – including one late in the fourth quarter to secure Law the win. She finished with close to 300 total yards on offense.

“It felt good to have someone step up like Chloe did after a rough first drive,” junior quarterback Charlotte Doyle said. “She kept on running hard and the rest of us did our best to do our job.”

The defense held strong throughout the game to limit the Lions to only 17 points.

“I felt that we all worked great together as a team and executed our plays very well,” senior linebackerTessa Piselli said.

This wins gives the Lawmen a two game win streak against the Lions and they have no plan on slowing down next year. This was the first back-to-back win for either team since 2015.  

“One thing I would tell the juniors next year, is to be aggressive,” Kantor said. “If you want to win, you can’t be afraid. You have to give it your all.”

Coaches knew going into the game that the game was not going to be easy and it would take lots of hard work. But all of the practices definitely paid off in the end and the win felt very rewarding. 

“I thought they did fantastic,” Head Coach Mr. O’Reilly said. “We moved certain athletes around very last minute and we were nervous with how they’d do but they excelled under the pressure of the game. “

Overall, this years Powderpuff game was one to remember and the seniors will never forget it. The juniors on the team are prepared to work hard and bring home a three-peat.  

“I was very excited going into the game because we were going up against our cross town rivals,” Abbaspour said. “Overall I was just very happy to be able to play and the win made it feel so much nicer.”

(Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Logan Mullarkey and Chloe Edmonds

The Jonathan Law indoor track team is gearing up for an exciting winter season, ready to build on past successes and push for even better results.

The team kicks off their season on December 19 at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

“Our goal every season is to improve with each meet and make an impact at both the conference and state levels,” Head Coach Frank Gaines said.

Senior captains Faisal Karzoun and Riley Lapham are stepping up as leaders this year. Lapham hopes to inspire her teammates both during practices and on meet days.

“My focus is to set the tone with hard work and positivity,” Lapham said. “I want to make sure everyone feels supported and motivated to give their best effort.”

Karzoun, who specializes in sprints and relays, is eager to help his teammates succeed in every event.

“This year, I want to encourage everyone to push past their limits and have fun while doing it,” Karzoun said. “It’s all about building each other up.”

Sophomore Talia Hagan, a rising star in the 4×200 relay and 300-meter dash, is eager to make her mark this season.

“I’m really looking forward to competing against Foran and the friends I have made in the past few years,” Hagan said. “There’s always a friendly rivalry, and it motivates me to train even harder.”

The team has spent the preseason preparing with conditioning sessions and technique-focused practices. According to junior captain Alani Velez, the preseason training has been key in setting the team up for success.

“Before the first meet, we’re focusing on perfecting the technical details of each event,” Velez said. “We’re also prioritizing teamwork and building a strong sense of unity within the team.”

The team has a mix of experienced upperclassmen and eager underclassmen, which Gaines sees as a strength. With athletes excelling in multiple different events, the team is ready to face the competition.

Despite their challenges, including the loss of key athletes from last year, the team is determined to perform well and make the most of the season ahead.

“I’m really excited about the upcoming season,” sophomore Jeremiah Dos Santos said. “After competing in outdoor track last year, I’m ready to bring that experience to the indoor season and see what our team can accomplish.”

The indoor track team is ready to bring energy and determination to each meet, focusing on personal and team success throughout the season.