By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law football team has started their season 5-2 and has made a real statement in the SCC.

Law started their season with a 41-14 loss to Brookfield, but then went on a four-game winning streak following the loss. After a loss to Hamden, Law took down New Fairfield last weekend by a score of 28-6.

As the Lawmen start to finish the regular season, they currently stand fifth in Class M, and hope to continue this magical season with a playoff berth.

“What is making the team successful is the same thing that has made for any successful Law football team for six and a half decades – tough players choosing to sacrifice for the common good,” Haley said. “Like most teams, the biggest opportunity for a leap forward is from Week 1 to Week 2. The team evolved from that point forward to hang tough and outlast Notre Dame, which set a trajectory for the season. Last year, an opening loss to Barlow followed by a loss to West Haven set a different trajectory. “

Junior Captain Nick Cosmas leads the team in tackles per game (9), interceptions (5), and sacks (5). Cosmas has made a big impact with the defense, helping them win in close games.

“The team has evolved through a lot of studying and hard working practices,” Cosmas said. “The work efficiency we have and the knowledge we have to go against teams is unmatched around the state, we feel more prepared for games then ever.”

Sophomore quarterback Matt Witteman has also come up big for Law in close games, including scoring the game-winning touchdown against Amity to help the Lawmen win 15-14.

“This team is really special,” Witteman said. “With everyone being able to contribute to the team, it helps us win games, and is a real reason why this team is successful. Everyone has started to know their role and everyone knows the connections they have with each other.”

Senior safety Connor Woods also plays a big role in the Lawmen defense, helping the defensive pass game and allowing minimum points a game in the air.

“I think the team has evolved a lot,” Woods said. “We did not have a lot of confidence coming into the season, but now, the way we play, and the way we are coached, we know we can beat anyone. We are very well coached and everyone is bought in, we all want the same thing, to make it to the state playoffs.”

Junior center Jack Lefevre is the leader of the offensive line and contributes by leading the line and helping Witteman get the ball off.

“I think that all of us believe in each other, offense believes in the defense, defense believes in the offense, and we have chemistry to be a good, successful football team,” Lefevre said. “I think we evolved by just gaining experience as a team. We’re a young group and as we get more experience, we get better.”

By Cora Aitkenhead – Staff Reporter

Freshmen Zach Hyatt and Ryan Woods have already made their mark on the Law varsity football this season. 

Hyatt and Woods start on the varsity team as offensive linemen, where their job is to protect the quarterback from the onslaught of defensive players. The boys have nicely adjusted to the team atmosphere and are loving their time with the Law football team. 

“My favorite thing about playing at law has been the relationships I have made with some of my teammates and also waking down that hill on a Friday night during a home game it will be a feeling I will never get over,” Woods said. 

Zach too is proud to be a part of the Law community and represent the school and team on and off the field. 

“My favorite thing about playing for law is the team and coaches were like a family and we fought sometimes but at the end of the day were all there for eachother,” Hyatt said. “Kind of like when we lose people say we suck but when we win they party alongside us.”

Head Coach Chris Haley is pleased with the effort the boys have put in and is ready to see how they grow and fulfill their positions for the rest of the season and future seasons to come. 

“They’ve taken well to it, and continue to improve each week,” Haley said. “There’s been a lot of building the airplane while we fly it this year, but things seem to be settling down as we approach the late season.”

As a freshman on varsity, Ryan has the privilege to play with his older brother, senior defensive back Connor Woods.

“Knowing it’s my only year with him I am trying to cherish every minute,” Connor Woods said. “But I know next year he will be very well-seasoned and be able to play a big role in their season next year.”

Both Zach and Ryan have been playing football for a long time; however, since beginning to play together, they have found a new passion in the game, and are able to face the struggles of adjusting to high school football, not alone, but with a friend alongside them. 

“This is my seventh year playing football but only my second year playing with Ryan,” Hyatt said. “My favorite thing about playing with Ryan is the chemistry we have and that it’s comforting to know there’s another freshman on varsity so it feels like I’m not alone.”

As far as pre-game rituals go, Hyatt trusts a meal of chicken, rice, and broccoli. Ryan, however, instead of sharing a pre-game ritual, shared a lighthearted team tradition. 

“I have no pre-game rituals but there is a team celebration which is if we have a big win at home we go to our locker room and turn on the speaker and play ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ by Melinda Carlyle,” Ryan Woods said. 

The Law football team is currently 5-2 and has three games left in their regular season. 

“This year has been another rung on the ladder for the program,” Haley said. “Last season was the first step in playing against a respectable schedule; this year, we’ve seen the same, handled ourselves better in situations, and continued to punch above our weight.”

Law’s next home game will take place on November 15 at 7 p.m. against Shelton. 

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law volleyball team recently capped off their 2024 season with a record of 3-15.

Many freshmen joined Head Coach Ms. Loch’s team this season, and senior captains Addy Barber, Alexandra Fino, and Ellie Coddington played their final season at Law. Sophomore Jocelyn Larracuente felt that overall the team had a great season together. 

“This season was honestly an amazing season,” Larracuente said. “Even though we didn’t achieve every goal we wanted we still became closer as a team and created a great atmosphere.” 

Barber finished her final season at Law this year and reflected on the time she spent on the team. 

“Our team is our own little family and Law volleyball will always hold a special place in my heart,” Barber said. “It didn’t really hit me until Senior Night that my time was almost up, but I definitely focused a lot on enjoying my last games with some of my best friends.” 

Senior Julia Ryan said the freshmen on the team were able to adjust quickly to the differences of high school sports. 

“The freshmen were able to learn through the upperclassmen and gain relationships with us as we would encourage each other before games with little notes,” Ryan said. 

Loch mentioned the progress she hopes to see in the team next season.

“Hopefully the girls work on some skills in the offseason to get better and stronger as a volleyball player next season,” Loch said. 

While there may have been challenges along the way, that only gave the team chances to grow. 

“The season had ups and downs with injuries and playing new teams but it gave us many opportunities to improve our skills,” Larracuente said. 

Freshman Sammy Marini shared how she felt to be surrounded by such a great group of girls.

“Something that the team does well is getting excited for each other,” Marini said. “When you get a kill or a block or even a good pass, you have 23 teammates cheering you on, and I think that’s a big part of where we shine at Jonathan Law.”

Seven seniors will graduate from Jonathan Law this school year, giving chances to many younger athletes on the team. 

Junior Nadia Nuzzo will return next season and she has goals she would like the team to achieve. 

“Some goals for next season would be to keep the same team dynamic,” Nuzzo said. “I also think another goal we can have is to communicate more on the court, and lastly, we would all love to have the opportunity to make it to states.” 

Loch emphasized the importance of teamwork and cooperation for future seasons. 

“The varsity girls have been together for a few years now and know the dynamic I expect the team to have,” Loch said. “It’s important to be able to collaborate on the court and work together.”

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

After a successful regular season, the Law boys soccer team opened postseason play with a 4-1 win over New London in the first round of the Class L State Tournament on November 2.

Law next plays on Tuesday, November 5, against East Haven at Lawmen Stadium at 6 p.m.. 

“Simply being locked in every moment, from the players on the field to the subs coming in.” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “Energy and effort need to be 100 percent through all 80 minutes and overtime if needed. Each player at this point in the season knows their role and what is expected from them.”

Although the team had its struggles earlier this year, they feels it’s all behind them and they feel ready for a deep State Tournament run. As the season progressed, the team became more like a family and their play on the field improved.

“Early in the season, we struggled to play together as a team and understand our identity,” senior Ivan Galicinao said.  “But as we continued to practice and understand our system we started to play the way we knew we could play.”

The team has been working very hard to stay together and work through the downs of the season to stay together and make a strong push deep into the state tournament.  The team has different approaches to every game, but all hope to remain on the same page.

“We’ve been preparing from a game-by-game standpoint, each practice depending on the next opponent determines the way that we practice,” senior Captain Ryan Nastasia said.  “If we’re playing a weaker team we practice being on the ball more. If we are playing a stronger team we practice defending and staying connected as a team.”

The Lawmen will continue to use what they felt worked best throughout the whole regular season – defense.

“From the start, we were able to defend at a very high level, and play well out of the back,”  Senior Lucca Venditti said.

The team’s hopes are very high and they feel they have all that it takes to reach the ultimate goal at the end of the State Tournament.  

“In these playoffs, we have a great chance,”  sophomore Evan Esposito said. “We will have to continue to play our best brand of soccer and elevate all levels of the game, including our defense.”

By Taylor Coretti – Staff Reporter

Junior Molly Croce is assisting the Law girls soccer team as they continue their run through the postseason.

Croce has been playing with the Law girls soccer team since she was a freshman. She has been a starting varsity player for all three years, and is a big contributor to the team, scoring seven goals and having seven assists this season. 

“I’ve scored some good goals in important games, like the SCC Tournament game against Guilford,” Croce said. “I feel like I have found consistency and confidence in my playing, which has improved since last season.”

Head Coach Mrs. Fransisco has seen a lot of growth through Croce’s play throughout the past three seasons and believes she is a key player on the field. 

“The biggest growth Molly has shown is her confidence on the ball,” Fransisco said. “She now knows that her speed is a threat and that her skills are strong enough to beat players 1v1.”

Croce was also recently named to the All-SCC Second Team this year. 

“Becoming All-SCC Second Team has had an impact on me because it was a big confidence booster, especially going into postseason,” Croce said. “Soccer is all about the success of the team but it feels nice to be recognized for my individual contributions.” 

Junior Captain Layla Alogna plays midfield with Croce. She finds that Croce is a positive player and is able to connect with everyone on the team. 

“Molly’s the player that you know you can always trust,” Alogna said. “She has chemistry with everyone on the field and is the teammate to always make you laugh.”

Junior Fiorella Gargiulo has been playing alongside Croce for many years and she loves that she is able to share this sport with her.

“Molly and I have been playing soccer together for over 10 years on and off,” Gargiulo said. “Playing with her is an instant confidence boost and I’m so excited to be on the same club team again this spring.”

Sophomore Abigail Merenda also plays outside midfielder like Croce, and mentioned how uplifting Croce is on and off the field. 

“I love playing outside mid with her,” Merenda said. “She always brings me up whenever I make a mistake on the field and is always there for me whenever I need advice.”

By Abigail Merenda – Staff Reporter 

As the Law girls soccer team finishes a record-breaking 2024 regular season, and prepares for the Class L State Tournament, Senior Captain Taylor Coretti is excited to end her final season on a high note. 

Coretti has been on the girls soccer team for four years. She made the varsity team as a freshman and was named captain before her senior season. 

“I feel like I have accomplished a lot when it comes to playing soccer,” Coretti said. “When I was a freshman, I never played soccer before and I think over the past four years, I improved a lot and was able to keep a starting spot on varsity.” 

Coretti has faced a number of challenges over her four years. 

“Some challenges I have faced are some injuries, but I was able to get better and continue playing soccer,” Coretti said.

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco has been coaching Coretti since her freshman year.

“Taylor has been very fun to coach over the last four years,” Francisco said. “She is ruthless and a natural athlete and watching her soccer IQ develop over the years has been exciting.”

Coretti has made many strides on and off the field and has proven to be a respected captain. Francisco said Coretti is always connecting with her teammates and making them feel comfortable. 

“Taylor is ‘the people’s captain’ meaning she is always welcoming and friendly to all her teammates,” Francisco said. “She includes all teammates in drills and groups, while also knowing when it’s ok to have fun and when to focus. She also shows her teammates what it means to come back stronger after injuries.” 

Senior Co-Captain Madelyn Baranowsky said she loves being a leader on the team with Coretti. 

“Being a captain with Taylor is so much fun,” Baranowsky said. “She has this amazing and funny personality that makes any situation fun whether it is practice, team bonding, or a game.”

Coretti has become close with many of her teammates, especially her left back defender and fellow senior Tessa Piselli. Piselli has loved every moment playing defense with Coretti. 

“The best part of playing with Taylor is how she lifts everyone up,” Piselli said. “She encourages everyone to have a positive attitude during practices and games.” 

According to her teammates, Coretti has made such an impact as being captain and a player on the team. 

“Taylor has made a huge impact on every single person,” junior Fiorella Gargiulo said. “Especially as captain this year, Taylor knows exactly when to lighten the mood or when to lock in. She is a ‘brick wall on the field’ as Cisco says.”

Coretti said she is going to miss the connections she has built with her teammates the most.

“What I am going to miss the most is the bond I have built with this team,” Coretti said. “I have never been on a team like this one before. The coaches and my teammates make it so comfortable to be around. I will also miss playing with everyone because they are all so amazing at the game and it will be sad knowing I won’t be playing with them after this season.”

By Madi Black and Courtney Russo – Advocate Editors

Sophomore Emily Vella made her mark on the Law girls soccer team this year by breaking the school record for goals in a season.

Vella scored 19 goals in the regular season and one more in first round of the SCC Tournament. 

“My goal is to break the career scoring record this season,” Vella said. “I was excited that I broke the single season scoring record.” 

Sophomore Talia Hagan complimented Vella on her hard work on and off the field. 

“Emily as a player is trustworthy and strong on the front line,” Hagan said. “My favorite thing about Emily is her support on and off the field.” 

Many of Vella’s teammates and captains have been impressed with her play this season.

“My favorite thing about Emily is her passion for the game and her kindness on and off the field,” Junior Captain Layla Alogna said. “Emily is a strong player with incredible foot skills and composure with the ball.”

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said that Vella is an all-around player, not just a goal scorer.

“‘The best players make those around them better’ is the best phrase that describes Emily,” Francisco said. “Not only is she fast, has impeccable ball skills, and a crazy amount of power in a small size, but she is also always looking to make our team better and stronger by looking to give assists, crosses, help back on defense, and more.”

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

Sophomore girls soccer player Emily Vella and senior boys soccer player Lucca Venditti were named September Athletes of the Month. 

Each month, two student-athletes are honored with this award for their achievements in and outside of school. 

“I think qualities that fit an ‘Athlete of the Month’ are coachable, respectful, having good sportsmanship, and being a hard worker,” Vella said. “Being Athlete of the Month makes me feel good because it means that my hard work has been paying off.”

Vella has had a great start to her girls soccer career at Jonathan Law and continues to be unstoppable. In the team’s first 10 games, Vella scored a total of 13 goals, including three hat tricks.

“Emily isn’t just an incredibly skilled player, scoring a hat trick in three separate games; she is the type of player that makes the players around her better,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She is a playmaker, always looking to score but also always willing to give an assist, take a corner, play a different position, just do anything to help.” 

Vella not only plays on the soccer team but plays on the girls basketball team and is a member of the girls outdoor track team. Vella emphasized how excited she was that people saw her work paying off and voted for her. 

Venditti, meanwhile, has been a member of the boys soccer team since freshman year has now stepped up to be the goalie for his senior season. Venditti saw some time in the net last season, but for the Lawmen it was mostly Declan Wywoda. 

“I think I had some great saves that lead to us beating foran, and some all around good saves even in games that we lost,” Venditti said. “I am very excited that I was able to win this honor and look forward to continuing with the quality I have been showing.” 

The boys just recently qualified for states after defeating Lyman Hall 4-2 on their Senior Night. The Lawmen now sit 7-5-2 with two regular season games left. 

“I think Lucca embodies what a Jonathan Law athlete of the month stands for. Strong academics and high level play on the field,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “Lucca has made some big saves on the soccer field that led our team to get some much needed results. He has been a leader on and off the field to our younger players and has been a pleasure to coach.” 

Venditti looks to continue to help the team in his last three regular season games and then throughout the postseason to try and extend his senior season as long as possible. 

Vella and Venditti were nominated for Athlete of the Month differently than previous nominees. In previous years, a Google Form would be posted on the Jonathan Law Athletics social media pages and anyone could nominate athletes for Athlete of the Month.

This year Athletic Director Tom Drew decided to switch things up. 

“By adjusting the way we select our athletes of the month we have increased participation significantly,” Drew said. “The convenience of a poll rather than filling out a nomination form has allowed for more voices in the Jonathan Law community to be heard when selecting this monthly honor.” 

By Adrian Vitale – Staff Reporter

Freshman Matthew Sanchez has made his mark on the Law boys soccer team this season as a swinger playing for both varsity and JV. 

Sanchez thinks playing both varsity and JV is a good opportunity to get better through more practices and games and he is grateful for the chance.

“I love having the chance to play with varsity players that have more experience with the sport,” Sanchez said. “While having JV can really bring an opportunity to help work on things like leadership.” 

Freshman Erik Borowski, who also plays both JV and varsity, agreed with Sanchez about the benefits of participating in both.

“As a freshman I would like to improve as much as I can,” Borowski said. “I can really do that, playing on both JV and varsity.” 

Many of Sanchez’s teammates and captains have been impressed with his play this season.

“After being on the same team as Matthew for a while now, he has shown great leadership skills and I can see him becoming a captain in the future,” freshman Yusuf Abdelsalam said. “He is always motivated and always strives to be better and brings his team with him. I believe in him and wish him the best.”

Showing how it is to be a teammate of Sanchez’s and how he has had such an affect on his teammates.

“He’s a good player that listens to the captains,” junior captain Jared Saludes said. “I’m glad that he’s a part of our team.”

Sanchez said he is very grateful that his teammates and captains think so highly of him.

“I am grateful and very happy to know that my teammates, and captains alike think of me so highly,” Sanchez said, “I’m glad to make my mark on this high school team at such a young age, and hope to bring this to varsity next year when I do hopefully make strictly varsity.” 

Sanchez said that he has been playing soccer since he was four years old.

“I think that my experience has also given me a great advantage in this field,” Sanchez said. “I think it has also given me a great advantage in my leadership skills compared to many of the other JV players.” 

By Logan Thomas – Staff Reporter

Senior Cam Upchurch has greatly impacted Jonathan Law’s fall and winter sports during his high school career.

The Law football team has started their season with a 2-1 record with wins against Notre Dame-West Haven and RHAM and a loss to Brookfield. Upchurch had an interception helping the team earn the victory over Notre Dame and made huge plays to stop Notre Dame’s offense.

Upchurch said he could not wait to start playing football at Law once he arrived. 

“I started playing when I came into Law as a freshman when all my friends were playing and I always wanted to play as well,” Upchurch said. 

To make Law football a better team, Upchurch’s goal is to make huge plays when they are needed. He tries to put his heart into his defense to stop the opposing team.

“He is an upperclassman on our team that is very respected,” sophomore quarterback Matthew Witteman said.

Upchurch’s hard work has paid off so far in the football season. 

“He does his role and listens to what he has to do and that makes him make plays,” senior Michael Merchant said. “He works hard on and off the field during practice and helps us push each other.”

This football season, Upchurch’s goal is to make states and win as many games as possible.

After football season is over, his attention turns to basketball. Two years ago, Upchurch helped the Law basketball team qualify for the State Tournament.

“I think most noticeably, Cameron’s level of confidence not only in himself but in his teammates has skyrocketed during his years at Jonathan Law playing hoops,” Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said. “This not only positively impacts our team on the court, but also positively impacts his work in school as he has grown into a leader that our younger guys look up to and follow, and we’re proud to have him represent us as one of our captains.”

Teammates said that Upchurch is a very skilled basketball player due to his shooting and driving ability. His goal for the basketball team this season is to bring them back to States.

By Connor Ryan – Staff Reporter

Freshman Gabby Rodriguez, a goalie for the Law girls soccer team, is looking forward to the rest of the season.

Rodriguez has played soccer, softball, and basketball for years. She has been looking forward to her high school career, and she has already helped Law qualify for the State Tournament.

“Gabby has adapted very well to the varsity level,” Senior Captain Maddy Baranowsky said. ”She meshes really well with the team and is confident in her abilities.”

Junior Captain Avery Moulton has helped out Rodriguez, being open to her and helping her on and off the field. 

“As a captain, I have helped Gabby open up to the team on and off the field,”  Moulton said. “Being so close to Gabby on the field shows that we need to have a strong connection and have trust in one another.”

Rodriguez was nervous going into her freshman season. Once she arrived she felt very welcome and was invited to many of the activities the team had planned. 

“The team was very welcoming and friendly,” Rodriguez said. “They also went out of their way to include me and other underclassmen in everything.”

Moulton realized that Rodriguez was shy at first, but that has since changed.

“At the start of her freshman season she was very timid,” Junior Captain Avery Moulton said. “Everyday at conditioning or practices, I would talk to her and get her to open up and feel more comfortable around the team.”

Rodriguez has been a key player to this team this year and hopes to do the same for the rest of the season.

“Gabby has stepped into a starting varsity position without looking nervous,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She has made huge saves to keep us in the lead and meshes well with the returning varsity players.”

Sophomore Emily Vella also gets help from Rodriguez by her communication skills. 

“Gabby is very communicative with us and is always very encouraging and supportive,” Vella said. “She also never fails to make us laugh, but she makes sure to listen to others instructions when the time comes.”

Rodriguez’s teammates and coaches are impressed by her calm demeanor on the field.

“Even though Gabby never seems nervous on the outside, I think as she develops over the next four years, she will gain confidence that is visible to all and intimidating to other teams,” Francisco said.

Francisco said she’s blessed to have two freshman goalkeepers – Rodriguez and Tamlyn Maher. She looks forward to seeing the two of them grow and develop.

“I am lucky to have two freshmen goalkeepers that I am confident in having in net,” Francisco said, “I look forward to seeing both of them develop the confidence and intimidation factor that I know they can have.”

By Brady O’Neil – Staff Reporter

Junior Jack Lefevre is entering his second football season at Law and is looking to improve from sophomore year.

Lefevre transferred to Law from Platt Tech after his freshmen year. He set some goals for himself and his team coming into this season. 

“I want to bring Law football to the playoffs and make the Honor Roll,” Lefevre said.

Lefevre plays on the offensive line as a right guard. Going into the offseason, he worked on his physical strength and endurance to make sure he can make an impact from day one.

“I wanted to make sure that I get in the weight room everyday to get stronger, and that I’m conditioned so I can have the endurance when it matters,” Lefevre said.

Lefevre has proven to be a leader to the incoming freshmen.

“Jack knows when to focus and pay attention when the time comes,” freshmen Connor Ryan said. “He’s made the adjustment to high school a lot easier for me, being an upperclassman he does a good job at welcoming the incoming players to make them a part of the community.”

By being an upperclassman, Lefevre has the responsibility of being a leader on the team. He can help his teammates in-game and in practice, no matter the state of the game.

“Jack does an excellent job at helping his teammates on the O-line,” freshmen Dylan Gillard said. “I hear him at practice all the time, yelling out tips to the linemen, and getting on people if they need it.”

Lefevre has worked hard for a very long time to reach his goals. He started at a very young age to have a chance to play at the collegiate level.

“My love for football started at a very young age when my dad took me to my first football game,” Lefevre said. “I used this as inspiration to get to college, as I hope that in the future I can get a walk-on spot for long snapping, or offered as a lineman.”

Levefre’s work ethic can be seen by many members on the team.

“Ever since I got close to Jack in middle school, he’s been one of the most hard-working people I know,” junior Roman Belbita said. “His knowledge of the game is what makes him stand out and on top of all that he’s a really good teammate.”

Lefevre’s determination also inspires members of the team to improve themselves.

“When you got a guy like that out there on the field, you see how his leadership and aggression is shown both on and off the field,” junior Brian Gonzalez said. “Hitting people until there helmet pops off and letting our team know when to wake up is what our team needs.”

Lefevre and the Lawmen are looking to make a statement in the coming weeks. They enter a long stretch of away games, after coming off of a huge upset against Notre Dame and a win against RHAM.

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

With the 2024 boys soccer season underway, senior captain Alex Rodriguez is looking to lead the team to a strong finish.

Rodriguez has helped the team in many ways being the utility player the team needs, from playing defense, offense and never fearing his competition.  He plays with passion and is willing to do whatever it takes to win on the soccer field.  

“Alex is one of our most versatile soccer players on the pitch, when we need goals we try to move him up to the attacking areas on the field,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “When we need to keep a lead or play tougher defense he is a center back that helps us win balls in the air and cuts off any through balls with his size and speed.”

Rodriguez said he always pushes the team to be their best. Teammates said mentality and commitment to the team helps to make him a strong player, and someone the younger players can look up to.

“Rodriguez took the preseason games seriously and showed up to every preseason practice,” senior Co-Captain Daniel Haluza said.  “One of our goals is to score at least one goal every game, and Alex can help contribute to that with his attacking ability.”

Rodriguez has never backed down from competition, and will play through injury if that’s what it means to help the team.

“Rodriguez knows what it means to be a Lawmen soccer player and has been battle tested over the years,” Gruber said.  “He has a presence about him that earns respect because of his work ethic.”

Rodriguez has tried to make freshman and first year players feel welcomed. 

“I always try my best and always think about the younger players as they are the future of the team,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has made it very easy for the first year players to adapt and understand what it takes to be a varsity soccer player.

“Alex makes sure to let everyone know where to be, and when to be there,” first-year junior Ryan Nobles said.  “Being my first year, Alex has helped introduce me to the game, and makes sure everyone feels welcomed and knows what’s going on.”

Rodriguez helps to keep the team in every game, even against tougher competition, with his constant drive and determination to win games.  

“Alex keeps our team in games with his great defensive effort and has helped us greatly against good teams we have faced,” sophomore Max Moller said. 

Rodriguez has his eyes set on a goal for the year and is looking for ways to meet those goals.

“The team’s main goals are to make states, and beat Foran,” Rodriguez said.

The Jonathan Law soccer team has high hopes for the remainder of the season and Rodriguez is very confident he’ll be able to reach his goals and be able to lead the team to their goals.

By Aaryan Doshi – Staff Reporter 

Senior Michael Merchant is a key player on both the baseball and football teams at Jonathan Law. 

In his sophomore season as a pitcher, Merchant committed to play Division 1 baseball at Rutgers. Merchant got into football when he was younger because his brothers both played and taught him how to play. 

“When I committed, I felt very proud of myself and very grateful for the coaches to give me the opportunity and it was very awesome celebrating with my family and friends,” Merchant said.

Merchant likes to play safety in football because it is similar to baseball. He likes to be behind everyone on defense and make great plays, and he credits his coaches for helping him get ready to play. 

“Our coaches help us every day by working on many things that are making us better daily and preparing us for the future,” Merchant said. 

Merchant brings leadership to the baseball and football field by helping his teammates fix their mistakes.

“Michael is a good team player because he helps teach the younger players how to be better and play their position the right way,” Senior Cameron Upchurch said. “Michael works with his teammates by telling them what they are doing wrong and the right way to do things.”

Merchant’s goal for football is to win on senior night and celebrate with his friends and teammates. 

“Michael just does what helps the team, no matter what is asked on and off the field,” Senior Christian Galligan said. “He’s always rooting for his teammates, no matter what, and he always has faith in his teammates.” 

His goal for baseball is to make it farther than they did last year and win the state championship game. Merchant has helped his team by doing his job and focusing on the good, not the bad.

“What makes me a great team player is that I do what I need to do and I help the kids that are younger than me that are trying to learn how to play,” Merchant said. 

Merchant’s coaches believe he is a role model to the younger players.

“Michael, particularly this past summer, has taken a number of the younger players under his wing,” Assistant Baseball Coach Mr. McPartland said. “He has set up a few captain’s practices to best prepare our guys for the upcoming season.”

Merchant helps kids and players learn the fundamentals and he gets people to join him for summer practices with other captains. 

“Michael is a good team player because he picks people up on the bench if they did something bad and always keeps everyone happy,” Sophomore Aiden Ramos said. “ During the off-season, he gets people together to go to the field and hit and he offers rides to people who don’t have them.”

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter 

Junior Captain Avery Moulton and the Law girls soccer team have started their season 7-1 and have officially clinched a state berth.

One of the reasons for the team’s strong start is the play of Moulton on the defensive side of the ball. Moulton helped the team last year on their way to states and made All-SCC First Team. 

“My personal goals for this season are to make All-SCC First Team again“ Moulton said. “My teammates make the game more fun, they all have such high energy and positive attitudes that they brush off on me.”

Moulton says that she has been working during the whole offseason, as she hopes to get recruited by a Division I school.

“The connections and confidence we have in one another, we push each other at practice to make each other better,” Moulton said  “During the summer, I would train with college players, some of my teammates, and other girls from high club teams three times a week, we would work on fitness, shooting, and technical skills, this helped me stay in shape for the season.”

Moulton has been a key player for the defense for three years, and as she continues to play, she hopes to keep the defense close as a group.

“She pushes other girls off the ball with ease, does not ever ask for a sub, and is a clear leader on/off the field,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She always puts in 110% effort into anything she is doing.”

Junior Captain Layla Alogna and Moulton have been playing with each other for a couple of years.

“She brings positivity and encouragement to the team, she knows how to give constructive criticism to help myself and our teammates grow,” Alogna said. “Avery is one of our key players, she controls the defensive line and has great vision of the field and is always communicating to the rest of the team on and off the field.”

Freshman goalie Gabby Rodriguez and Moulton have developed a strong chemistry during the season.

“Besides Avery’s many soccer skills, her leadership on the field is essential to winning each game, this is because she is great at controlling the back line and making sure everyone stays out of their heads,” Rodriguez said. “From the start of the season, Avery has always reached out to the underclassmen and made us feel welcomed. Since then, she and I have become good friends and I relied on her with any questions.”

Junior Fiorella Gargiulo and Moulton have been playing for two years, and since Gargiulo is a midfielder, she helps Moulton on defense.

“Avery has always been a great player but recently she has really upped her game,” Gargiulo said. “She directs the field and doesn’t let any balls go by her. Avery pushes the team by making sure we are all on time for practice and making the best out of time on the field.”