After an impressive 2017 campaign, Old Rochester Regional football maintained itself as one of the top Division 6 teams in all of Massachusetts in 2018, grinding all the way to the Div. 6 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium.
The program, however, looks a little different now.
Justin Kogler is no longer running the show after departing to take the head job at West Bridgewater. The Bulldogs graduated 22 seniors last season, including Desmond Dias, Will Garcia,Cole McIntyre, and Tyler Noe.
There are still plenty of names returning, like Jackson Coteand Dylan DeWolfe, so the Bulldogs should still do well. Luckily for the Bulldogs, another returner is coach Bryce Guilbeault, who was an assistant coach the last few seasons. Having some previous head coaching experience over at Old Colony, Guilbeault and the Bulldogs are trying to remain in the momentum with each step.
“We’re basically just taking the approach that it’s a whole new year, because last year doesn’t have any effect on 2019,” Guilbeault said. “It’s nice to have last year to reflect on, but we’re looking at it as a fresh new start and, basically, a chance for the senior class to put its own stamp on things.”
ORR opens up its season on the road against Dartmouth on Friday.
Philip Le Gassickhelped lead ORR golf to a 119-96 win over Bourne, finishing with 38 strokes by the end of the match to score 30 points. Markus Pierrewas on his game for the Bulldogs, too. He scored 29 points for ORR (2-0).
Old Colony:
After losing in the semifinals of the Division 4 South Sectional Tournament, Old Colony boys soccer is bringing back 11 seniors for 2019. Among the Cougars’ most important players are midfielder Hunter Soares, goalkeeperNate Teixeira, defender Kyle Scott, and midfielder Joshua Vinagre.
“Experience isn’t lacking,” Old Colony boys soccer coach Sergio Pedrosa said. “We have a number of skilled underclassmen looking for important roles on the team. …If we continue to work on the fundamentals in practice and play with purpose and focus on our strengths, I’m confident that our season will bring many positive outcomes.”
Old Colony girls soccer coach Tom Lee Martins is looking to improve on the Cougars’ 4-9-5 record in 2018 with the slew of returners he has at his disposal. The Cougars have eight returners from 2018’s roster: center back Brianna Robillard, right back Kaitlyn Pimental, center midfielder Hailey Fernandes, midfielder Devvyn Eldridge, midfielder Ella Foster, midfielder Dani-Mae Sullivan, forward Melanie Weed, and stopper Jenna Mitzan.
“Look for a high scoring frontline with speed down the wings and skill through the middle of the field,” Martins said.
Joel Cortesand Brian Kuketzwill be the senior leaders on the Old Colony golf team. Lucas Correiaalso returns, while the Cougars are joined by Luke Butler, Brady Weglowski, and Cole Letendre.
“I think working hard at practice and playing hole by hole is what we’re focusing on this year,” Old Colony golf coach Kathy Peterson said. “We have a young team with a lot of potential and they’re all hard-working.”
High School Sports Update
By Nick Friar