In their 2023 season, the Rangers football team had a remarkable run, finishing with an 8-3 record. Their efforts earned them a spot in the Division Three playoff tournament, and they took hold of the league title with a tremendous win against the Marlborough Panthers. However, the Rangers must fill key roles on both sides of the ball, as many important players graduated from WHS. Standout players like Dan Hackett, Luke Hadley, Joe Marino, Julian Cespedes, Addison Last, and others take pieces out of the puzzle, leaving large gaps the team must fill to keep their competitive edge.
To prepare for this upcoming season, the Rangers spent many summer mornings improving their speed, agility, and strength. These early workouts, led by Head Coach Joseph Beveridge, were focused on making each player bigger, faster, and stronger to continue their momentum from last year.
Senior captain and quarterback Andrew Pisciotta will lead the offense this season, with fellow captain and tight end Thomas Cashman serving as his primary target. However, new faces in the Rangers jerseys under the lights will be present on the field. Fans can expect to see seniors Dylan Fischer and Justin McCafferty making big plays this season, with both poised to be key contributors on offense.
On defense, the Rangers will be led by senior captain Sam Wickline, as they aim to continue their impressive performance from last season. They held opponents under 16 points per game and forced nearly two turnovers per contest. Opposing quarterbacks will be pressured by senior Ben Friedberg, who is coming off of a stellar 75 tackle and five sack year.
The offensive and defensive line will be looking up to senior captain Ivan Diaz to lead the way, as many younger players are inching closer to their first varsity starts. Alongside Diaz, juniors TJ Messam and Adian Chen will be crucial in anchoring the offensive line, providing Pisciotta with the time he needs to make accurate throws and creating the necessary space for senior Malluch Nyutu to find success on the ground.
In all, the Rangers are in high spirits for this upcoming season, and expect to continue their production from last year. With a talented roster and strong leadership from their senior captains, they are confident in their ability to compete at a high level. The team is aiming for a deep playoff run and the ultimate goal of playing for a Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. The energy around the program is electric, and the players are united in their drive for success.
The Rangers have their season opener on Friday, September 13th, where they look to defeat the Burlington Red Devils.
