This week's Bulldog Highlights- 9/23-9/28/13

Volleyball remains Perfect- It was a perfect 3-0 week for the Volleyball team as they defeated OA, Sharon and Foxboro to sure up Hock Davenport dominance. The team lost only 2 games in the 3 matches and continued to improve. Avery Devoe continued her dominating play with great performances also being put in by Elizabeth Hamilton, Erin Proctor, Ellie Teague and Meghan Hartnett.

Field Hockey rebounds from sole loss of season with two wins- After falling in a heartbreaker to first place OA last Friday, the Field Hockey team came back strong with two big Davenport wins this week. Julianna Howlett, Kellie Stigas, Alex Dillon, Mary Nee, Jackie Merrigan, Kelsey Trerice (first career goal), and Emily Buckley (first career goal) each scored goals in a 7-0 win over Sharon on Wednesday.   The team then edged out Foxboro on Thursday, 1-0 on an early goal by Stigas. 

Golfers on a roll- qualify for States-  The Golf team made it 5 straight wins with three big results this week. The team has been on fire, shooting many consecutive sub-155 rounds- a very impressive feat in high school golf. This week's wins were even more impressive considering that 2 of the 3 were on away courses. The team traveled to Hopedale CC to face Milford on Monday and earned a 154-162 win. Tuesday saw the squad travel to Easton CC to face Stoughton- another 154 day led to a convincing win over the Black Knights. Back at home at Blue Hills CC on Thursday, the team shot even better, downing the visiting NA Red Rocketeers, 151-176. Sam Riemer, Sam Hrubec, Mike Breviglia, Brian Halloran (even par 35 on Monday), and Luke Thompson all registered scores in the 30s during this week's matches.

Girls XC earns 2nd win of young season- Senior Amanda Eagles won Tuesday's XC race with Foxboro with a time of 22:06, leading the team to its second victory of season, 23-32, against just one loss. Courtney Loughnane finished 3rd overall in 22:41. Rounding out the top 5 for the Bulldogs were Julia Guerini, Michaela Kelly and Kerin Senett.  The Boys sqaud lost a close race, 25-30. Courtland Priest and Joe Clancy paced the Boys team in the effort.

Girls Soccer earns win and tie while boys struggle finding goals- The Girls Soccer team blanked Sharon on Monday, 2-0 and managed a 2-2 draw Friday night at home vs. Foxboro. The Boys team lost a heartbreaker 1-0 on Tuesday at Sharon on a goal in the final minutes of the game. Friday saw the squad play very well at Foxboro but were unable to find the back of the net, settling for a 0-0 draw. Senior  goalkeeper Art McNally earned his 2nd shutout of the season in the tie.

Football flurry at end of half, not enough to overtake Eagles- The Football team made quite a game of it on Saturday at defending Super Bowl Champion Sharon scoring 13 points in the closing minutes of the first half taking the momentum into the locker room down just 14-13, but the Eagles took over in the 2nd half, defeating the Bulldogs, 32-13.  Brian Hagan scampered into the endzone late in the half for the first Bulldog touchdown and Anthony Ross had an interception on the last play of the half, running it back for a 85 yard touchdown.

Twellman shares story of struggle with students and parents

Wednesday night's annual student-athlete parent night focused on the health and safety of our student athletes. More than 500 students and parents attended the evening which included presentations by CHS Athletic Director Danny Erickson, CHS Athletic Trainer Christina Butler, CHS Booster Club President Dave Merrigan and former professional soccer player Taylor Twellman. 

The featured speaker of the evening was Twellman- former New England Revolution and US Mens National Soccer team star- the quickest player in MLS history to score 100 goals. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to repeated concussions. Twellman shared his story of success, injury, frustration, depression and perseverance. His message to our students was to enjoy their playing time but to always be honest when it comes to head injury. You can find more information at Twellman's foundation's website- thinktaylor.org.

Erickson's message dealt with the importance of communication when it comes to the difficult issue of student athlete playing time. He implored student athletes, coaches and parents to keep the lines of communication open on this emotional issue. Here are links to two related articles penned by Erickson over the past couple of years. Playing Time....Communication....

Merrigan made a compelling argument for why families should become members in the CHS Athletic Booster Club and get involved. Join today!

Butler focussed on educating the audience on the various roles that a high school athletic trainer performs to keep our athletes safe and healthy. She also highlighted some areas where parents and the athletes themselves can help in this important task. Check out some recent articles written by Butler on some important health/safety issues-  Hydration....Game Day Nutrition...Shin Pain Tips...

Thanks to all who attended. Please send us an email with your thoughts and suggestions on the presentation. ericksond@cantonma.org.

This week's Bulldog Highlights- 9/16 thru 9/21

Golf Team posts two best scores of season- The Golf team bounced back from a midweek loss to Franklin to post its two best scores of the season in wins over Milford and Attleboro at Blue Hills CC on Thursday and Friday. Friday was the team follow up a season low 149 Thursday with an impressive 154 on Friday in a big win over Attleboro. Brian Halloran (36), Mike Breviglia (39), Luke Thompson (39), and Sage Lee (40) led the way to Friday's victory just as the same four players had done the day before.

Volleyball stays perfect- Avery Devoe was dominant in two big Hock victories for the unbeaten Volleyball team this week.  Monday's 3-1 road win over traditional powerhouse Franklin was the highlight of the week. The team also blanked Oliver Ames on Thursday, 3-0.

Girls Soccer picks up 5 out of 6 possible points- Team captains Kim McNally (3 goals) and Hailee Duerick (1 goal and 1 assist) led the Girls Soccer team to a big unbeaten week which was highlighted by a 2-1 victory over unbeaten and defending State Champion Franklin on Monday.

Football edged in home opener- It was a back and forth contest at CHS's Veteran's Memorial Field on Friday night for the Football home opener with Quincy. The 'Dogs came from behind twice- once in each half to force OT at 14-14. However, OT did not go well for the home side as the visiting Presidents scored quickly and the Bulldogs' hopes of forcing double OT were dashed by a Quincy interception.  Kevin Wing and Brian Hagan scored touchdowns for the Bulldogs and freshman Thomas Monagle added two extra-points.

Boys Soccer wins first league game of season- Wednesday saw the Boys Soccer team win its first league game of the season, 2-1 over Milford in dramatic fashion. The Bulldogs led for most of the game on a Liam Collins first half goal- the first of his career. However, the Hawks scored the tying goal with just 4 minutes remaining. The Bulldogs came right back and a beautify strike by freshman Sam Papakonstantino won the game for the home team. The win was sandwiched by two tough losses.

Cross Country teams run well but fall to powerhouse OA- Amanda Eagles finished first for Canton (3rd overall), with a time of 20:46. Catherine Song was 4th overall (21:11). The Girls top five were rounded out by Courtney Loughnane, Kerin Sennett and Julia Guerini.  The Boys were led by Courtland Priest (19:07), Joe Clancy (19:33), Daniel Brooks, Dan Bronstein and Matt Derbin. 

Field Hockey with win, loss and draw- Field Hockey fans got a bit of everything this week as the team defeated Milford (2-0), tied Franklin (1-1) and fell to OA (0-1).

Four Golfers break 40 in big home win

Coach Mike Barucci couldn't remember the last time the CHS Golf team broke the elusive 150 score at home but the team stepped up and did it on Thursday at Blue Hills CC vs. Milford, defeating the Hawks, 149-176. Seeing 4 scored below 40 on the same day is a rarity in Hockomock golf and is a huge accomplishment for the Bulldogs.

Mike Breviglia- 37, Brian Halloran- 37, Luke Thompson- 37, and Sage Lee- 38 combined for the incredible score.

52 Bulldog Captains attend Hock Captains Conference

Some Bulldog Captains at today's Conference

Canton High School's 52 captains attended today's Hockomock League Captains Conference in Wrentham.  The annual event brings the captains of all of the sports from each of the 12 schools together for a day of getting to know one another and leadership training.  The topic of focus today was on the courage to be a leader. Several group activities kept the student athletes on their toes and reflecting on what it takes to be an effective leader. The highlight of the day was our guest speaker- Ed Gerety who shared a message of leadership, gratitude and courage.
It is safe to say that our captains are even more prepared to lead our teams today than these capable young men and women were before this wonderful event.

Football kick-off- 7:00pm Friday night

The Varsity Football team will host Quincy on Friday night at 7:00pm in the home opener. Let's get a big Bulldog crowd there!

Girls Soccer upsets defending state champions and Volleyball continues to cruise

Goals by Kim McNally and Haley Duserick led the Girls Soccer team to a 2-1 upset win over previously unbeaten, defending state champion Franklin at home on Monday. The game was tight throughout but McNally's goal late in the 2nd half was the difference.

The Volleyball team defeated Franklin 3-1 (25-17,. 25-19, 23-25, 25-19) on the road Monday. Avery Devoe led the way with 15 kills, 5 aces and 3 blocks. Liz Hamitlon had 15 kills and an ace while Erin Proctor had 31 assists and 7 kills in the big Hock victory. The win improves the team's record to 3-0.

The Week Ahead

Lot's of Bulldog action this week:

Monday, Sept. 16th-
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Franklin at CHS at 3:30
Girls JV Soccer vs. Franklin at the JFK at 3:30
JV Field Hockey vs. Franklin at 4:15 at CHS (Gibson)
Varsity Field Hockey vs. Franklin at CHS at 6:00
JV Football at Abington at 3:30
Boys Varsity and JV Soccer at Franklin at 3:30
Volleyball at Franklin- JV at 4:30, Varsity to follow (5:45ish)

Tuesday, Sept. 17th-
Cross Country vs. Oliver Ames at Borderland State Park at 3:30

Wednesday, Sept. 18th- 
Golf at Franklin CC at 3:15
Girls JV and Varsity Soccer at Milford at 3:45
Boys Varsity and JV Soccer at 4:00- Varsity at CHS, JV at JFK

Thursday, Sept. 19th-
Golf vs. Milford at Blue Hills CC at 3:15
Freshmen Football at Quincy (Vet. Mem. Stadium) at 3:30
Volleyball vs. Milford at CHS- JV at 3:45, Varsity to follow (5:00ish)
Field Hockey at Milford- Varsity at 4:00 and JV at 5:30

Friday, Sept. 20th-
Boys JV and Varsity Soccer at Oliver Ames at 3:00
Girls Varsity Soccer at Oliver Ames at 4:45
Girls JV Soccer vs. Oliver Ames at 3:30 at JFK
JV and Varsity Field Hockey vs. Oliver Ames at 3:15 at CHS (JV at Gibson)
Golf vs. Attleboro at Blue Hills CC at 3:15
Varsity Football vs. Quincy at CHS 6:00 or 7:00 kickoff- TBA officially shortly

Make that TWO wins on Thursday!

The Golf team improved to 2-1 with a solid performance over Stoughton on Thursday at home- 157-171. Sam Riemer (38), Mike Breviglia (38), Sam Hrubec (40), and Luke Thompson (41) all scored for the Bulldogs.

Thursday Brings a Win a Loss and a Tie

The Volleyball team improved to 2-0 with a 3-0 win (25-18, 25-6, 25-20) over Attleboro on Thursday. Avery Devoe (14 kills) and Erin Proctor (20 assists and 4 kills) led the way for the defending Hock Davenport Champs.

Field Hockey earned a 1-1 tie at Attleboro on Thursday. Lindsey Nolte scored the lone Bulldog goal assisted by Jackie Merrigan.  Eileen Khoury was strong on defense.

The Football team traveled to Abington to face the very strong Green Wave on Thursday afternoon.  After a slow start, the 'dogs made it interesting but it was too little too late as they fell 33-14.

Girls XC win first meet

The Girls XC team defeated Sharon on Tuesday, 20-35. Strong performances were put in by sophomore Catherine Song (20:05). Amanda Eagles, Courtney Loughnane, Julia Guerini, and Michaela Kelly.

The Boys fell, 15-40. Joe Clancy and Courtland Priest led the way for the boys.

Soccer teams off to sputtering start in Hock

The Boys and Girls Soccer teams combined for one tie and three losses this week against NA and Attleboro as the Hock season got underway.  The latest setbacks came at the hands of Attleboro on Wednesday as the girls played to a scoreless draw and the boys lost a heartbreaking 3-2 game, allowing a goal in the final minute of play.

Student Athlete Parent Night- September 25th at 6:30pm

The Canton High School Athletic Department is hosting an evening for student athletes and parents on Wednesday, September 25th from 6:30-8:00pm in the CHS Auditorium. Attendance is required of any student who is currently playing or planning on playing a sport this school year. Students are asked to be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian.

The evening will provide an overview of Bulldog Athletics as we head into the 2013-14 school year. The focus of the evening will be on student athlete health and safety.

CHS Athletic Trainer, Christina Butler will be discussing the programs in place here which help ensure the health and safety of our student athletes. She will also present some ideas for how parents can help us with this important task.

Former New England Revolution and US Mens National team star Taylor Twellman will be our keynote speaker. As a result of multiple concussions, Twellman was forced to retire from his professional soccer career years before he had planned. His story is eye opening for both student athletes and parents.

If you have any questions about the night's presentation, please contact the CHS Athletic Office- 781-821-5050 x7 or ericksond@cantonma.org .

Field Hockey and Volleyball down NA

The Field Hockey team was down 1-0 at the half on a goal by NA with just 4 seconds left in the first frame.  But the second half saw goals by Kellie Stigas and Mary McNeil as the Bulldogs stormed back for a victory in the first Hock game of the season.

Volleyball started their season with a clash of Hock Champions as the defending Davenport Champion Bulldogs traveled to NA to face the Kelley-Rex Champion Red Rocketeers. The Bulldogs brought a great effort, downing the Rocketeers 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-21). Avery Devoe led the way with 21 kills, hitting .468) and adding two blocks. Danielle Arthur had 15 digs, 3 aces and missed 0 serves.

Two is better than one

The Boys and Girls Soccer teams traveled to Norwood on Saturday afternoon to face the Mustangs in a double-header.  The Boys got things started off on the right foot- or more like on Bart O'Brien's left foot- as the junior midfielder scored two goals in a 2-1 win. Kim McNally scored two goals and Tessa Cudmore scored her first career goal in a 3-0 win to start the season with the non-league victory.

Golf Team starts season with Road Win

The Golf team earned an impressive opening day road win at Foxboro on Wednesday, 163-172. The Bulldogs played quite well on the challenging Foxboro CC track. Sam Reimer led the way for the 'dogs shooting a 39.

Save the Date

The CHS Athletic Department will be hosting an evening for student athletes and their parents on Wednesday, Sept. 25th at 6:30pm in the CHS Morse Auditorium. The presentation will be a look at the 2013-14 athletic school year with a focus on the Health and Safety of our student athletes. Taylor Twellman- former member of the New England Revolution and the US Men's National Team will be the keynote speaker. Twellman's playing career was cut short due to multiple concussions.

Any student athlete planning on participating in a sport in any of our three seasons is required to attend.

Off on the right foot

Wolph Gustave's goal, midway through the 2nd half of the Boys Soccer game led the Bulldogs to a 1-0 win over visiting Dedham in their opener on Tuesday night at CHS.

Captains' Meeting

There will be a mandatory meeting immediately after school on Friday, Sept. 6th in the Distance Learning Lab for all Varsity captains....all three seasons. It will be a brief meeting.

Let's Get it Started!

The Boys Varsity Soccer team will kick off the 2013 Fall Sports Season tonight at 6:00pm at Upper Memorial Field. The team will face Dedham for the first time in program history.

The Golf team will follow up with their opening meet on Wednesday when they travel to Foxboro for an early league test with the Warriors.

The Field Hockey team will see the first action of the season on Friday when they travel to Norwood at 3:45.

 The Girls Soccer team will round out the opening week of action with a game at Norwood on Saturday at 2:00pm.