Winning has become a tradition for Middleboro High football under head coach Pat Kingman. Now in his 14th year, Kingman has established a culture where success is expected, not just hoped for.
Over the past three seasons, the Sachems have secured six or more wins each year, and this fall, they aim to continue that streak. Kingman’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including a state title in 2017, when the Sachems claimed the MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl, their first since 1983.
“I think that’s the culture that’s been developed,” Kingman said. “The expectation is that guys think we’re going to come in here and win football games.”
Senior Caiden Carriuolo, a key player this season, echoed that sentiment. He emphasized that the team isn’t just looking to win games but to capture titles, continuing the legacy built over the last decade.
“We have a lot of returning guys that know the culture around here and are spreading it down to the younger guys,” Carriuolo said. “Our expectation is to win the league every year, no matter what.”
However, meeting these expectations is no easy task.
“Winning is hard, losing is easy,” Kingman added. “If you don’t work hard enough and don’t do what you’re supposed to do, you lose football games.”
This season, Middleboro’s lineup will see some changes, with key players shifting positions to optimize the team’s performance.
Carriuolo, who has been a standout slot wide receiver for the past two years, will move back to his original position as running back. Carriuolo started his high school career as a running back on the freshmen and junior varsity teams before stepping up to fill a gap in the varsity receiver lineup. Now, he returns to his roots, where his skills can be fully utilized.
Kingman described Carriuolo as one of the most explosive players on the team. “You only get so many touches when you’re playing receiver,” Kingman said. “We figured if we can get him more touches, we’ll give him more touches.”
Carriuolo’s experience as a receiver also makes him a dual threat as a pass-catching running back. When asked about his excitement for the position change, Carriuolo simply said, “I like getting the ball,” with a laugh.
Another player experiencing a position change is star defensive back Andrew Falk. While Falk will maintain his role as a safety, where he led the team in interceptions last season, he will also take on reps on the offensive side as both a quarterback and a receiver.
Falk has been a key player since his sophomore year, known for his leadership and understanding of the game. “He knows where every kid is supposed to be. He knows where he’s supposed to be,” Kingman said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s got a really good idea of what’s going on.”
Falk’s versatility is highly valued, and Kingman jokes that Falk is the type of player who never wants to leave the field. “He’s a tough kid and he’s one of those kids that never wants to come out, so it’s like, ‘All right, you got to take a rest once in a while,’” Kingman said.
Junior Wyatt Goyette exemplifies the importance of versatility, with Kingman describing him as their “jack of all trades.” Goyette started last season as a quarterback before an injury in the second game limited him to defense for the rest of the season. Despite the setback, Goyette made an impact in all three phases of the game, including as a return man.
Kingman is confident that Goyette’s athleticism and explosiveness will continue to be a significant asset this season. “He’s just an athletic kid that is explosive,” Kingman said. “When he touches the ball, something exciting happens. We’ll find ways to get him the ball.”
Names to Watch:
Caiden Carriuolo, Senior Running Back: Returning to his original position with a history of success.
Andrew Falk, Senior Quarterback/Safety: A leader on both sides of the ball with a deep understanding of the game.
Wyatt Goyette, Junior Defensive Back/Quarterback: A versatile player who can make an impact anywhere on the field.
Travis Hayes, Senior Lineman: One of three returning starters on the offensive line, known for his toughness and leadership.
Danny Mosley, Senior Lineman: Along with Hayes, Mosley is considered a veteran leader on the offensive front.
Colten Ward, Junior Quarterback: Expected to play a crucial role in the offense this season.
Brady Roche, Senior Tight End: Transitioning from tackle to tight end, Roche is another player adapting to a new role.
As the new season approaches, Middleboro’s stars are ready to embrace their new roles, with the same high expectations that have become synonymous with the program.
