An Eventful Sport is Added to Hillie Nation

Emily Mills

After years of growing interest, Haverhill High School has recently added Gymnastics its vast repertoire of team-sports. All grades are welcome to join the team, coached by the experienced, Lyndsey Capra.

 The team is competing within the Merrimack Valley Conference league. There are 9 other teams within the league: Billerica, Methuen, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, North Andover, Andover, and Central Catholic High School. The HHS Gymnastics team being in its inaugural year, there are concerns having to do with the team not being prepared for the upcoming competition season. However, Coach Capra is not discouraged. “The team is working hard and within the first week, the team already looked promising,” said Capra.

 Coach Capra had been a gymnast herself for 15 years; competing before high school, during high school and one year in college.  She competed with Southern Connecticut State University for about a year before being stopped due to a back injury. Along with coaching the team for the high school, she is also coaching a handful of varied leveled gymnasts at Wilkey’s Gymnastics located in Tewksbury.

 Gymnastics is a very physically demanding sport, but even more so mentally. Fortunately, the Haverhill High School gymnastics team seems to be mixing well with each other. Megan Carroll, a sophomore on the high school team, describes the new gymnasts as a “small closely bonded team.”

Gymnastics is not only a team sport, but an individual sport. Individuals compete to earn points for the team. Teammates also compete against each other to get individual awards. Gymnastics consists of four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and the floor exercise. Gymnastics is offered not only in high school but college as well. There are nearly 1500 scholarships available for high school gymnasts. It is considered a varsity sport for at least 82 colleges and universities in the United States.

The team will be practicing at the Haverhill YMCA. Practice began at the beginning of December and will continue until early February. The team practices five days a week, Monday through to Friday. Their first competition is the 30th of December in Tewksbury. The first home competition will be on January 6th.

For more information ask Coach Capra herself or someone within the gymnastics team.

SHARE:

1 comments

Girls' Volleyball: Road To Florida

Lina Woronko

The HHS girls’ volleyball team went to Disney in 2014 for a nationwide tournament in Orlando, Florida through the organization KSA Events. KSA Events hosts high school sanctioned sporting events throughout the United States for student athletes. Again, the girls were invited to attend the Classic Volleyball Tournament at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida for the year 2016.

The idea of the trip is to prepare the team for their upcoming season. The tournament consists of teams from around the nation, some being the top high school teams in the country. Out of about thirty teams, a team from Wisconsin ended up winning the entire tournament in 2014. The Haverhill girls’ volleyball team were given the opportunity to play against Wisconsin and other higher level teams, learning to compete. Returning players now know what to expect and are ready to challenge these teams once again in 2016.

The tournament is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The cost of the trip is about $28,000 for the whole team and includes food, hotel, Disney parks, practice time, and transportation. The tournament itself lasts for two days, but the team is given an extra day at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for two hours of practice time. Although the trip was meant for inspiring student athletes through competition and education, the team was most excited about going to the place “where dreams come true”.

Varsity team Captain, Kiana Bueno, who had attended the trip in 2014, said “spreading the word for our fundraisers and accomplishing the fundraisers successfully were major steps for our last trip and it will be just as important for our upcoming trip in 2016.” The team was able to attend Disney in 2014 for the cost of only $50 per girl. “The initial cost was $25,000. The whole team continuously encouraged each other to help out all the time. We got to go to Disney World and that, itself, was already a motivation, especially for the few girls who had never been”, Kiana stated.

Below are the upcoming fundraisers and events the girls’ team have prepared for donations towards their trip in 2016:

1/10/16

Bingo

Amvets Hall 2pm-6pm

1/30/16

Mattress Sale

HHS Gym 10am-4pm

If you are unable to attend any fundraisers, but are still willing to help, the girls’ volleyball booster club has also set up a GoFundMe account: Click here to donate

Any donation is greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you for your support!!!

SHARE:

1 comments

Haley's Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Peyton Manning!

Haley’s Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Peyton Manning!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we enter the holiday season, we have hit the halfway point in the school year and, more importantly, the fantasy football playoffs, where It is do or die each week to get the prize. Whether your prize is Christmas vacation, or a fantasy football championship, it has been a long road. Yet, here we are. We have all had to overcome injuries, suspensions, detentions, bad trades, and bad grades throughout the fall fantasy season, so here’s my rendition of a classic Christmas story:

‘Twas the Night Before Playoffs...

‘Twas the night before playoffs and all through the web,

We checked all our lineups just before bed,

My flex player was set, chosen with care,

In hopes a fantasy championship soon would be there.

Finally, I log out and shut off my phone,

While I envision players dancing in the endzone.

Many of my best players are hurt.

But I expect a big game from Tyler Eifert. 

I am nervous about playing against Shady,

But it will be okay if you start Brady!

A big game from Odell would be extremely cruel.

I will be out of playoffs and forced to just play FanDuel.

Another week, another fantasy stud falls,

This time, a broken ankle for Thomas Rawls.

Now, I must suffer my biggest fear.

Mark Ingram hurt his shoulder and is out for the year.

Soon, the playing field will be covered with snow.

And the Eagles will finally bench Demarco.

The winner will be the team that stays healthy.

As long as they don’t start Travis Kelce.

Now Palmer, Now Julio, Now Olsen and Teddy!

On AP, On Evans, On Carr and on Eddie!

To the top of the league, we will win it all!

I will take home the money I played for this fall. 

This Christmas season will be so merry,

with a couple touchdowns from Arizona’s Larry.

I don’t need a new toy or a new shirt from Hurley.

The best gift for me is a poor game from Todd Gurley.

Big Ben got my team here by the skin of his teeth,

And he should be even better with the return of Heath.

The Chiefs defense will surely rack up a big score,

Thanks to a great matchup against Baltimore.

Let the boys play and make the right calls, ref.

Cam Newton is balling like he is Golden State’s Steph.

The Pats will continue to embarrass the NFL on every play

Like Will Smith in “Concussion” on Christmas Day.

I have made some bad trades, just like Chip Kelly,

But my hopes are still big, just like Santa’s belly.

It has been a great year, and each team has put up a fight.

Best of luck to all, and to all a good night!

Stocking Stuffer (Add of The Week): Tim Hightower RB NO
This offseason, the Saints decided to take a more balanced offensive approach on the back of workhorse Mark Ingram. Ingram followed through with a top 5 fantasy back regular season. As many owners know, Ingram has been placed on the season ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Most people immediately scoured the waiver wire for satellite back CJ Spiller. To the surprise of many, veteran Tim Hightower was given the majority of the carries and performed exceptionally (85 yards, TD). He is not a starter over proven studs such as Doug Martin or Chris Ivory, but he is a viable option at the flex position or a team suffering from the loss of Ingram or Seattle’s Thomas Rawls.

Coal (Drop of The Week): Marvin Jones WR CIN
Jones was a beneficiary of Andy Dalton’s excellence this season. However, he has been battling Mohamed Sanu for snaps opposite All-Pro AJ Green. However, the Red Rifle will have to leave the safety on for the remainder of this season as he will miss the remainder of the season with a broken thumb. Jones has eclipsed ten fantasy points just once since their bye in week 7. He is unreliable and his value as a flex option is diminished with backup AJ McCarron slinging passes. On the other hand, McCarron’s fiance Katherine Webb is a keeper. Jones is not.

The Grinch (Sit of The Week): Demarco Murray RB PHI vs ARI

It gives me great pleasure to write this blurb as I remember Murray single handedly knocking my team out of the playoffs last season. How far we have come since then! The reigning rushing leader has not lived up to his salary in Philly or his first round pedigree in fantasy drafts. Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles (and arguably Kenjon Barner) have been far more productive in Chip Kelly’s offense. Demarco has seen fewer carries each week and may even be a healthy scratch for a poor Eagles team. The matchup against Arizona’s loaded defense is also extremely unfavorable. Kelly is known to recruit players he likes, and if history is any indication, Demarco may be on his way out of town after complaining to owner Jeffrey Lurie about his usage (see: Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Lesean McCoy, etc.).

Ebenezer Scrooge (Sit of The Week): Travis Kelce TE KC vs BAL

Kelce has been an extreme disappoint in fantasy leagues this season. Drafted as a top 3 tight end behind only Gronk and Greg Olsen, he now ranks seventh at a position with very little depth. Kelce has found the endzone just once since his bye in week 9. In the other four games, he has failed to reach five points. Bahumbug! Baltimore has been pitiful against receivers this season, but their athletic linebackers have been tough on tight ends. If you have another option, keep Kelce on the bench.

Buddy the Elf (Start of the Week): Larry FItzgerald WR ARI

Fitzgerald has enjoyed his best season in years with a healthy Carson Palmer. Byron Maxwell and the Philadelphia secondary have not. Fitzgerald has slowed down in the past four weeks, averaging six points per game. However, I expect him to bounce back this week. Fitzgerald has continued to excel on the field, without lighting up the stat sheets in the past couple of weeks (check out his block to spring fellow receiver Michael Floyd for a long touchdown). I think he will return to the endzone, and fantasy excellence this week. The best way to spread playoff cheer is starting Larry, as all will fear.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Start of the Week): Tom Brady QB NE vs TEN

Tom Brady, the sixth round draft pick, had some very high hopes. And if you ever saw him, you would even say he is the GOAT. All of the other players, used to laugh about DeflateGate. But they never wanna see Brady, in any of their games. In this crucial playoff week, I have come to say, since his matchup looks so bright, don’t you bench Brady tonight. Now that Brady has Gronk, and he’s playing Tennessee, Tom the GOAT Brady, you will win my fantasy league.

SHARE:

3 comments

Haley's Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Blake Bortles!

Haley’s Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Blake Bortles!

The injury bug has continued to spread throughout the NFL claiming Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Devonta Freeman, and Charcandrick West this week. In this Thanksgiving edition, we will enjoy a delicious three course meal and I will tell you what to avoid as you fill your plate and your lineup. The Lions, Cowboys, Eagles, Panthers, Packers, and Bears will kick off on Turkey Day. Now for the best part: the food.

Cheese and Crackers (Add of the Week): Terrance Williams DAL WR

I had extremely high hopes for T-Will this preseason expecting Romo to find him when Dez Bryant was double covered. With Dez and Romo out, he has extremely underperformed. With the return of Romo and Dez, Terrance found the endzone this week. His two highest scoring fantasy outputs have come in two of Romo’s three games this year. Available in almost 80% of leagues, Williams has potential to break out in the fantasy postseason.

Unsalted Peanuts (Drop of the Week): Joique Bell DET RB

I have no taste for Bell, who has failed to score 7 points in any game this year. Enticing rookie Ameer Abdullah steals more carries each week, even though his production is not much better. I have been preaching to avoid Detroit at all costs this season, and Bell is no exception. Try to add a running back stepping for injuries. Walk right by these peanuts on your way to the dinner table.

Turkey (Start of the Week): Jay Cutler QB CHI vs GB

Green Bay’s defense bounced back this week with 6 sacks en route to a victory over Minnesota. They swallowed Adrian Peterson and held him to under 50 yards. However, Teddy Bridge still managed 20 fantasy points. The Bears have proved to be a competitive team and Jay Cutler has been decent. Jay Cutler is very similar to turkey: bland. Expect another decent but not exhilarating performance that is worthy of a start in a pinch. Just like turkey on Thanksgiving, Cutler will be a solid part of the meal, but it is nothing to look forward to.


Bread Stuffing (Start of the Week): Eddie Lacy RB GB vs CHI

Ironically, Lacy is my bread stuffing after a disappointing season that may have attributed to his weight. Lacy bounced back against a stout Viking defense last week. This week, he faces a much better matchup. The Packers offense finally looked like a top attack with their bulldozing back performing. Look for Mike McCarthy to establish the ground game with Lacy early. Fill up on stuffing this Thanksgiving, and hopefully Lacy will avoid the stuffing.


Apple Pie (Start of the Week): Greg Olsen TE CAR vs DAL

Olsen has become a top tight end in the NFL and is Cam Newton’s most reliable target. The Cowboys have let the likes of Jordan Cameron and Luke Willson in the endzone already this month. Olsen is a far superior tight end on an undefeated team. Cut yourself a slice of Olsen this week and you will not regret it. Your dessert could put lead you to a win this week.

Squash (Sit of the Week): Mark Sanchez QB PHI vs DET

Sanchez has been praised as a top tier backup quarterback for the past few seasons. Someone with injuries to their quarterbacks may be forced to add Sanchez. Do yourself a favor and skip that vegetable. Many people may argue that squash is a delightful side, much like they call Mark Sanchez a quality quarterback. If you must load your plate with an orange blob, be sure to avoid Sanchez. PS.. last time he played on Thanksgiving was the infamous Buttfumble!


Key Injuries:
Ravens QB Joe Flacco is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Ravens RB Justin Forsett is out with a fractured arm.
Falcons RB Devonta Freeman left his game with a concussion and did not return.

SHARE:

0 comments

Sibling Rivalry - The Battaini Edition

Peter Orfanos

Michael and Abbey Battaini, probably the most well known sibling athletes at Haverhill High School, sat down with Brown and Gold for an interview last Thursday. Michael is the captain and senior guard for the Hillies varsity basketball team. Abbey, a junior captain, is returning for her second year as a starting guard for the girl’s varsity team. 

Who’s the better captain and why?

Abbey: I’m a better captain because I lead by example.

Mike: No I’m a better leader because I’m more vocal and keep everybody on track. Abbey is a better floor general, I’ll give her that. 

One-on-one in your driveway. Who’s winning?

Mike: Me

Abbey: Michael because he’s bigger and stronger. I can shoot better though. Like if we did a 3-Point contest I would definitely out shoot you Mike.

Mike: Abbey may be able to outshoot me but it doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m the best.

Did you guys get into playing basketball at the same time? 

Mike: I was first and Abbey came shortly after, but it was evident that we were both going to play because of our dad.

Abbey: Yeah, also my cousin Sammie always played and she is older than me so I looked up to her growing up

Mike: I guess you could say basketball runs in the family. 

Do you two have a memorable moment together involving basketball?

Abbey: Mike I just thought of that 3 on 3 tournament we won.

Mike: Oh definitely. Abbey, Joey Fenderson and I won a three on three tournament in Maine. We schooled those kids.

Respectively, for your teams, what do you hope to accomplish this season? 

Mike: I hope to bring us to a state championship appearance. And hopefully an MVC small division championship. It’s my last year for high school ball, I want to do as much as I can to have my team end up victorious. 

Abbey: I’m hoping to improve our record from last year. A huge accomplishment for us would be to make playoffs but I believe we could because we have experienced and young players that are ready to play. 

Being your first year as captains, how do you guys plan on tackling the primary leadership role for the first time in your basketball careers?

Mike: I won’t be alone, I’ll have the help of my teammates the whole way through. I have their back and they have mine, everyone will play their role and we will compete collectively. I also will lead the way setting the intensity level in practice very high. 

Abbey: I’m going to be more of leading by example. I’ll also be vocal by picking up my teammates when they’re down and always having their back. 

Mike: I wanted to add that I want to lead in the effort category, I want to be the first on the ground and the first to every loose ball. That’s why I’m a better captain Peter. 

Me: Yes Mike good. 

Do you guys have a hype song?

Abbey: I want to say “Trophies” by Drake.

Mike: No Abbey what the heck that’s my song you can’t copy me.

Abbey: Oooh siblings that agree?

Mike: No Peter don’t put that she stole it from me.

How is family life at the Battaini residence, are you guys competitive?

Mike: No I know I’m better than Abbey at everything.

Abbey: Michael’s just cocky. I’m more humble you know? That’s why I’m the better captain.

Me: Yes Abbey good.

Mike: Abbey you know I'm the best Fifa player in the house don’t lie.

Finally, who is the favorite child?

Mike: Abbey.

Abbey: Me. I’m just a lot more thoughtful and caring for everyone. Plus I’m the youngest and the only girl.

Mike: I’m more of a people’s person though, and I do more for the community.

Abbey: Michael you still owe me ten dollars from last week what are you talking about.

SHARE:

0 comments

Team Unity Makes Hillie History

Josephine Ricardo

This past fall, the girls field hockey team won the MVC Championships for the first time since the field hockey team was started in 1989. The last time they experienced such success was when the team made States in 1996.

Some might question how after so many years has the team become so successful. To begin with, the season's new coach, Chris Drew, coached at North Reading for two years before coming to Haverhill in 2015. When he began, he did not know what to expect and was not familiar with Haverhill athletics. Drew encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and their successes. They practiced and worked hard day in and day out. He made sure that their was not one superstar but a united team.

 Katherine Morgan, a senior forward, agrees with Coach Drew’s appraisal. “Coach made us believe we were successful, therefore, we became successful,” said Morgan. She also credits communication for the team's success.

Alexandra Comeau, a senior goalie, only added to Morgan’s focus on team unity. “Keeping the same kind of mindset of winning and not being all of over the place is always how we were when going onto the field,” said Comeau. The way these girls stayed together, united, and how they communicated with each other led them to the success they have achieved this season.

SHARE:

0 comments

Haley’s Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Jameis Winston!

Brian Haley

Last week, I praised Charcandrick West as a waiver add. Despite an abysmal performance, he is still worth a bench spot strictly due to opportunity. Stafford proved me wrong with a four touchdown performance… against the Bears. I would still avoid him altogether as the Lions have been a fantasy wasteland that even Megatron has been disappointing in. Garcon and Stewart both found the end zone against tough match ups. However, Ryan, Blount, and Landry were all very valuable starters last week. I would not expect similar production from each of them.


Add Of The Week: Stefon Diggs WR MIN

Charles Johnson has been a complete bust and Mike Wallace hasn’t been a quality fantasy receiver since he left Big Ben in free agency (coincidence? I think not). Diggs is completely under the radar but has over 200 yards in his past two games against quality defenses. Teddy Bridgewater needs a reliable target and his rapport with Diggs could be the difference for your fantasy playoff hopes.

Drop of the Week: Percy Harvin WR BUF

Harvin has worn out his welcome with four teams already due to his constant injuries and personality. He seemed to have found a home with Buffalo after an impressive touchdown, but since he has returned to very few points. Another Percy problem has occurred as he did not travel with the team to London for a mysterious reason. Don’t let Percy punch you out of the playoffs like he did with Doug Baldwin in Seattle.


Start: Philip Rivers QB SD

Rivers shattered literally every passing record in Chargers’ history, and was one more completion away from taking down the arguably the NFC’s best team. Melvin Gordon has looked like the next Trent Richardson the past few weeks (yeah, that bad), so the Chargers’ offense will continue to rely on Rivers to move the chains. Father time Antonio Gates should find plenty of space over the middle. Rivers should continue to rack up points this week in what should be a competitive AFC West matchup.

Sit: Eli Manning QB NYG vs DAL

Manning was disastrous against Philly last week in a game with more picks than TDs. The Eagles front seven tormented Eli and gave him very little time in the pocket. Connor Barwin and Fletcher Cox made the Big Blue O-line look like blocking bags, especially fill-in tackle Marshall Newhouse. This week, Newhouse will be lining up across from Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. Manning will receive very little time in the pocket and score very few points this week.
Start: John Brown WR ARI vs BAL
Baltimore’s secondary is easily the worst in the league and as a result, Baltimore is a 1-4 team. They have allowed 5 different receivers to reach 100 yards including AJ Green’s 227 yard, 2 touchdown outburst (no, that’s not a typo). Bruce Arians loves to throw the ball downfield and Brown can flat out fly by most defenders. Brown had a good game last week and I expect him to improve on that outing this week.

Sit: Jordan Matthews WR PHI vs CAR

Matthews was drafted as a high end WR2 in most leagues. He has played like a bye week fill in. Also, Sam Bradford likes to throw it to defenders more than Eagles receivers. When Matthews is targeted, he can’t hold on to the ball. I am not expecting Chip Kelly’s running game to help open up passing lanes against stud linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Lastly, Josh Norman has looked like the best corner in the NFC this year. So please, don’t test him with a sorry receiver like Jordan Matthews.

Start: Latavius Murray OAK vs SD

James Starks spun through the Charger defense to the tune of 112 yards and a touchdown. They have allowed a porous 7 scores to running backs this season. Murray is a much more talented runner than Starks and if Oakland wants to hang with the Chargers passing attack, they should look to control the game on the ground. Murray has been a low RB2/FLEX option thus far and I would be sure he isn’t taking up space on my bench.

Sit: Isaiah Crowell RB CLE vs STL

Crowell has performed just as I expected this season. I projected him to be just like any other Cleveland Brown- inconsistent and unreliable. The Rams defense, however, has been phenomenal against the run. They have allowed just one rusher to reach 100 yards this season. At the same time, Crowell has not rushed for more than 75 yards in a single game this season. I would not expect much from him against the Rams’ powerhouse defensive line. They have shut down elite backs such as Eddie Lacy and Marshawn Lynch already this season. Josh McCown and Travis Benjamin are not going to demand St. Louis to honor their passing game the way Rodgers and Wilson do. Duke Johnson Jr, rookie out of Miami, is a more explosive playmaker and better pass catcher. Last week, Johnson gained 6 more yards than Crowell with one less carry. Avoid this matchup at all costs.

Key Injuries:
Titans QB Marcus Mariota missed practice with a sprained MCL, but “hopes to play Sunday.”
Patriots WR Brandon LaFell practiced for the first time this season due to a foot injury.
Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin is questionable with a concussion.
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is doubtful to return from a foot injury on Sunday.

SHARE:

0 comments

Athlete In The Spotlight

Peter Orfanos

Senior Michael McIntosh is a defenseman and captain for the boys varsity soccer team. McIntosh has been playing varsity since his sophomore year and also plays varsity baseball in the spring. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike to talk sports and life.

At what age did you start playing this sport?
I started playing Haverhill Pal around the age of four.

Was there anything in particular that inspired you to play ?
My favorite player inspired me, Taylor Twellman. He played for the New England Revolution, and I always watched him play.

What’s your most memorable moment as an athlete?
When I was around ten years old, my travel team went undefeated.

Do you plan on continuing playing your sport in college?
Not for the actual team, but I wouldn’t mind playing on a recreational team. 

What do you hope to accomplish this season?
I really want to make it to the state tournament. I feel like with some hard work we can get there.

What’s one thing that pushes you to be the best you can for your team?
Knowing that it’s my senior year, I want to give everything I have and go out with a bang.

How does the coaching staff contribute to the team’s success?
Practice helps us get ready for games. His speeches get us into the right mindset to play on game day.

How do you manage being a student athlete?
When I get home from soccer, the first thing I do is bang out school work so I don’t have to do it later on.

Who is the athlete you most admire?
Jose Bautista. He never gives up on the game and he always gives his team a shot to win. He never gives up, that’s what I aim to do.

Do you have a “hype song” or a song that prepares you on game day?
“My Life” by The Game ft. Lil Wayne.

SHARE:

0 comments