Dear Marblehead sports fans, it’s almost time.
Preseason for fall sports is just days away, with the first official event featuring the golf team on August 27.
Here are some key dates you definitely don’t want to miss:
Let’s start with the field hockey team under second-year coach Mia Maccario. On September 13, the Magicians host Peabody.
Now, why is this matchup a must-see? Well, I have a feeling Peabody will be looking for some revenge.
Last season, Marblehead and Peabody squared off on Opening Day. The Magicians went into Tanner Country and walked away with a 3-0 win after goals from Lauren Zisson, Aeva Salem, and Gabby Hendy.
Despite the win, it was both Maccario and Peabody coach Jillian Tobin’s debut matches as head coaches. You remember your first win, and I wouldn’t put it past anyone if they remember their first loss, too.
Next on my list is a volleyball match against Saugus on October 7. The Sachems, who qualified for the postseason for the first time in program history last year, are a team on the rise. Rising with them, however, are the Magicians. One of the top coaches in the NEC, Killeen Miller, will have her young squad ready to go.
The Magicians were a very, very young team last fall and the extra year of experience will benefit them as they try to get back to the state tournament.
From the hardwood to the pitch, there is one game I know boys soccer coach Elmer Magaña has circled on his calendar: October 7 at Gloucester.
Why is this a can’t-miss? Well, not only do you have two conference contenders going head-to-head, but you have a family rivalry, too.
Magaña’s brother-in-law, Armando Marnoto, is the head coach of Gloucester, which means bragging rights during the holidays.
Let’s see if Elmer can reel in his opposing Fisherman…
On the girls’ side, they will be tested early and often, but the young squad is led by center back Ainsley McDonald and striker Sadie Halpern.
Personally, I can’t wait for the Lynnfield game on October 26.
The Pioneers reached the Final 4 last season, and will be a tough out. Marblehead possesses great speed, especially from two state champion track stars in Halpern and Ava Machado. They may not control possession, but with McDonald commanding the defense along with Halpern and Machado’s speed, they may give Lynnfield some trouble on the counter-attack.
To the gridiron. Marblehead. Swampscott. Thanksgiving football. Need I say more?
One of the biggest rivalries in the state sees this traditional football classic come back to Marblehead High. Last season, the Magicians escaped the Big Blue, 28-21, on enemy soil.
Not only did it provide more bragging rights for Marbleheaders, but it was another year in which the Magicians ended up on top. That’s an 11-game winning streak they boast over their traditional rivals.
Will Swampscott snap the streak, or will Marblehead make it a dozen?
Last and certainly not least, the unified basketball program. If you’ve never attended a game, this is the year to go. The game to go to – other than all of them – is a trip to Beverly on October 28.
Although Beverly won last year’s matchup, 36-26, coach Sara Roberge talked about how Beverly is one of her team’s favorite opponents.
“We love playing Beverly. They have a great program and it’s always so much fun,” she said. “Specifically, this group. They bring a great attitude and it’s the best.”
By the way, the support the unified basketball team gets from other student-athletes is, frankly, incredible. I went to a game last year. The volleyball, football, and girls soccer teams all stopped by to cheer on their peers.
I’ll be at all of these contests. Hope to see you all there.