It’s hard to believe, but we are already over halfway through the regular season here in the Commonwealth. Just four weeks remain before playoffs, and some of the top teams, and players, have identified themselves.
At the conclusion of this season, WATD will present the fourth annual Bill Wilhelm Award to the area’s most outstanding player.
Now past the midway point of the season, WATD has compiled it’s 2025 Bill Wilhelm Award watchlist.
These 50 players have starred through the early stretch of the season, and currently look poised to show up on Bill Wilhelm Award ballots come seasons end.
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2025 Bill Wilhelm Award Watchlist
Jonas Ala (RB, Quincy)
Ala has been one half of Quincy’s dynamic rushing duo (along with Leo Steinberg). In his third year on varsity, Ala has been a playmaker on both sides of the ball.
Max Arnold (RB, Plymouth South)
Arnold has shouldered the load as the Panthers lead back, recently carrying 22 times for 104 yards as Plymouth South upset Scituate, 20–15.
Phoenix Beauregard (RB, Marshfield)
After missing the first two weeks of the season, Beauregard has gone over 100 yards in each of his first two games. The Rams are 2-0 since getting Beauregard back in the lineup.
Teagan Bellew (ATH, Hull)
Bellew has helmed the Hull offense at quarterback this season, scoring every point in the Pirates’ first win of the season against Monomoy.
Gavin Brown (RB, North Quincy)
Brown has been the Raiders’ bell-cow this season. He has totaled over 400 yards and 5 TDs on the ground through North Quincy’s first four games. The junior has also anchored the Raiders’ defense, and is second on the team in tackles for loss.
Sebastian Brown (WR, Hanover)
Brown is another in a long line of Hanover’s big bodied receiving targets that will burn you downfield, and then come out on defense at end and wreak havoc. Most recently, the senior reeled in six catches for 161 yards and a touchdown against Pembroke.
Patrick Collins (QB, Milton)
Collins has paced Milton’s offense this season, leading a Wildcat team that looks to be right back in the mix in Division 3 after a down year last season. His best performance to date may be his four touchdown effort (three passing, one rushing) in a tight victory over Central High (RI).
Abe Cornet (QB, Randolph)
Cornett, a returning veteran QB and team captain, is leading Randolph’s high‑tempo attack this season. The development of his passing game could prove a difference maker for the Blue Devils come tournament time.
Austin Dewhurst (RB, East Bridgewater)
Dewhurst helped East Bridgewater to their second straight 4-0 start, highlighted by his 150 yard, two touchdown performance against Norton.
Nolan Dickinson (RB, Silver Lake)
The Silver Lake captain has scored in bunches this season, leading the Lakers ground attack.
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Jonny Donovan (QB, Scituate)
Donovan has shouldered the responsibility of lofty expectations for Scituate this season, picking up right where he left off in his record-setting Super Bowl performance last year.
Tim Durocher (QB, Plymouth South)
The third year under center has seen Durocher blossom just as his coach Darren Fruzzetti expected. The Panthers’ quarterback has been one of the most dangerous dual-threats in the area, and has combined for 10 total touchdowns through South’s first four games.
Brandon Errico (ATH, Hanover)
One of the most electrifying playmakers in the area, Errico recently shined, earning Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game honors with a four-touchdown performance against Pembroke (his second four-score game of the season).
Noah Federico (RB, BC High)
Federico has been BC High’s workhorse, earning Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game honors after rushing for 111 yards and three touchdowns in BC High’s 28–7 win over Everett.
Grayson Foley (RB, Scituate)
Foley has been a dominant rusher in his first season as the Sailors feature back. The junior has racked up multiple touchdown performances, including a 211 yard, two touchdown effort against Norwell.
Hudson Garrity (QB, Archbishop Williams)
The 14‑year‑old freshman dual‑threat QB has burst onto the scene this year, tallying four touchdowns in three of the Bishops first four games as part of a 4-0 start.
Jake Gasbarro (RB, Pembroke)
Gasbarro is a senior two‑way piece for Pembroke, and has spearheaded the Titans rushing attack. Carried the ball for 248 yards in a win over Norton in Week 3.
Mikey Giese (ATH, Pembroke)
Giese has been a focal point for Pembroke’s offense and had a monster receiving day (8 catches for 187 yards) in the Titans’ upset bid against Hanover.
Amahri Gomes (RB, Weymouth)
Gomes was the go‑ahead scorer in Weymouth’s recent 28–21 win over Milton and has been a consistent scoring threat for the Wildcats through the early schedule.
Wyatt Goyette (ATH, Middleboro)
Goyette has been a touchdown machine for the Sachems, who are getting the ball into his hands however they can. The senior’s signature day came against D-Y, as he scored four times and picked off a pass on defense.
MORE: Matt Festa Wins the Inaugural Bill Wilhelm Award
Gus Greene (RB, Cohasset)
Greene has been a dynamic rusher this season, tallying 744 rushing yards in the Skippers first five games. Already a Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game twice over, Greene has shined under the brightest lights.
Nate Helms (ATH, Carver)
Helms has gotten Carver going since making the transition to quarterback, leading the Crusaders to back to back wins. After racking up 420 all purpose yards against Chelsea, Helms threw for another 238 yards against Wareham. The senior has eight touchdowns in the last two games.
Ty Holmes (RB, West Bridgewater)
Holmes has returned as West Bridgewater’s feature back, producing big rushing days (including a 142‑yard gem in a recent win) and ranking among the area’s top returning rushers.
Jack Lambert (QB, Bridgewater‑Raynham)
Lambert has continued to guide the Trojans’ resurgence under HC Eian Bain. The senior has scored three touchdowns each in the Trojans last three games, totaling 12 already on the season.
Jack Luccarelli (QB, Norwell)
The reigning SSL Sullivan Division MVP has only upped his game in his junior campaign. He is the only player thus far this season to earn Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game honors in a loss – doing so with a 347 all purpose yard, two touchdown performance in the Clippers’ upset bid against Scituate.
Anthony MacLean (RB, Plymouth North)
MacLean announced himself early this season with an unbelievable Week 1 performance that saw the senior rush for 185 yards and two scores, while totaling 15 tackles (two for loss) and a forced fumble on defense.
Jack Martin (QB, Whitman‑Hanson)
Martin has had some big passing games (including a 246 yard, two TD performance against Pembroke) and has guided the Panthers offense this season.
Kingston Maxwell (WR, Abington)
Maxwell’s name may be more recognizable thanks to his accomplishments on the hardwood, but the Abington senior has been a force this season as part of a dynamic passing attack. He announced himself Week 1 with three touchdown catches against Duxbury, including a couple highlight reel grabs.
Patrick McDonagh (WR, Rockland)
McDonagh has been one of a resurgent Rockland’s chief playmakers on both sides of the ball this season. The sophomore has scored in three of the Bulldogs’ first four games.
Brendan McMahon (ATH, Silver Lake)
McMahon has been a key two‑way contributor and special‑teams asset for Silver Lake. His signature game thus far came in a three touchdown, two field goal effort against Arlington, scoring in every facet of the game.
MORE: 2023 Bill Wilhelm Award Winner: Ben Scalzi
Ian McNeil (RB, Duxbury)
A returning speedster, McNeil has shined in his first season as the Dragons’ lead back. He opened the year with Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game honors in Duxbury’s triple-OT win over Abington, after tallying 161 all-purpose yards and two scores.
Jarred Mighty (ATH, Brockton)
Mighty has been a key contributor as a receiver/corner and regularly produces impact plays for Brockton. One of the most exciting players in the area, Mighty continues to score in all phases of the game.
Tyler Munchbach (RB, Weymouth)
Munchbach returns as Weymouth’s lead rusher (he ran for 712 yards and 11 TDs last season) and has continued to carry a large share of the ground game. The senior already has seven touchdowns this season, including scoring a brace in each of the Wildcats’ first three games.
Alin Norsica (RB, Randolph)
Norsica has taken on a more pronounced role in the offense this season for the Blue Devils, and it has paid off big time. The senior has booted home field goals, a long of 45 yards, and scored TDs aplenty for Randolph.
Ryan Nunes (QB, West Bridgewater)
Nunes has been nails this season, adding dimension to a dangerous West Bridgewater offense. The QB has set multiple passing records this season, including throwing for a program high 320 yards in a Week 2 win over Westwood.
Marvelous Pleasant (RB, Rockland)
Pleasant has put up several big rushing days this season, including an 11 carry, 167 yard, 4 TD game against Brighton. The underclassman is at the center of Rockland’s hot start.
JT Reale (WR, Hingham)
Reale has been one of Jake Varholak’s top targets this season and is one of the area’s most athletic pass catchers. Reale was on the receiving end of a pair of long scores in Hingham’s loss to Abington.
Jack Reilly (QB, Abington)
The fifth Reilly to lead the Green Wave at quarterback, Jack may be the best passer of them all. Multiple games with multi‑TD passing and running contributions has Abington looking like one of the most promising teams in the area.
Brady Rhinesmith (QB, Duxbury)
Rhinesmith has shown flashes of true brilliance in his first season as the solo signal caller for the Dragons. The senior’s arm talent may be second to none on the South Shore.
Gio Ruberio-Lynch (RB, Plymouth North)
Ruberio-Lynch has been a key part of Plymouth North’s ground attack. He recently enjoyed a three-TD outing that paced the Blue Eagles in a 28–10 win over Silver Lake.
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Ronan Sammon (WR, Milton)
The third year starter is likely the most dangerous deep threat on the South Shore. Sammon already has four touchdowns this season of over 60 yards.
Ryan Sampson (QB, North Quincy)
Sampson had among the biggest shoes to fill this season following Mikey Galligan as the Raiders’ QB. So far, he’s done a bang-up job. Sampson has lead the NQ offense with over 500 yards passing and nine total touchdowns.
Ryan Solimini (WR, Abington)
Solimini came in with big expectations following a season highlighted by a SportsCenter Top 10 play. This year has been full of big plays as well, as the senior has scored rushing, receiving, and even passing touchdowns.
Leo Steinberg (RB, Quincy)
Steinberg has been dominating early in the season — including a four‑TD performance and a highlight‑reel hurdle in Quincy’s win over Stoughton that earned him Chick-fil-A Hanover Player of the Game honors.
Jake Varholak (QB, Hingham)
Varholak has been efficient and explosive for Hingham, and has thrown multiple TD passes in each of the Harbormen’s last three games. One of the best returning QB’s in the area, the senior will have a chance to lead Hingham to its first league title since 2007.
Where to Next? The 2025 WATD High School Football Broadcast Schedule
Braxton Werner (WR/SS, Plymouth South)
Werner’s size has made him a particularly difficult assignment for defenses this year. The senior has been a key cog on both sides of the ball, and has hauled in a pair of TD receptions already this season.
Zay Whigham (WR/ATH, Archbishop Williams)
Whigham has been a monster on both sides of the ball, leading the offense as Hudson Garrity’s top target and anchoring the defensive line with multiple multi-sack games. Whigham’s best performance saw him haul in four receptions for 120 yards and three touchdowns in Archbishop Williams’ 36–14 win over Apponequet.
Mekhi White (RB, Randolph)
White has been the engine for Randolph’s offense, with highlight runs and big defensive plays. After nearly willing the Blue Devils to a come from behind win in the Division 8 Super Bowl last season, he has Randolph in a prime position to avenge that loss this year.
Michael Wildfire (QB, Cohasset)
Wildfire has been a central figure for Cohasset’s offense this season — including a four TD (3 passing, 1 rushing) game in a 35‑14 win over North Quincy. The senior signal caller has led Cohasset to three straight victories over Division 2, Patriot League opponents.
Will Wood (QB, Xaverian)
Wood is racking up the Power 5 offers for a reason. The junior QB has been dropping dimes across the field for the Hawks this year. Although Xaverian has been on the wrong side of some recent close games, Wood will undoubtedly be poised to lead another playoff run this season.
The Sports Exchange airs every Sunday night at 5 p.m. on 95.9 WATD.
Each week, Quinn Kelly, along with co-hosts Johnny Rorke and Brendan Connelly, breaks down the news of the week in sports. Enjoy commentary on local happenings on the high school scene right up to the Big 4 pro sports and beyond.
Missed an episode? Catch up with past episodes of the Sports Exchange below: