The Reporter’s Two-Minute Drill: Seekonk & D-R Sports Monthly

As we reach towards the final stretch of the fall sports season in Seekonk and Rehoboth— there’s plenty to look forward to. 

Despite their tough strength of schedules in football, such as Seekonk football playing Fairhaven High (back-to-back appearances in the MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl) and Dighton-Rehoboth football playing a difficult out of conference schedule, Seekonk currently holds a record of 3-5 while D-R has a record of 3-4, with still time to bite down on their mouthpieces and finish their seasons strong. 

The Seekonk Warriors and Dighton-Rehoboth Falcons football teams are closing in on the championship rounds of the season— both schools are prepared to do their absolute best. 

Seekonk High School

Seekonk High School’s Dean of Athletics and Programs (grades 6-12), Kathryn Manigan, said that their fall sports teams have flourished with many impressive moments more than halfway through the fall season.

In her first school year directing the athletic programs, Manigan said, “A moment that sticks out” to her is when the school’s varsity football team played Pilgrim. “There was a very long completed pass, about 40-50 yards, between Nico Bonafiglia (quarterback) and his younger brother Gabe Bonafiglia (wide receiver) in our home opener against Pilgrim to bring the game to 20-21 in the last seconds of the game,” said Manigan. “We were not able to connect for the 2-point conversion to win the game— but that moment was absolutely incredible to see and watch,” Manigan added. 

Manigan expressed how impressed she’s been, particularly with the field hockey team. “We are in a very competitive league. All of our games are neck and neck, as we are currently ranked 11th and anticipate hosting a home tournament game this season,” said Manigan.  “This team works seamlessly together and has incredible leadership from Coach Kim Pellerin and our captains Kelly Leinson and Hayden DiPietro,” Manigan added. 

Additionally, in terms of developing successfully, Manigan said there is a specific fall sports team and athlete to look out for in the near future.  “Keep an eye on our girls soccer team as we move forward into future seasons,” Manigan said.  “This group has really come together this year under the direction and leadership of new head coach, Savannah Amaral. They are most likely tournament bound as well and have a lot of young talent coming up the ranks,” said Manigan. 

“Also, Aidan Connell, a sophomore golfer, placed second in the SCC this year and will compete Monday in the D3 state tournament which he qualified for at sectionals last week,” said Manigan.  “He will most certainly be on the leaderboards for the next couple years!” Manigan added. As a matter of fact, Connell placed 1st place in a D3 state tournament on Monday, October 27th. 

Furthermore, Manigan expressed how crucial the community is for athletics to succeed and allow the student athletes to have as much fun as possible. “The main goal I have is just connecting our community with our athletes: getting more people to come out, watch games, and host more nights that draw in the fans,” said Manigan.  “We had two very successful youth soccer nights on campus this year with our varsity programs and really large themed October pink nights,” said Manigan.

Manigan aims to get the community constantly involved, week-in and week-out through every sport. “Seekonk High school is a fun place to be and our programs are competitive. I’m at every game and very rarely are these competitions not ‘on the edge of your seat’ type of games,” said Manigan.“It’s a lot of great energy, and the more I can do to get more people here to see that, the better!” Manigan added. 

Dighton-Rehoboth High School

In Seekonk’s neighboring district, Dighton-Rehoboth High School, their school also has a proud athletic director. In his second school year as D-R’s athletic director, Matthew McKinnon had plenty of positive things to say about what he’s noticed with the performance and especially the attitudes of their student athletes. “In my 16 months in this district, I have been so thoroughly impressed with all of our teams,” said McKinnon.  “The way they compete, day in and day out— it inspires me. Our teams, and the student athletes that fill those rosters, are some of the finest in the area,” said McKinnon.  

McKinnon mentioned how he’s been positively impacted with everyone involved with the school’s unified program. “I have been so incredibly impressed with our athletes and partners on the Unified Basketball and Unified Track and Field teams,” said McKinnon. “Their competitive spirit, their love for the sport, and most importantly, their compassion and kindness for one another embodies the true essence of interscholastic sport,” said Mckinnon. “The smiles on their faces, along with everyone in attendance, is something that certainly leaves a lasting impression,” McKinnon added. 

McKinnon is confident that the Dighton-Rehoboth athletic program will continue to prosper in the foreseeable future. But he specifically sees a glimpse of something special in the girls basketball team in the years to come, especially with the upcoming talent in the freshmen class for this winter season. “I believe all of our programs are on an upward trajectory. However, I am especially excited to watch the girls basketball program develop in the coming years,” said McKinnon. “We have an extremely talented group of returning players who are hungry for a playoff run, a very talented group of freshmen coming in from Beckwith and Dighton middle schools, and a new Head Coach in Michaela Deady who is ready to lead a new age of D-R Girls Basketball,” said McKinnon. “In addition, we will be exploring the MIAA’s Middle Level Waiver policy for girls basketball which allows 8th graders in-district to participate in high school basketball,” said McKinnon. “Many schools in the area already implement this, and we are excited to explore this fantastic opportunity for girl basketball players in our district,” McKinnon added. 

McKinnon understands there will be plenty of trials and tribulations along the way with continuing to improve the school’s athletic program. But he’s always striving for growth and progression, especially when it comes to building on the engagement of the Dighton-Rehoboth community. “The fantastic thing about athletics is we are always learning, growing, and looking to do better–  Both the student-athletes and coaches,” said McKinnon. “We will continue to strive on the playing surface, but I am excited for our teams to foster relationships outside the walls of the school and engage in more community service projects,” said McKinnon.

Additionally, McKinnon mentioned how the school is continuing to work on upgrading their team uniforms as they enter their second year of their partnership with New Balance.  “So far the girls basketball, softball, and football teams have received stunning new uniforms,” McKinnon said. “Boys basketball will have new uniforms this coming season, and girls lacrosse will be getting new jerseys in the spring,” McKinnon said.  “So far the student athletes have been thrilled with the upgraded uniforms,” McKinnon added. 

Furthermore, D-R’s athletic program is currently searching for assistant coaches for both their girls basketball and indoor track teams. 

With the volleyball season basically over and with just under a month remaining in the entire fall sports season, Seekonk’s best performing team has been the girl’s soccer team, standing currently with a record of 9-6-1. 

Meanwhile, Dighton-Rehoboth boys soccer team has been the school’s best performing team holding a 9-9-1 record. 

Upcoming:

The Seekonk Warriors and Dighton-Rehoboth Falcons will face off against each other for their annual Thanksgiving Day football game to cap off the fall season on Thursday, November 27th. 

Seekonk won last year’s Thanksgiving battle 53-13, while D-R has won the last 13/20 Thanksgiving Day matchups against Seekonk.