We are proud. We are Hall High boys' fall sports.

FOOTBALL
By Tom Scully

    In recent years, going to see a Hall football game was like witnessing a prizefight between Mike Tyson and Screech from Saved by the Bell. However, this analogy no longer applies to Hall football, which enjoys a one-game winning streak entering the 2002 season. Last year, the football team finished with a record of 2-8 and lost only two key players to graduation, captains Jimmy Sherman and Brett Pasternak.

    This year’s team has 15 returning seniors, three of whom earned All-Conference recognition last season.
Led by senior captains Lou M., Drew S. and third-year starting quarterback Zared Shai, this year’s team is looking to earn the respect of its school and conference.

    The team’s attitude has been extremely positive, as this senior class has been referred to as the “saviors” of the Hall football program. The goals for their season are to finish with a record above .500 and to defeat cross–town rival Conard for the second straight season.

    Tom’s Take – In order for Hall to be successful, they must solidify their defense, which allowed astronomical point totals last season. Key games for them will be against Newington, Wethersfield, and rival Conard. Hall is a veteran team, which must have less dependence on the running game, and greater diversity in play-calling to be successful this season. Projected record: 5-5.

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
By Jason Klein

    The Warriors will have a tough time matching last year’s team, which went nearly undefeated and ended their season a remarkable 17-1.  Although track stars Nate Rosenthal, Boyce Upholt, Dan Wilson and Dan Walsh have graduated,

Photo/Zak Shapiro

Boys’ cross country runs circles around the track during a recent practice.

this year’s team still has a lot of firepower.  Senior captains Teddy Stevenson, Colin Carroll, and Chris F. anchor the team.  Seniors Coby M., Greg O. and junior Chris M. will also be key contributors. 

    The boys’ cross country team, under coach Tom Butterfield’s tenure, has been a fixture in the state tournament. This year’s team looks to continue this tradition, and add another chapter to this remarkable history.

    Tom’s Take – Despite heavy losses to graduation, look for this year’s team to carry the torch with sportsmanship and success. Butterfield is perhaps the greatest and most respected coach in the history of Hall. His lead-by-example attitude is likely to inspire his key runners to step up and accept the challenge.

    This ability will be extremely important given the relative inexperience of this year’s team. Look for them to finish strong in the conference and make headway in the tournament. How quickly this team matures will make all the difference. Projected Record: 17-1.

BOYS' SOCCER
By Lyuba Gitman

There is a promising future for this season’s varsity boys’ soccer team, despite the loss of graduates Andrew Mahon, Phil Johnson, and Spencer Peterson. But key players, such as senior captains Chad W., Drew S.,

Photo/Zak Shapiro

Seniors Will C. and Chad W. assist Hall’s defense against an opponent’s advance.

seniors Matt A. and Jon T., and juniors Alex L. and Justin G. return to lead the Warriors as they take the field against some of the toughest competition in the state.

Key games for the team this fall include five games against perennial powerhouses Glastonbury, Simsbury, and Man-chester, and two against cross-town rivals Conard.  The 2002 season opened yesterday against East Hartford. The next home game is Friday, Sept. 13 against Bloomfield at 3:30.

Tom’s Take – 2001 was a rebuilding year for boys’ soccer. Returning in 2002 as a stronger, smarter and more experienced team, boys’ soccer stands an excellent chance of reviving the success of the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Execution on offense and consistency in goal will be the keys to victory if Hall wants to emulate the achievements of years past. How well goakeeper Lopez adjusts in his junior year will greatly affect the team’s success. Projected Record: 12-4.