Romano Honored
Former Methuen High Eagle-Tribune All-Star Anthony Romano added another honor to his stellar college football career, earning Hobart College defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.
As a junior in the fall, the linebacker led Hobart in total tackles (80), solo tackles (34), tackles for loss (seven) and sacks (3.5). He also made an interception, which he returned 43 yards, had a forced fumble and three quarterback hurries, helping lead the Statesmen to an 8-3 record and a trip to the ECAC Clayton Chapman Bowl. He has twice been named All-Liberty League. For his three-year career at Hobart, Romano has made 189 tackles, 90 solo, with 20 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Hnat goes prep
Andover High’s Brian Hnat, an Eagle-Tribune All-Star receiver/defensive back, will continue his athletic career with a postgraduate year at Avon Old Farm, he recently announced.
In the fall he caught 40 passes for 619 yards and 10 touchdowns and made 58 tackles, 40 solo, and seven interceptions. In the winter, he was a key contributor for the MVC Division 1 champion Golden Warrior basketball team.
Lawrence’s big spring
Former North Andover High standout A.J. Lawrence was named defensive Player of the Day for Endicott College football spring practice on Thursday.
Lawrence is heading into his junior season for the Gulls. He was listed as a receiver on the 2023 roster, appearing in seven games and catching six passes for 10 yards. He’s now listed as a defensive back, which he also played at North Andover.
MVC Power
If ever there was a doubt about the track talent in the Merrimack Valley Conference, check this out. Former Tewksbury High star Makayla Paige set the University of North Carolina school record in the 800-meter with a 2:00.97. That broke a 21-year-old Tar Heels record.
Captains Corner
The high school sports spring season is well underway, and we at The Eagle-Tribune want to honor the area’s high school captains as part of our Captains Corner series. Coaches — or parents or the athletes themselves — who would like their captains featured are welcome to submit a photo to dwillis@eagletribune.com. Photos should have all captains featured and ideally in uniform.
One Final Thought
As Michael Muldoon used to say, “If you can bring a smile to someone’s face today, just do it!
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