November 1, 2023 By Kristin O’Brien
On Sunday October 29th, 5th graders from across the town came together for a pep rally to support the 5th grade Hingham Raiders football team for their final regular season game. The idea for the pep rally was born from the 5th grade committees from all four elementary schools working together to create opportunities to bring the kids together before they head off to the middle school next year. Kristan Khtikian, co-chair of the 5 th Grade Committee for PRS, said “5th grade is such a special and memorable time for the kids. We were – and continue to be – excited to bring the schools together so that everyone can have not only the best year but also get acquainted with one another ahead of middle school.” One of the special things about Hingham Youth Football is that there is only one team for the entire grade across the town. The committee thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bring together a cheering section made up of the collective 5th grade.
The kids were encouraged to show up in Hingham colors to cheer for the game, and there was face-painting and a designated student-section, just like for the high school games. In addition to just promoting town pride, the 5th grade committees decided they wanted to add a community- service element to the pep rally, so they sold pom-poms with all proceeds being donated to Adelia, the 3rd grade student at South currently battling cancer.
Despite the rainy and cold weather, students filled the stands to cheer on the 5th grade Raiders in the game that would decide if they finished their regular season with an undefeated record against a team that was considered to be their toughest match-up yet.
The Raiders marched down the field on their first drive with impressive runs by Keaton Miles & Keane Holmgren behind the blocking of Teddy Hart, Robert Stevens, Jack Radulski, Patrick Jaboin and Caleb Post. Preston Garrity took the QB keeper in for the team’s first TD and then also scored a PAT.
After a 50 yard TD run by Keane Holmgren got called back just before the end of the 1st half, Keaton Miles took the first play of the 2nd half the distance for a 65 yard TD run. Preston Garrity connected with a pass to William Fideli for the PAT.
The Raider’s defense put the game away with a Keaton Miles fumble recovery in the end zone for a TD and then Dylan Tomasello converted the PAT with a strong run. It was a true team effort with kids making plays on both sides of the ball.
The 5th Grade Hingham Raiders ended the regular season with an impressive record of 8-0, having only let up three touchdowns all season. The team, lead by head coach Brian Tomasello, along with assistant coaches Gregg Miles, Matt Hart, Zack Wadleigh, Bill Ramsey, Bill Fideli, and Rich Radulski, are currently the first seed for their division and have secured a bye for the first week of the playoffs. They return to the field on November 12th to fight for their spot in the Superbowl.