Waltham High School football team readying for the 2025 slate

Football is in the air, and the Waltham High School football team is preparing to make strides this fall.

After a 3-5 campaign in 2024, the Hawks are reenergized heading into the new school year.

“You are excited to go into every season because the offseason feels so long,” head coach Sean Brackett said. “We have had a great offseason, though, and our numbers have been up across the board for our workouts in the summer. I am just chomping at the bit to get to our practices, get the pads on our kids and see who has shone throughout the offseason. We will see if those steps forward can translate to the field, which we always hope.”

Waltham is returning about a dozen players who received meaningful playing time a year ago. Brackett is looking to see who can emerge elsewhere and has seen flashes of brilliance from multiple former junior varsity contributors during the preseason workouts.

“It is all well and good when you are in shorts and a T-shirt,” Brackett said. “Once you put the pads on, you learn if a kid can really play. Looking forward to that, going out there and competing every day in practice, winning some games and hopefully competing for a DCL championship.”

A good number of the Hawks’ seniors have received snaps at the varsity level since their freshman and sophomore seasons. The Class of 2026 will look to make lasting memories in their final opportunities to play at Leary Field. Among those who hope to make an impact this year are middle linebacker/running back Wes O’Connor; defensive back/wide receiver Jaden Ssenfuma; lineman and returning captain Colin O’Brien; and fellow linemen James Agostino and Brayden Bross.

“It is their last chance at the high school level to show what they got, have another step forward and win some games,” Brackett said.

On the offensive line, a mix of five players will be competing in training camp for the final two starting spots alongside O’Brien, Agostino and Bross.

“We have a lot of depth, which is always good throughout the long season and in the competition for jobs,” Brackett said.

Junior Austin Lucente will look to provide the Hawks with a spark at the running back spot, while Bobby Mendez plans on evolving as a slot receiver.

“Austin is a very explosive kid who is super fast,” Brackett said. “He is very bought in. Bobby is our Mr. Do-It-All, who plays all over the field. He is going to have a very good year for us, too.”

Waltham will begin the regular season against Belmont High School on Sept. 4.

“We know the coaching staff and that team very well, being right down the road,” Brackett said. “It is important for us, as we want to get some wins under our belt before we get into league play. Belmont is going to be a tough team, as is Newton North and Winchester. There are no easy wins on the schedule, and it will test us each week. I am looking forward to seeing how we respond.”

The Hawks plan to scrimmage both Buckingham Browne & Nichols and Watertown High School in the preseason.

“We are going to see who rises to the occasion, who wants to compete and play hard,” Brackett said. “We just want to get better every day. It is about how you improve throughout the course of the season.”