Season preview: Battle royale unfolding for Division 1 league crown

The Merrimack Valley Conference golf title chase in both divisions will take on a new shape in 2026 with the adoption of medal play scoring for league matches.

“The big news is the format change for our league,” said Kevin Murphy, the 28-year head coach of the Haverhill Hillies. “In my opinion, moving to medal play is long overdue, and it will make the kids better players in the long run.”

Medal, or stroke, team play will feature the best six of eight scores over nine holes being added together. The lowest combined team score will be deemed the match winner.

“As always,” said Tewksbury head coach Jim Sullivan, entering his 19^th season directing the defending MVC 2 champion Redmen, “the league will be extremely competitive in both the MVC 1 and 2 divisions.”

The race in MVC Division 1 is shaping up to be a five-way battle between Andover, Billerica, Central Catholic, Chelmsford and North Andover. The 16-time league champion Golden Warriors were dethroned last fall by a talented Central Catholic club led by graduated co-division Player of the Year Harry Garland.

“The MVC over the last few years has had great parity with a handful of teams who can beat one another on any given day,” said Central Catholic head coach Eric Boucher, entering his 16^th season at the helm. “It’s going to be the team who can keep their focus and grind out matches who will end up on top.

“As we move to stroke play, it will be interesting to see how that plays out and allows the top golfers to separate themselves,” added Boucher, whose Raiders were the lone MVC squad to qualify as a team for the 2025 state tournament.

A favorite by many to emerge atop the MVC 1 fray is Billerica, who surprised everyone with its surge at the end of last season, capturing the MVC championship match team title. The Indians edged out Andover by two strokes in the league finale at Long Meadow Golf Club behind a trio top-five finishers in 2026 returning seniors Jake Cataldo, Colin Kennedy and Robby Marrigan.

“We’re a tight-knit group who all root for each other and make each other better,” said Joel Jenkins, the 22-year Indians head coach, who, despite his colleagues’ acclaims, believes Andover and Central are still the teams to beat in Division 1. “But, as always, the league is strong from top to bottom.”

Andover coach Jack Sheridan admits his Golden Warriors are more than motivated to reclaim the league crown.

“Our expectation is to compete for the MVC title this year,” Sheridan said. “There are some competitive individual players in the MVC this year that will push our top players, but we believe we are the deepest and most experienced team out there.”

In MVC 2 action, Lowell may hold the edge over defending champion Tewksbury, who was the lone squad above .500 last fall in the division, thanks to the Red Raiders returning the reigning Division 2 Player of the Year, senior Matt Casey.

“I would hope that we would compete as we do each year,” said Sullivan, whose Redmen squad graduated six seniors in June. “But going in, I would have to say that Lowell is probably the favorite as they have the most returners on that side and have players at the top returning.”

ANDOVER

2025 team record: 10-2-1 (2^nd MVC 1); 11-2-1 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: 3^rd Division 1 North section; 8^th Division 1 state championship

Returning starters: Lucas Jenney, sr., capt.; Vincent Giaimo, sr., capt.; James Dunham, sr., capt.; Rob Linehan, sr., capt.; Michael Vives, sr.; Brendan Cote, sr.; Ethan Jones, jr.
Promising newcomers: Chase Thomas, soph.; Colin Humberd, fr.

Head coach: Jack Sheridan (2^nd season)

Team outlook: “We return an experienced lineup led by second-year captain Lucas Jenney. Jenney’s play speaks for itself, but his leadership gives our entire team confidence,” Sheridan said. “Vincent Giaimo and James Dunham return as our second and third starters, who are capable of medaling in any match. These top three spots in our lineup should rival some of the best in the state.

“Our roster is anchored by Rob Linehan, who is a consistent threat on the course. Our remaining seniors, Michael Vives and Brendan Cote, have slotted into reliable, full-time starting roles with ease this year.

“Ethan Jones started as a sophomore and comes back stronger as a junior this year to give our lineup a real knockout punch. Chase Thomas is a promising prospect, earning a starting role as a sophomore.

“Not only is our starting lineup experienced, but we are deep with reserves. Any of the remaining players on our roster would be able to slot into a starting spot and compete for top scores on any given day.

“We are confident that our players have the skill and experience to put up numbers that should be able to achieve our goal of an MVC title.”

Worth noting: Jenney carded an impressive 5-under 31 at Indian Ridge Country Club during a head-to-head late regular-season round against Central Catholic star Harry Garland to win the match, 1-up. Jenney birdied the seventh, eighth and nineth holes to secure the back-and-forth showdown.

BILLERICA

2025 team record: 9-5-0 (4^th MVC 1); 13-7-0 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: 3^rd Division 2 North sectional; 7^th Division 2 state championship

Returning starters: Jake Cataldo, sr., capt.; Colin Kennedy, sr., capt.; Justin Pappalardo, sr., capt.; Jason Giordano, sr., capt.; Robby Marrigan, sr.; Guy Lombardo, sr.; Caleb Silverstein, sr.; Logan Sheahan, sr.; Cam Smith, sr.; Zac Normant, sr.; Ryan Quin, jr.; Andrew Quin, jr.; Cameron Smith, jr.; Logan Murphy, jr.; Joe Gallagher, jr.; Liam O’Boyle, jr.; Liam Anderson, jr.; Michael Pappalardo, soph.; Jack Egan, fr.; Ben Shannon, fr.
Promising newcomers: Zachary Ward, soph.; Finn Tremblay, soph.; Jackson Grizzle, 8^th; Jack Griffin, 8^th

Head coach: Joel Jenkins (22^nd season)

Team outlook: “We are a veteran team with a lot of leadership, which should make us focused on our goals. I’m looking to enjoy this senior class for one last season.”

Worth noting: Jenkins is the 13-year head PGA professional at Mount Pleasant Golf Club, the home course for Lowell High.

CENTRAL CATHOLIC

2025 team record: 12-1-1 (1^st MVC 1); 12-2-1 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: 5^th Division 1 North sectional; 11^th Division 1 state championship

Returning starters: Domenic Santo, sr.; Evan Smith, sr.; Logan Haley, sr.; Ryan Bergeron, jr.

Promising newcomers: Cameron Smerdon, fr.

Head coach: Eric Boucher (16^th season)

Team outlook: “This year’s team is a motivated group of players, many of whom have been waiting their turn behind the previous year’s seniors,” Boucher said. “Our team’s strength is its depth, and we have many kids who are going to get a chance to show the hard work they have been putting in during the off season.”

Worth noting: Last year’s senior captain and MVC 1 co-Player of the Year, Harry Garland, is now playing golf for NCAA Division III Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C.

CHELMSFORD

2025 team record: 10-3-0 (3^rd MVC 1)
2025 postseason/state tourney results: 11^th Division 1 Central sectional

Returning starters: Jake Damiani-Lessard, sr., capt.; Aidan Kenney, sr., capt.; Ryan Keyo, sr., capt.; Grady Spiller, jr.; Sam Stagnone, soph.; Kyle Plaisted, soph.
Promising newcomers: Lewis Gorgenyi, sr.; Jake Fazio, jr.; Danny Woo, jr.; Conor Melville, jr.; Cam Panzeri, jr.; Brady Scomis, jr.; Will Lacava, soph.; Konstantinos Koaramanolis, soph.; Nick Pestana, soph.; John Poor, soph.; Jack Pappo, soph.; Carter Jensen, soph.; Matthew Cowell, soph.

Head coach: Keith Stone (13^th season)

Team outlook:  “We lost three excellent golfers,” Stone said, “and it is impossible to replace Jacob Carlson, who was the best player to play for Chelmsford High School in the time I have been involved with the program.

“That being said, we just concluded tryouts and it was the deepest talent pool that I have experienced. We have a lot of depth, and many of the players will have to play their very best to crack the lineup.

“The hardest part of my job will be deciding the eight players to play in each match. Many days, we have six to 10 players who all tie with the same score.

“I think the MVC 1 will be very competitive this season and we are excited to see how we stack up against the other teams in our league.”

Worth noting: Carlson, a two-time MVC 1 Player of the Year selection, is now playing collegiately for NCAA Division III Eastern Connecticut University. He left an indelible mark on the Country Club of Billerica in his final MVC season, firing a high school course-record 6-under 29 last October.

DRACUT

2025 team record: 3-9 (3^rd MVC 2); 5-9 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: Did not qualify

Returning starters: Braydon Cheetham, sr., capt.; Will Bicknell, sr., capt.; Jimmy O’Brien, soph.; Joe Salvo, soph.; Jake Vigeant, soph.
Promising newcomers: Beau Blakley, sr.; George Grillakis, jr.; Andrew Baia, soph.; Rafe Morin, soph.; Caiden Bogle, fr.; Jaxson Dares, fr.; Ronnie Favreau, fr.; Dylan McCoy, fr.

Head coach: Eric Karpinski (3^rd season)

Team outlook: “We have a great balance of varsity experience and newcomers ready to break into the lineup,” Karpinski said. “Half of our team is new to Dracut High golf, and most of our team is comprised of freshman and sophomores, leading us to be excited for a bright future for our program.”

Worth noting: The Middies are looking to replace 2025 seniors Charlie Wilkie and Ryan Cole, who both qualified for the individual state sectionals last fall.

HAVERHILL

2025 team record: 5-8-0 (6th MVC Div. 1); 7-8-0 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: Did not qualify

Returning starters: Matt Baker, sr.; Alec Simoneau, sr.; Brady Bergeron, jr.; Teddy Kempinski, soph.
Promising newcomers: Evan Osgood, Fr.

Head coach: Kevin Murphy (28^th season)

Team outlook: “We graduated the league MVP last year, so a lot to replace,” said Murphy, referring to 2025 MVC 1 Player of the Year Tommy Murphy. “But this team’s strength is our depth. We have a large group of seniors who could all contribute.

“Matt Baker was our No. 2 last season, and he improved a lot this summer. The kids are competing every day for the top eight spots, and the lineup is wide open.”

Worth noting:  Last season’s co-MVC 1 Player of the Year, Tommy Murphy, is the son of coach Murphy and just the latest generation of the legendary golfing family in the Merrimack Valley. Coach Murphy, who owns and operates Bradford Country Club with his wife, Kristin, is also the head PGA professional at the Haverhill facility.

LOWELL

2025 team record: 2-9 (2^nd MVC 2); 7-9 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: Did not qualify

Returning starters: Matt Casey, sr.; Danny Gleason, sr.; Brodie Anderson, jr.; Michael Rillovick, jr.; Michael Casey, jr., Beckett Atamian, soph.
Promising newcomers: William Sousa, sr.; Alex Pheng, jr.; Connor Stevens, jr.; Thomas Peters, jr.; Brody Chagnon, jr.; Conor MacNamara, soph.; Luke Floor, soph.; August Touch, soph.; Gavin Ferreria, soph.; Brennan Abrams, soph.; Matthew Chase, fr.; Tyler Durkin, fr.; Chaplin Hour, fr.; Jackson Gleason, fr.

Head coach: Brian Barry (9^th season)

Team outlook: “We have a solid top six with varsity experience,” Barry said. “After that, we have a number of kids capable of getting into the seven and eight spots. Hopefully a couple of kids step up and seize the opportunity.

“We hope to be very competitive in the MVC 2 and qualify for the sectional tournament as a team.  As always, the more the kids put into it, the more they will get out of it.”

Worth noting: The Red Raiders last qualified for the MIAA Division 1 North sectional tournament in 2024.

METHUEN

2025 team record: 0-12-0 (MVC Div. 2); 1-14-0 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: Did not qualify

Returning starters: Mike Yirrell, sr.; Colin Comeau, sr.; Sean Wall, sr.; Dylan Anderson, jr.; Trey Sweder, jr.; Zack Herland, jr.
Promising newcomers: Mike Nakhoul, sr.; Carter Duffy, sr.; Brayden Prokop, sr.; Joey Miller, sr.; Dante Apperti, sr.

Head coach: Bill Blackwell

Team outlook: “With all the experience coming back,” Blackwell said, “we are hoping to improve on last year’s record of 1-14 and winless in the MVC.”

NORTH ANDOVER

2025 team record: 5-7-2 (5^th MVC 1); 5-7-2 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: Did not qualify

Returning starters: Tyler Fawaz, sr.; Ben Sullivan-Lattuga, sr.; Cooper Griffin, jr.; Cash Griffin, jr.; Dan Cheslofska, jr.; Logan Fawaz, jr.
Promising newcomers: Griffin Carter, fr.; Alex Worden, fr.

Head coach: Matt Lombard (5^th season)

Team outlook: “I am excited and optimistic for the upcoming season,” Lombard said. “We have great leadership at the top of our roster with captains Tyler Fawaz and Ben-Sullivan Lattuga along with a lot of young players with potential. Most importantly, we have a great group of kids who (assistant coach) Rob Neaton and I look forward to working with.

“As always, there are a lot of great teams and players in the MVC.  It has been a joy to watch the league’s current senior class grow over the last four years.  In our division, I believe Billerica and Andover are the teams to beat.”

Worth noting: Senior captain Tyler Fawaz recently committed to playing collegiately at Trinity College.

TEWKSBURY

2025 team record: 6-0-0 (1^st MVC Div. 2); 7-6-0 overall
2025 postseason/state tourney results: 2^nd Division 3 North sectionals; 6^th Division 3 state championship

Returning starters: Evan Muir, jr.; capt.; Lincoln Crane, sr.; Nathan Wiggin, jr.; Nico Auriti, jr.; Grady Claycomb, soph.
Promising newcomers: James Kennan, sr.; John Pasquariello, sr.; Justin Plamondon, jr.; Lance Mclean, soph.; Nate Panagiotopoulos, fr.

Head coach: Jim Sullivan (19^th season)

Team outlook: “With the graduation of six players who were in the lineup every match last season, combined with the change in format this season, it will be a young and inexperienced group this year,” Sullivan said.

“We’ll be led by junior captain Evan Muir, who played in the No. 3 spot in every match for us last year but one. Our returners and newcomers will work to step in and contribute while learning on the fly. It’s going to be a learning and developing season for us, and one in which we’re going to have players competing every day in practice to get into the match lineup.

“In MVC 2, we’ll compete as we usually do. But on the MVC 1 side, it’s going to be a battle royale up there between traditional Andover, Billerica, Chelmsford, Central Catholic, and North Andover. Andover, Billerica, and Central Catholic probably return the most experience. If you made me pick a team, I would go with Billerica.”

Worth noting: During the summer, Muir won the Nabnasset Lake Country Club junior championship in Westford and finished tied for second in the Lowell Junior City Golf Tournament.