The high school fall sports season is underway with teams practicing this week and games less than two weeks away. Here is a quick look at Johnston’s teams heading into the 2024 season.
FOOTBALL
Last year’s finish: 6-1 (Fell in semifinals)
Key returners: Matt Clements, Dean Paris, Michael Abbruzzi
Key losses: NeAri Vasquez, Mike Carlino, Alex Fedorchuk, Steven Finegan, Jahaziel Rodriguez
Outlook: The Panthers fell to eventual champ Middletown in heartbreaking fashion in last year’s Division III semifinals, with the Islanders getting the win in a late fourth-quarter drive. Johnston’s offense proved to be among the elite last season with the emergence of quarterback Matt Clements and the versatility of guys like NeAri Vasquez, Mike Carlino and Steven Finegan. Although those three pieces have graduated, Clements enters his senior year and second season under offensive coordinator Tom Centore, whose system elevated the unit to new heights last fall. Dean Paris, who was an all-division player on the defense, will be relied on to keep that side of the ball afloat as the Panthers look to make another run in a newly-aligned division.
BOYS SOCCER
Last year’s finish: 1-15 (Missed playoffs)
Key returners: Sebastian Saucedo, Miguel Santamaria
Key losses: Logan Brennan
Outlook: The Johnston program has been building from the ground up the past few seasons and took its lumps last year. The good news for the Panthers, is that nearly its entire lineup returns in 2024 as they look to take a step forward with experience. The team said bye to senior captain Logan Brennan, but returns all-division standouts Sebastian Saucedo and Miguel Santamaria. The team will still be relying on underclassmen to fill out the majority of the lineup, but the Panthers have a chance to improve in their second year under coach Yevgen Fedorchuk.
GIRLS SOCCER
Last year’s finish: 12-2-1 (Fell in DIV championship)
Key returners: Olivia Iafrate, Ashley Lainez
Key losses: Kaylee Poole, Alexia DiLorenzo, Ava Waterman, Gianna Halliwell, Karen Lastor
Outlook: The Panthers entered last year’s postseason as the favorite to win the DIV title, but would be upset by Rogers in the title clash. Johnston faces an uphill climb as it looks to get back into the championship mix, graduating nine seniors from last year’s group including leading scorers Kaylee Poole and Alexia DiLorenzo, along with starting keeper Ava Waterman. Olivia Iafrate and Ashley Lainez earned some experience last season along with a few other returners, but Johnston will need some new faces to emerge to get back in the playoff hunt.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Last year’s finish: 1-15 (Missed playoffs)
Key returners: Noelle Patenaude, Nicole Patenaude
Key losses: Gisselly Nunez, Samantha Marcotte
Outlook: Last season was a rebuilding year for the Panthers in their final campaign under longtime coach Greta Lalli. Now, with Noelle and Nicole Patenaude firmly in control, and with a new coaching staff, the Panthers will be looking to improve and compete for a playoff berth in Division III.
GIRLS TENNIS
Last year’s finish: 5-9 (Missed playoffs)
Key returners: Lauren Dixon
Key losses: Hannah Lavergne, Alessandra Pesare, Riley Guenette
Outlook: The Panthers took a step forward last season and narrowly missed a playoff berth as they continue to rebuild their program. Top singles players Hannah Lavergne and Alessandra Pasare graduated, along with top doubles player Riley Guenette, but Lauren Dixon thrived at third singles and figures to be competitive in the top spot this season. Johnston will need some new faces to fill out the lineup behind Dixon to compete for a playoff spot.
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