The Hillers work on their form during a preseason practice. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hopkinton High School football coach Mark Sanborn told his team during the first meeting of the season that he wanted three traits to define the 2024 Hillers this fall: physicality, discipline and sacrifice.

“Those are the three pillars I communicated to them,” Sanborn said. “I think last year we were in some games where the other team was more physical, so we are wanting to build that in this year so the players know what to expect.”

Sanborn said he was pleased with the physical nature of his team’s play during the preseason scrimmages. He’s also looking for players who carry out their assignments on a regular basis and who will put the team ahead of themselves.

“Those are three big things we are focusing on this season,” the coach said.

The Hillers will need all three to navigate a tough non-league schedule and the ultra-competitive Tri-Valley League. After kicking off the season with the annual opener against Wayland, the Hillers take on Medfield, Newton South and St. John’s of Shrewsbury to round out non-TVL Large play. Sanborn said things will not get easier once the league schedule begins.

“I think the TVL is going to be extremely competitive this year, there are a lot of good teams,” he said.

Success on the field will start with Hopkinton’s quartet of captains.

“Since day one of the offseason, they have been walking the walk,” Sanborn said. “They all saw ample time last year on both sides of the ball, and we are really going to rely on them this season.”

Julian Rivard returns after gaining a year of experience at quarterback last fall. Danny Boulos will play running back and outside linebacker, and Sean Baker and Jacob Desilets will see time on both the offensive and defensive lines.

“I think they have the ability to be two of the top linemen in the league,” Sanborn said.

Hopkinton also returns its top wideout from last season in senior Nick Pedroli. Quinn Keeler, another senior, started at linebacker in 2023 and expects to again this year. Senior Evan Fitzpatrick returns to the defensive line, while fellow seniors Matt Bernardin and Reese Goldweber were starters on defense last year and are expected to contribute significantly on both defense and offense this fall.

In addition to the group of seniors, Sanborn said he expects Hopkinton to rely heavily on its sizable junior class, many of whom had the chance to play together and gain experience on the junior varsity squad last fall.

“We are looking for them to step into big roles this season,” he said. “We have a smaller senior class, but a really good quality group of juniors who we hope will take that next step and fill in the holes as needed.”