Millis, Mass. – Millis High School announced Thursday that its scheduled football matchup against Bellingham will not be played. The decision follows a spate of injuries that left the team with only about 15 players able to suit up, well below the number needed for a safe contest.
Injuries pile up
Superintendent Bob Mullaney said the team suffered seven injuries in its most recent game, dropping the roster to roughly 15 healthy athletes. “We just don’t have enough players,” Mullaney explained. “Our last game last Thursday, we had seven kids injured, so that brought our numbers down to 15 going into this Thursday, and we just can’t safely put a team on the field.”
Among those sidelined is junior Jayden Montaro, who is recovering from torn ACL and MCL injuries sustained during preseason. Montaro now walks on crutches and faces a long rehabilitation process before he can return to the field.
Players and families react
Senior linebacker Matty Noonan described the growing injury problem as “getting worse every year.” He added, “We’re all kind of bummed we’re missing a game, but I think it’s the best, just for the health of the team.” Noonan’s mother, Jen Noonan, echoed the disappointment, noting that six kids were injured in the last game alone. “The kids get really psyched up for their games, and then last minute, they’re getting canceled,” she said. “The injuries are super scary.”
Co‑op partnership offers a lifeline
Millis has partnered with Norfolk County Agricultural High School in a co‑op arrangement that combines students from both schools to field a single team. Mullaney said the partnership is essential for preserving the program’s future. “Well, it is tough. The numbers are declining, obviously,” he said. “This year, fortunately, we have our co‑op with Norfolk Aggie.”
While the co‑op brings new teammates, it also adds an adjustment period. Noonan noted, “The hardest part is probably all the injuries, and the other hardest part was getting to know all the new Aggie kids on the team because of the co‑op.”
Tradition under pressure
Millis boasts a proud football tradition, having claimed five Super Bowl championships at the high‑school level. Mullaney emphasized the community’s desire to keep that legacy alive. “Millis has a proud football tradition. The school has won five Super Bowls,” he said. “It’s really a big part of our community, and it’s something we really want to keep, and we hope that the co‑op situation is going to help us do that.”
Despite the setback, Noonan’s senior season still includes highlights. He was recently named a Boston Globe player of the week, a recognition his mother said made her proud.
Broader trend in New England
Mullaney warned that Millis is not alone; declining participation and rising injury rates are forcing schools across New England to explore new models to keep football programs viable. The district’s experience underscores a growing challenge for high‑school athletics as families weigh the risks of contact sports against the benefits of team camaraderie.
For now, Millis players will focus on recovery and preparation for the remainder of the season, hoping the co‑op partnership will provide enough depth to field a full squad in future contests.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
