The Starting Five: Athletes of the Week

Beckham Alderucci – Newington High School (Soccer): Alderucci scored a pair of goals as Newington boys’ soccer opened the season with a 5-1 win over New Britain at NHS on Sept. 8. The senior’s two goals led an offensive charge, which was aided by goals from Colin Alemany, Sebastian Baez, and Jack Stair. The Nor’easters next welcome Middletown to NHS for a conference tilt this Friday, Sept. 16 for a 3:45 game.    
           
Cam Righi – Wethersfield High School (Football): Righi, the Eagles starting quarterback, led Wethersfield to an upset win, 21-20, at Windsor. The sophomore signal caller completed 64% of his passes and threw a touchdown to Ethan Lemos, while also rushing for 108 yards and scoring twice on the ground. All told, the Eagles gashed Windsor with 228 rushing yards, 120 from junior running back Jova’n Hill. Coming into the game, the Warriors of Windsor were one of the top ranked teams in the state in the state and had beaten the Eagles 20-0 a season ago. Next up for Wethersfield is another road test at Manchester on Friday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.   
           
Brayden Bayek - Rocky Hill High School (Cross Country): Bayek won the Blue Dragon Invitational, hosted by Middletown High School, on Sept. 8 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in New Britain. The senior dominated the field –– finishing the race with a blistering time of 15:11 –– ten seconds faster than runner-up Michael Kraszewski of Old Lyme. The Terriers placed 5th overall thanks to the effort of Bayek and Daniel DiTunno, who finished 12th.  
           
Olivia Lusitani – Cromwell High School (Soccer): Lusitani, a senior, scored both goals as Cromwell opened the season with a 2-1 home victory over Old Lyme on Sept. 8. Both of the Lusitani’s goals were assisted by junior Cam Hickey. The Panthers have back-to-back home games on the horizon, starting with Morgan this Thursday (3:45 p.m.) and then welcoming Coginchaug to CHS on Monday, Sept. 19 at 3:45 p.m.   
           
​Marshall Butler – Middletown High School (Soccer): Butler scored two goals and dished out an assist as Middletown opened the season by blanking Bristol Central 3-0 on Sept. 8. The senior captain provided a bulk of the offense for the Blue Dragons, who also got contributions from sophomore Andrew Lazich (goal and an assist) and Nick Edwards (assist).