The Starting Five: Local Athletes of the Week

​Matt Pepe: Cromwell (Football): Pepe connected on a field goal in the third quarter, which ended up being the game’s only points in a 3-0 victory over 2018 Class S runner-up Haddam-Killingworth. Along with handling the kicking duties, the junior will also be a go-to wide receiver and defensive back this fall.

Matt Silver: Wethersfield (Football): Silver tossed a pair of touchdowns, both to Connor Pace, and added two more scores on the ground as Wethersfield cruised to a 49-0 victory over Hartford Public in Matt McKinnon’s debut at head coach. The senior signal caller completed 8 of 11 passes and finished with 121 rushing yard in the season opener.   

Shaun Gaskins: Middletown (Football): Gaskins dominated on both sides of the ball in Middletown’s season-opening 35-7 victory over Bristol Eastern. The sophomore running back/linebacker registered 104 total yards and a rushing touchdown, along with six tackles, a sack, and an interception on defense.

Madison Massaro-Cook: Newington (Volleyball): Massaro-Cook had a terrific start to the season as Newington earned consecutive wins over Berlin and Tolland last Thursday and Friday night. The junior totaled 22 kills and 24 digs in the two wins, adding three aces in the victory over Berlin. 

Maiya Martin: Rocky Hill (Volleyball): Martin had a team-high seven assists and added an ace in Rocky Hill’s season opening loss to E.O. Smith. The sophomore setter will be one of the key pieces for a Terriers team that aims for a second straight tourney appearance this fall.