October 5, 2026 By David Wolcott (Images By Josh Ross)
This was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Hingham football team after losing five Patriot League All-Stars and nine starters on both sides of the football from last season’s outstanding squad.
Rebuilding? More like retooling.
Last season’s young sophomores have returned as experienced juniors to give the Harbormen an impressive 28-7 Homecoming victory over Plymouth North.
“We’ve improved week to week by taking some huge steps forward on both sides of the football and on special teams,” said Head Coach T. J. Byrne. “Everyone came into the season ready to work and try to repeat our success of last season.”
At the top of an impressive list of performers this season has been junior running back Justin Kosierowski. He’s scored nine touchdowns this season, including three against Hanover and four to go along with 223 rushing yards against West Springfield.
Kosierowski was off to a great start against Plymouth North with a touchdown on the opening drive before exiting late in the first quarter with an injury.
A pleasant surprise so far has been the play of new starting QB Liam Merrigan. He got the nod over senior captain Peter Ford to take over for Class of 2026 graduate Jake Varholak and has shown off a nice passing arm and the football IQ to take off on the run when an opportunity presents itself.
“Liam is pretty composed back there. He knows the offense and has played better every game in knowing when to stay in the pocket or when to run the football,” said Byrne.
Senior captain Riley Bello breaks down the sideline for a touchdown to put the game away in Hingham’s big win.
The top-level play of senior captain Cole Palek is not a shock to anyone. The Blue Eagles had no answer for the Harvard-bound linebacker, who finished with 11 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
The added bonus has been Palek’s contributions so far on offense and special teams. He’s become a reliable receiver for Merrigan and ran a kickoff back 84 yards earlier this season.
Kosierowski, Merrigan, and senior captain Riley Bello (50 yards) all ran for touchdowns Friday night. Merrigan also connected with senior Ryan Kennedy on a 20-yard touchdown pass.
Plymouth North’s touchdown came on a scoop-and-score fumble recovery by Xavian Ramos.
Expect the most focused week of practice coming up. It’s Duxbury week, and the Harbormen will have to be at their best to take down the Dragons at their place this Friday at 7 p.m.
“There’ll be a little more of a charge this week,” said Byrne. “We’ll need to be at our best this game. The defense is top-notch, and they have athletes all over the football field. I think we are evenly matched. It’s going to be a fun game.”
