Scarlet Hawks win it all third time in four years

By Chris Villani

After the Milford High School wrestling team put together back-to-back state title performances in 2022 and 2023, MHS suffered a setback a season ago when it came up just a point-and-a-half short to Minnechaug in the Division II meet.

This season, the Scarlet Hawks left no doubt. Head Coach P.J. Boccia’s team finished a full 23.5 points clear of second-place Bridgewater-Raynham and captured its third state championship in the past four years.

During the recent competition in Salem, Milford had seven wrestlers compete for individual state titles and three of them emerged victorious. Seniors Aidan Baum and Michael Boulanger took home championships in the 144 and 157-pound divisions, respectively. Junior Derek Marcolini finished first in the 126-pound division.

“This is one of the best teams to compete at MHS,” Boccia said. “Seven wrestlers made it to the state finals and three repeated as state champions.”

But team state titles are also about securing points by those who don’t quite get to the top of the podium. The Scarlet Hawks had four runner-up performances with Brayden Boccia, Josiah Carney, Luke Donis, and Ryan Flis all taking home second-place in their respective brackets.

After winning the divisional state crown, Milford continued its strong season at the Massachusetts All-State tournament. Baum and Boulanger again finished first, and Boccia and Marcolini earned fourth-place finishes in the competition that blends all divisions to determine the very best wrestlers in the state. Milford placed third as a team. 

The Scarlet Hawks also had two girls stand out in their all-state matches. Amelia Hough finished third in her bracket, and Cloe Boccia placed sixth.

Prior to capturing the state championship, Milford earned its fourth straight Division II sectional title with a performance that was nothing short of dominant. Seven Milford wrestlers won individual sectional titles, and the Hawks added a second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth-place finish en route to the title. Milford also easily captured the Hockomock League championship, with six wrestlers earning individual league championships along the way.

Both Baum and Boulanger are set to continue their wrestling careers at the collegiate level next season. Baum has committed to wrestle for Division III Wisconsin-La Crosse and Boulanger will compete at the Division I level for ACC powerhouse Duke. The pair led a strong senior class, but numerous talented underclassmen are set to return.

“These seniors have won five consecutive Hockomock League titles, four consecutive state championships, and three state championships in the last four years,” Boccia said. “It has been a great run, and it’s not over yet.”