“I think they understand it and respect it"

To those who have played for Spillane, it is no surprise that Franklin has been a perennial contender in Division 2, advancing to the state final at TD Garden last March before dropping a tough-to-swallow 2-1 loss to Tewksbury. 

His rules are simple but highly respected. Younger kids are intimidated but the older ones make sure everyone sticks together. 

It’s a rare day that Hall or fellow senior captain Nick Bertoni doesn’t see Spillane, dressed in his police uniform, in the high school hallway. 

“During the day, you’re going to be a good kid with coach always around,’’ Hall said. “He definitely gets that respect.’’

Read the full article in the Boston Globe online here