Franklin Matters: HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer awards for Stowell, Tarpin, O'Neill

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer awards for Stowell, Tarpin, O'Neill

Here are the FHS athletes selected for the HockomockSports.com Awards for Boys Soccer 2019.

HockomockSports Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars.

HockomockSports.com Best XI

Sam Stowell – Franklin – Defense

Sam Stowell (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Sam Stowell concluded his four-year varsity career with another strong season in the heart of the Panthers defense and helped them finish second in the Kelley-Rex and reach the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. A physical and dominating presence in central defense, Stowell was part of a unit that held opponents to the fourth-fewest goals allowed in the league (20) and he was selected as an all-star by Hockomock League coaches for the first time. He also scored once and assisted on two goals. Franklin coach Fran Bositis said, “Sam had a great career at Franklin High. He was a four-year varsity player and was the unquestioned leader of our defense for the last two seasons.”

HockomockSports.com Second XI

Donny Tappin – Franklin – Forward

Donny Tappin (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior forward Donny Tappin was involved in half of the goals that the Panthers scored this season, emerging as one of the league’s top playmakers and helping the team reach the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. Tappin scored three times and assisted on 14 goals this fall, finishing the regular season with the second-most assists in the league. He was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches for the first time. Franklin coach Fran Bositis said, “Donnie had an outstanding senior season. He was the individual who created many opportunities for us offensively. His ability to take the defenders on in one-v-one situations was key. He’s a very unselfish player.”

Underclassman of the Year

Franklin sophomore Terry O’Neill has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Underclassman of the Year. In his second year with the Panthers, O’Neill was a reliable and steady option in the center midfield for the Panthers.

A center defensive midfielder for head coach Fran Bositis, O’Neill’s consistency made him of the top players in the league. While O’Neill isn’t a flashy player, his work ethic is among the best in the league and his decision making and high soccer IQ separate from others in the league.

“Terry played as our holding center midfielder and very rarely came off the field,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “He is a very talented and knowledgeable player and I believe his best days are ahead of him.”