New format seemed to work well

Region - It was the right step forward. After much debate, and with less than unanimous agreement, the new high school football playoff format was incorporated this season. On first call, it appears to be a good thing.

In the new format, top Central Mass. teams played a Tuesday night, post-Thanksgiving football playoff game, to determine who would go up against Western Mass.'s best in the Super Bowls the following Saturday.

Yes, there were concerns as the eventual Super Bowl teams had to play three very emotional games in just 10 days. Everything seemed to work well. Some thought that Super Bowls could be anti-climactic, especially after some marquee Tuesday playoff games. For example, Shrewsbury played a very tough Fitchburg game in the Tuesday playoff, one that went down to the last plays. For those questioning whether the team could get up for the Super Bowl, no need to worry. Four days later against Westfield, Shrewsbury pulled another classic as the Colonials drove the field late, scoring the winning points, closing out their undefeated season.

It is all about playing the games, especially for high school kids. The Tuesday Central Mass. playoff game gives more teams a chance to experience post-season excitement. This gives the kids an extra chance at "big time" football, and that is a good thing.

Westborough's

Baban honored

The recognitions continue to come in for the Westborough state champion volleyball team and its players. On Dec. 11, the Rangers Mina Baban was named the 2007-08 Gatorade Massachusetts Volleyball Player of the Year.

The award recognizes both her court play and her academics. Baban carries a 4.3 GPA and volunteers for many community services such as the Worcester County Food Bank, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, the Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston, the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. Baban has also coordinated a neighborhood gift collection program to benefit local families.

On the court, the 5-foot, 8-inch Baban rolled up big numbers in the Rangers' offensive volleyball attack with 618 assists, 88 digs, 83 kills and 41 service aces.

Baban, and the other state winners, will be eligible for national Player of the Year honor, to be named later.

"There isn't anybody else in the state who impacts the game like she does for her position," said Baban's coach, Roger Anderson. "She makes unbelievable choices and makes other people around her better."

Hawks win Auburn

hockey tournament

Hudson finished strong with three third-period goals to capture the Dana Willard Memorial Tournament championship game, 4-2, over host Auburn. Down by a goal going into the third period, Hawk Sean O'Keefe scored two goals a little over two minutes apart for the lead, and Scott Pantalone added an insurance goal for the win. Will Murphy also scored for Hudson in a the second period.

Hudson opened the tournament with a 5-3 win over Hopkinton behind a big effort from goalie Derek Vasselin, who made more than 40 saves for the Hawks.

Big hoop game

rescheduled

Local hoop fans will have to wait a little longer for a showdown of a pair of perhaps the top CMASS D1 boys hoop teams as Marlborough vs. St. John's game, originally set for Dec. 13, was snowed out. The game has been rescheduled for Sunday Jan. 6, 2008, at St. John's. Hoop fans will want to mark that one on the calendar for an early new year treat.

Send mail and sports ideas to ronwoodcock@charter.net.