LYNN — With kitchen calendars – or, at least, iPhone ones – turning to August, that means high school football is right around the corner with training camp just weeks away. For Lynn Classical, Lynn English, Lynn Tech, St. Mary’s, and KIPP Academy, each program huddles with high expectations – as well as standout players who are poised to perform at Manning Field and beyond.
SHANE KNOWLTON-SIMARD
School: Lynn English
Class: 2026
Positions: quarterback, defensive back
Knowlton-Simard caught 31 balls for 642 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last fall, but the mobile and athletic Bulldog will start the season at quarterback for second-year coach Tyllor McDonald.
“I expect Shane to have a breakout year and he’s our best athlete,” said McDonald, a former gunslinger himself. “He’s gained weight, gotten faster, and is throwing the ball a lot better. I expect big numbers and explosive plays. He’s due for a big year — 1,000 percent.”
With height, speed, and athleticism, he’ll still play cornerback on the defensive end.
“He checks all the boxes,” McDonald said. “I know he’s one of the best players in the state, from top to bottom.”
TOMMY NOLAN
School: Lynn Classical
Class: 2026
Positions: running back, linebacker
Ask first-year head coach Brian Smith, and he’ll tell you Nolan is “definitely a leader of the team.” The Rams’ captain returns for his senior season with strength and power from the linebacker and running back positions.
“My goal for him is to be the leader,” Smith said, “and show what hard work and dedication look like.”
With workouts and camps in the books this summer, Nolan and company – who play six home games and three on the road – host Lawrence Saturday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. for test No. 1.
COLIN McGOUGH
School: Lynn Tech
Class: 2026
Positions: wide receiver, free safety
You’ll find McGough landing on his shoulders, hips, and back to grab a loose football, according to coach James Runner, who added it’s because of a “no-fear mentality” from the safety position.
“He’s, kind of, like the quarterback of our defense,” Runner said of the playcaller. “He loves to come up with a big hit, but the best part about Colin is his management on the football field.”
McGough contributed offensively last season, but Runner plans on using him more in the coming months.
“He ran the ball and made a couple of catches for us last year, too,” Runner said. “Counter plays, jet-sweep plays, and he’s got this nose for finding the open area. There were times last year when we put the ball in Colin’s hands and we were able to win games.”
ROWAN MERRYMAN
School: St. Mary’s
Class: 2027
Positions: running back, linebacker
After a strong showing in Saturday’s 7v7 tournament held at Bishop Fenwick, Merryman returns as a physical, reliable leader for the Spartans. The rising junior was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Catholic Central League last fall.
“He’s a throwback kid who plays three sports (football, basketball, baseball),” said coach Sean Driscoll. “He works hard at all three of them.”
Driscoll said Merryman – who rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns in a November clash against Bishop Fenwick last year – fits perfectly into St. Mary’s approach to the game, especially with the physicality he provides.
“He’s a special player and doesn’t like to lose,” Driscoll said. “Physical on both sides of the ball, too.”
JOSEPH BEATO
School: KIPP Academy
Class: 2026
Positions: offensive lineman, defensive lineman
As a junior, Beato made 30 tackles, sacked the quarterback eight times, hurried the quarterback 16 times, caused four fumbles, and recovered another. For his efforts, he earned a Commonwealth Athletic Conference All-Star nod.
With Division 1 college offers and opposing coaches gameplanning around him most Fridays, coach Jim Rabbitt looks for Beato to make a difference yet again.
“He’s going to be a four-year contributor and also a captain,” Rabbitt said. “He’s the strongest lineman we have . . . a very coachable kid.”
Complete schedules for all five Lynn schools have been published on itemlive.com.
