The fall season officially comes to a close this week with the playing of Thanksgiving football games, so it's time to take a look back and highlight Gardner-area athletes who shined for their teams.
Boys soccer in the area found plenty of success. Gardner made an Elite Eight appearance, Monty Tech qualified for playoffs and others saw high scorers and tough goalies have game-winning moments.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere are the nominees for The Gardner News Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Readers can vote in the poll and results will be combined with staff votes to determine the winner.
The poll
Gabe Carvalho, Gardner
Carvalho was a major offensive threat for the Wildcats. He finished with 19 goals and 8 assists and was named both a Mid-Wach D and Central Mass. all-star.
Gardner's Gabe Carvalho dodges around a defender in the Wildcats' game on Nov. 3, 2025.Jacoby Dilling, Quabbin
The junior ended the season with 12 goals and 6 assists. He was named a Mid-Wach D first team all-star as well as a Central Mass. Soccer Coaches Association (CMCSA) Div. 3 all-star.
Alijah Flint, Quabbin
Flint was another junior captain for Quabbin. He led as the goalkeeper, ending most games with more than 15 saves. He was named a Mid-Wach D all-star and CMCSA Div. 3 all-star.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCam Gamache, Gardner soccer
Gamache once again was a huge proponent for Gardner soccer. He finished as the leading scorer with 20 goals and 16 assists, contributing as a wing, midfielder and striker at various times throughout the season. He is a multi-year all-star at both the league (Mid-Wach D) and Central Mass. level.
More: It took Quabbin 33 years to play football. There was a 'buzz in the air' when it happened
Noah Huhtala, Monty Tech
Huhtala led as the Bulldogs' goalie for the season, He totaled five shutouts, helping Monty Tech go 8-8-2 and qualify for the Div. 3 playoff tournament.
Collin Lindley, Quabbin
Lindley was Quabbin's sole senior on a young team. He served as a captain and was the defensive anchor, often marking opponents' best strikers and goal scorers. He was named to the Mid-Wach D All-Scholastic team as well as was named a league all-star and CMCSA all-star.
Oakmont's Reyad Magdoul and Tahanto's Will Cranford both jump for a header in Oakmont's 4-0 victory over Tahanto on Sept. 21, 2023.Reyad Magdoul, Oakmont
Magdoul led as a three-year varsity player and two-year captain. On a young team, his experience was key in the Spartans' five wins this season. The senior finished with 11 goals and 4 assists, often being double-or triple-marked by opponents.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNathan Parayson, Monty Tech
Parayson was one of Monty Tech's top goal scorers and helped lead the team to a MIAA postseason appearance.
More: Take a look back at the scoring stars and highlights of Gardner-area girls soccer
Jacob Pelavin, Gardner
Pelavin stepped up as a sophomore goalie this season for the Wildcats. He allowed just 15 goals in 19 games, helping Gardner make their quarterfinal postseason run. He tallied 8 shutouts and was named a Mid-Wach D all-star as well as a Central Mass all-star.
Shawn Shelly of Gardner looks to dribble around a Quabbin opponent in the Wildcats' game in Barre on October 1, 2024.Shawn Shelly, Gardner
Shelly was a five-year varsity player for Gardner and a four-year starter. As a captain, he led his team to an Elite Eight appearance this season. The senior is a multi-year Mid-Wach D, Central Mass. and state all-star.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Which of these 10 Gardner-area soccer players was the best?
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