A Big National Signing Day at Littleton

From left to right: Top- Griffin Shoemaker, St. Anselm lacrosse commit; Eric Rauker, Stonehill football commit; Will Buraczynski, Merrimack soccer commit.
Bottom- Shannon Riordan, Drexel soccer commit; Kayla Nixon, Assumption soccer commit.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Littleton has come to be known as one of the best small-school athletic departments in the state and, despite a student body of less than 500 kids, the Tigers annually compete for titles in numerous sports, most recently capturing a state football championship in 2013.

That success has carried over to the recruiting trail, as five Tigers signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the college level Wednesday. Three Littleton soccer players signed- Boys left back Will Buraczynski (Merrimack), and girls forward Kayla Nixon (Assumption) and defender Shannon Riordan (Drexel).

The Tigers also saw linebacker Eric Rauker sign with Stonehill for football, and attackman Griffin Shoemaker pledge to play lacrosse for St. Anselm. It was a busy day, but each of the Littleton stars seems ready for the next step.

2016 Central Mass Lacrosse All-Americans Named

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The Central Mass. Lacrosse Coaches Association has announced its US Lacrosse All-Americans, and Academic All-Americans for 2016.

Here is a quick look at each of the very deserving recipients.

Postgame Blog & Highlights: Littleton Clamps Down on Tyngsboro for Playoff Win

Littleton junior Griffin Shoemaker (3) paced the Tigers with five goals and six ground balls against Tyngsboro.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Littleton and Tyngsboro split their regular season series, and shared the Mid-Wach B crown, so there was obviously a score to be settled in Wednesday's Division 3 Central/East tournament matchup.

In the end, Littleton's (17-2) defense, led by goalie Eric Rauker, played perhaps its best game of the season, clamping down on Tyngsboro's (15-5) explosive offense to win 12-5.

Here are a few of my thoughts from today's game, along with highlights of just a few of Rauker's 12 saves, and a pair of Littleton goals.