Walpole had a season in 2023 worthy of its rich tradition.

The Timberwolves made it to the D3 state title game and lost to Milton at Gillette Stadium.

During the season, Walpole earned a win over Milton, and others over Milford, Weymouth, Mansfield, Wellesley, Braintree, Hingham, Shrewsbury, and Wachusett.

Basically, if you’re telling the story of strong football programs in Massachusetts, you cannot leave out Walpole.

Even despite losing some talented players heading into next season, Walpole should be strong again.

One of the reasons for that is the quarterback position, as Walpole brings back one of the best in the area in class of 2025 signal-caller Noah Mackenzie.

At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Mackenzie has the size, arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism you’re looking for. At this stage, he is underrated, but it likely won’t stay that way.

His coach, Chris Sullivan, loves what Mackenzie brings to the team. The quarterback’s recruitment is still in the beginning stages.

“It is,” Sullivan said. “We’re working on getting him out there right now. We’re calling and contacting coaches right now. We’ve got a bunch of schools come in.”

Some of those schools monitoring Mackenzie include Fordham, Brown, UConn, and Marist, along with some other D1 programs. He will also go to Boston College’s spring practice.

This past season was Mackenzie’s first year as the varsity starter.

“It’s good right now,” Sullivan said. “I want to get some more exposure. He’s also got som things lined up. . . . He made the Elite 11 regional. He’s going down to Florida for that. He got invited to another showcase out in Pennsylvania, but it didn’t work out. Things are starting to heat up pretty good for him.”

Coaches like what they see in Mackenzie.

“Number one, they like his size. They like that he’s 6-4. Good frame. They like his arm strength,” Sullivan said. “Usually, the things that coaches say to me first is size, arm strength, and his awareness, his ability to throw on the run. His footwork is phenomenal. He has great footwork in the pocket. When it breaks down, he’s able to find some space. Plus, his knowledge. I’m just speaking from me, his knowledge of the offense is pretty dynamic for a kid his age.”

Mackenzie made a huge impact in his first year as a starter, and that role will only increase as a senior.

“He’s definitely the leader of the offense. He’s going to have a bigger role this year. We’re looking to try and get back to where we were,” Sullivan said.

With this past year being Mackenzie’s first year starting, that may be why some are a little slow on the uptake.

“It’s tough because I had him on varsity as a freshman. I wanted him to learn as much as he could as a freshman and sophomore,” Sullivan said. “I knew he was behind Corey Kilroy, who was an absolute player for us. I also believe that’s what drove Corey. He knew that Noah was right behind him. Last year being his first year being an everyday player, I think that’s why some of the coaches are like, ‘Who is this kid?’ He’s only played for one year. I think that’s a little bit unfair. Last year’s Bay State League was a gauntlet. And scrimmaging (Catholic Memorial) and playing KP, and playing those top teams, and having success, and finding his way, makes him a top-tier quarterback. He should be one of the top-tier quarterbacks in the state coming back next year.”

It will be interesting to see how Mackenzie’s recruitment shapes up this offseason.

Three receivers in the 2025 class that will be main targets for Mackenzie include Cash Cantrell (6-2, 180), Will McGrath (6-2, 180), and Matt St. Cyr (6-3, 190). Sullivan loves the size they bring to the table, and they’re athletic. All three saw time last season and will be big keys in 2024.

Quinn MacNeil (6-0, 185) is a safety who is a big hitter, tough player, and downhill tackler.

Nose tackle Calvin McCabe (6-1, 330) is experienced on defense and may play some offensive line, as well, this season.

Three others in that 2025 class to watch include Joey Malone (OL/DL, 6-2, 245), Aiden Abate (DE, 6-3, 210), and Dylan Burgess (OL, 5-10, 255).

In the 2026 class, keep an eye out for Dillon Needham (RB/S, 5-9, 165), Daryl Niclas (DE, 6-3, 215), Ryan Garrigan (OL, 6-0, 215), and Jack English (TE/LB, 6-2, 205).