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The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

James McDermott

James McDermott, Sports Editor

Hey! My name is James McDermott, I am a senior at Westford Academy and this is my fourth year on the Ghostwriter staff. I joined the Ghostwriter because I have always loved writing and sports. In my free time I am almost always playing sports or hanging out with my family and friends. I am extremely excited to continue with the Ghostwriter and hopefully have another successful and fun year.

All content by James McDermott
Graduates throw up their caps in celebration.

A new perspective

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Jun 7, 2024

Four years of high school come with a lengthy set of challenges and distractions no matter who you are, what school you attend, or what your priorities are. At a school as academically rigorous as Westford...

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The infielders meet at the mound to encourage pitcher.

Softball sets sights on DCL title

James McDermott, Co- Sports Editor
Mar 31, 2024

At the start of each season, every team in the state is 0-0. Despite this, some teams have higher expectations than others. Westford Academy Softball is a team that has earned the right to go into every...

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Seniors Nick Russo and James Farley complete their pregame handshake.

WA falls just short of CC on the road

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Feb 1, 2024

Westford Academy Boys’ Basketball suffered their sixth loss of the season by a score of 40-38 on Tuesday, Jan. 30 on the road against Concord-Carlisle, falling to 7-6 on the season. It was an up and...

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Girls' soccer huddles up before regular season matchup.

Fall sports have a historic season for WA

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Nov 2, 2023

Every single fall sports team at Westford Academy has officially made the Massachusetts State Tournament in their respective sport. With the State Tournament season upon us for fall sports, WA teams have...

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Albuquerque lines up for a penalty kick in the second half.

Boys’ soccer put to sleep by Bedford

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Oct 11, 2023

WA Boys’ Soccer's three game winning streak was snapped by Bedford, as they suffered a 2-0 loss at home on Tuesday, Oct. 10. A penalty kick resulted in a shift of momentum and an insurmountable deficit...

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Senior captains Alex Kwon, Justin Davighi, and Ilan Rashdan pose for a photo following a match.

Golf is striving for greatness in 2023

James McDermott, Co- Sports Editor
Sep 12, 2023

After a state tournament appearance and a 9-1 regular season campaign in 2022, WA Golf looks to continue raising the bar as to what is defined as success. With a new coach in physical education teacher...

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Online sportsbooks provide an easier betting platform than ever before.

The rise of sports gambling at WA

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
May 11, 2023

Last names have been removed to protect source's identities. Gambling has been a prominent aspect of sports culture for the majority of history. Ever since gambling online through sportsbooks became...

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Dominici smiles for her senior picture.

Dominici to make a splash at Swarthmore

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Apr 13, 2023

Playing a sport in college is an unforgettable experience for the athletes who are lucky enough and work hard enough to reach that level. It is a privilege that athletes must work towards throughout their...

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Haggan eludes defenders as he navigates through the defense.

Haggan to burst onto the scene at Bentley

James McDermott, Sports Editor
Apr 2, 2023

It is rare to see any eighth grader begin football for the sole purpose of playing at college. With less than a 7% chance of accomplishing that goal, it is a feat most athletes do not even attempt. However,...

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The dangers behind TikTok.

How dangerous is TikTok?

James McDermott, Sports Editor
Mar 22, 2023

It is safe to say that every student, teacher, administrator, and staff member at WA has heard of the globally popular social media platform, TikTok. It has redefined social media, inspiring Instagram,...

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WA Football players pose for a picture. (Wilson, Haggan, Rudiman, Fremault)

WA Football hungry to tackle the competition

James McDermott, Sports Editor
Sep 12, 2022

After kicking off their season with a 44-6 blowout win against Dracut, WA Football looks to continue dominating whoever is on the other side of the line of scrimmage every Friday night. Following a...

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Kirby receives pitch and frames it in the strike zone.

Kirby makes a call to the bullpen at Clemson

James McDermott, Sports Editor
Jun 2, 2022

Senior Captain of the Westford Academy Baseball team Cole Kirby has played on the baseball fields of Westford for as long as he can remember. Although he has made the decision to not pursue playing baseball...

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Zoom meeting is held due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Pandemic affects communication

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Feb 18, 2022

Note: The sample size of the survey we took regarding communication and the pandemic is small, but the responses show consistent trends From wearing masks to being required to stay six feet away from...

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Mrs. Callaghan

Callaghan temporarily fills in for Fonden

James McDermott, Co- Sports Editor
Jan 13, 2022

Molly Callaghan has done something that not many other people have ever done, and that is return to teaching after a 14 year long absence from the profession. Callaghan is currently filling in for English...

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Thanksgiving Dinner

Top 7 Thanksgiving Day traditions

James McDermott, Co-Sports Editor
Nov 24, 2021

1. Run a turkey trot A turkey trot is a long-distance race held on Thanksgiving Day all across the country for anyone looking to burn some calories before a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. 2....

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Danbury Trashers Logo

The Trashers bring sirens to Danbury

James McDermott, Sports Editor
Oct 6, 2021

Untold: Crime and Penalties: The Danbury Trashers is a fascinating story about a minor league hockey team created by a man named Jimmy Golante. Jimmy Golante was a crime boss who was the mastermind behind...

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Movie poster for Honest Thief

Honest Thief will steal your attention

James McDermott, Staff Writer
Jun 16, 2021

In late 2020, an absolute thriller, Honest Thief was released. Honest Thief is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you watch a former bank robber continuously outsmart two dirty FBI...

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The feud continues between LaRusso and Johnny.

‘Cobra Kai’ kicks the competition

James McDermott, Staff Writer
Jan 24, 2021

The Netflix series Cobra Kai, based off of the Karate Kid, movies is a must-watch for people of most ages. Season one was released on May 2, 2018. Now, the series has just released its third season adding...

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