The town of Holliston is mourning today as news spreads that a popular football player died after he “collapsed at a football scrimmage” at Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville yesterday. The death is still under investigation, the school says today.

Joseph “Joey” Larracey was a popular junior at Holliston High. Classmates commenting about him online say they can’t believe how swiftly he has been snatched from them. “We used to play dinosaurs over your house,” a girl wrote. “I’ll miss you on the bus … in class … working out …” the pain spills out.

The boy’s uncle, courageously fielding questions outside the family’s home, said nobody even saw the fatal play. “He came back to the huddle and wasn’t feeling well,” said Tom Larracey, the uncle. “He sat down and progressively got worse. They had to revive him. At first, we thought it was a concussion but an EKG said it was something with his heart.” The boy was taken to Morton Memorial Hospital in Taunton, his dad by his side the entire way.

“He never made it to Boston,” the uncle sadly said.

Death at such a young age while playing a sport isn’t supposed to happen. Here’s the latest from the school:

On behalf of Todd Kiley, head football coach, his staff, Superintendent Bradford Jackson and Principal Mike Cournoyer:

We wish to inform all players, students and the Holliston Community, Holliston High School will be open at 10:00 A.M., Saturday. Grief counseling and support groups will be available throughout the day.

The High School website will be updated with further information. We would appreciate assistance in passing this information on.

Will do. Rest in peace Joey.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I know this boy. I’ve seen him smiling, playing catch and know of his kindness on the bus to younger students. This town is in shock. The football community — proud and deep — is feeling an unexplainable pain. There’s never an easy out when tragedy strikes. The tears have come to this town on a gloomy day.

News of an old massacre triggered a trip to the morgue for grainy memories tucked in a folder titled, “Steak Tip Slaughter.”

The state’s highest court ruled today they will not allow a new trial for a father and son convicted of gunning down four family enemies in a Charlestown 99 Restaurant in November of 1995. This means that dad, Anthony Clemente, and son, Damian Clement, remain behind bars for life. (Click here for the full story.)

It was a Wild West scene full of knives, guns and revenge over a meal with the aftermath caught on camera by Herald staffers. Here’s a few of those indelible images from the morgue:

From top, father and son are arrested at gunpoint; a young waitress cries out (yes, she’s the one who dated A-Rod); and the wife of one of the victims is held back from going inside by police. (All photos Herald staff file photos.)

“Several” girls, one as young as 12, may have been sexually assaulted by James “Whitey” Bulger during his Southie stomping days, the FBI announced today.

Sadly, it comes as no surprise. Murder — 19 at last count — and now alleged child molestation.

Do you know one of the victims? We’d like to share their stories — anonymously, if preferred — to expose this reign of terror. Send an e-mail to joed@bostonherald.com. All messages will be kept confidential.

This is a story that needs to be exposed, somehow. Whitey may be aging (as shown in these FBI composites) but the murderous memories he left behind will never grow old.

A sexual predator targeting women looking for rides in downtown Boston appears to have hit three times, according to DNA evidence collected by police.

Boston Police have just issued a “Community Alert” on the attacks. (Click here for a permalink.)

The attacker offers his victims a ride and then sexually assaults them in Charlestown, police say. The attacks have occurred in August of 2007, November and this past August.

Police are warning women to exercise precaution, including:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!”
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.

If he’s ever caught, Whitey Bulger could makes millions (if they let him) writing the textbook on how to become invisible in your old age.

No pension or 401K needed. Just a few secret drop zones filled with cash — or gold, or diamonds — a companion and a few disguises. The FBI today is expected to announce they are doubling the reward for the capture and conviction of South Boston’s most notorious villain. The $2 million reward, they hope, will keep interest strong in Europe where Whitey is believed to be.

But, how many older guys look like the man pictured at left? (All FBI guesses of an older Whitey.) Half the world’s population will age gracefully and end up looking like this fella.

Whitey is probably in a villa somewhere trying to figure out how to remain under the radar anew now that the price on his head has been doubled.

It’s a murderous poker match where Bulger’s bluffing keeps on claiming the pot. With airline travel down due to the high price of fuel, it seems the FBI is at the mercy of Europeans willing to stay alert to earn a few extra bucks. I’d focus on meat markets, we know the guy’s a butcher.

Check out Whitey’s own page on the FBI’s Most Wanted site … and let us know if you find him.