rock: modernize to current python -- uv, type hints, pytest, python 3.12+ #1

rock

modernize pythonExamplesWithNewEnglandPatriots to current python best practices.
written against an older python / cs50 curriculum. concepts are solid. implementation needs a pass.

scope

• migrate from bare python3 to uv managed venvs (pyproject.toml)
• add type hints throughout (PEP 526/3107) -- all function signatures
• replace any deprecated stdlib patterns
• update readme.MD -> README.md, add ascii art header, apply style guide
• modernize test files to pytest
• verify all files run clean on python 3.12+
• refresh datasets if any refs are stale

not in scope

changing the patriots theme or subject matter. new topics tracked separately in the rust mirror repo.

reference

mirrors the planned rustExamplesWithNewEnglandPatriots repo, which covers the same
subjects mapped to rust concepts (ownership, traits, iterators, pattern matching, etc.)

style guide: https://github.com/BryanChasko/heraldstack-mcp/blob/main/STYLE_GUIDE.md