BHS Grid Banquet Salutes TVL Division Champions

Domercant, Kelley, Perkins Take Top Honors 

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Bellingham High’s post-season football banquets usually are a time to celebrate a winning season and sometimes a league championship. And that’s what occurred at the Blackhawks festive gathering on Feb. 4 at Savini-Pomodoro’s Restaurant in Blackstone.

The 2023 football team, which finished its season with a 7-4 record, won the Tri Valley League’s Small Division championship and kept the Blackhawks’ tourney streak alive at five straight.

Mental toughness, an unbreakable bond and a strong culture were the attributes that coach Dan Haddad emphasized in his remarks before a host of players were honored.

Twenty-seven awards were presented to competitors from the middle school, junior varsity and varsity levels. Senior quarterback Dasha Domercant won the Most Valuable Player award for the second straight year, running back Corey Perkins was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year while tight end/linebacker Connor Kelley was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year.

Here’s what the trio had to say about the awards they received:

Domercant — “I’m blessed to win the MVP award for the second time. Lots of hard work and dedication enabled me to capture that honor.’’

Perkins — “I’m honored to be chosen. The coaches believed in me and I had God on my side.’’

Kelley — “It means a lot. I’ve always strived to be a leader. A strong work ethic and dedication played a key role in my success.’’

The journey that culminated with the TVL title was a was a wild ride for the Blackhawks. They started their season shorthanded and were winless in their first three games. The losses to Blackstone-Millville, Westwood and Medfield were by a total of five points. 

Capturing the TVL crown and qualifying for the playoffs seem so distant and unrealistic. But, as Haddad said: “The players refused to give up.’’ They turned their season around by relying on mental toughness, team chemistry and grit.

BHS then rolled, defeating Ashland, Dedham, Medway, Millis and Dover-Sherborn before entering the Division 6 playoffs. During the tourney, the Blackhawks downed Maynard/AMSA then lost in the quarterfinal round to Stoneham. The Blackhawks’ 20-13 triumph over Norton clinched the division title on Thanksgiving Day. 

Haddad credited four elements that enabled his players to become mentally tough. They were family, love, brotherhood and discipline. 

“Mental toughness can take a team a long way,’’ Haddad said. “Seventy percent of coaches would favor having talent, but I’d rather have a team that’s mentally tough. When a squad has that attribute, it’s difficult to beat them. So often we had to come from behind but the kids said, ‘now it’s our turn,’ and that gave me confidence.’’

A good example of resilience during the season was the victory over Dedham. BHS trailed by 14 points but rallied for a 21-20 triumph.

“That game was the catalyst that sparked our six-game winning streak,’’ Haddad suggested. “Dedham had 28 seniors and they were an awesome group. But we forced two turnovers that played a big role in the victory. One turnover stopped their momentum, and we scored on the other.’’

The 0-3 start faded into the background when mental toughness emerged. 

Haddad credited other factors in the turn-around. “The players stayed focused on the task at hand, didn’t show any signs of panic, and relied on a positive culture,’’ he emphasized. “Winning the division title after the way we started was a great lesson for our younger players.

Haddad always praises his staff of assistants when he’s detailing his team’s success. 

The varsity coaches are Dan Haddad Jr. (offensive coordinator), Chris Haddad (defensive coordinator), Derek Fernandes (quarterbacks, safeties and jayvee head coach), and Parker Silva (special teams). The sub-varsity coaches are John Pendlebury (middle  school/freshmen), Tom Taylor (middle school/freshmen defensive coordinator), Kyle Pendlebury (middle school/freshmen offensive coordinator), and Jamie Dutremble (offensive line).

They’re all football guys,’’ Haddad said. “I’m demanding and require a lot of their time, but they give it willingly. They’re a hard-working group that sets the tone for the success of our culture.’’

Next year’s captains will include Mason Jacques (receiver, cornerback), Ryan Cochrane (receiver/cornerback), Wyatt Callery (tight end/linebacker), and Max Gamble (receiver/ cornerback). 

The award winners:

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Unsung Hero — Aidan Cullinane.

Lineman of the Year — Ryan Clune.

Most Improved — Kawan Ribeiro.

Defensive Player of the Year — Tyler Hayward.

Offensive Player of the Year — Liam Lopez-Aileni.

Team MVP — Jaxen Elder.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Unsung Hero — Colin Piccirilli

Lineman of the Year — Thiago Oliveira.

Receiver/Back of the Year — Jason Piselli.

Defensive Player of the Year — Willian Lahousse.

Offensive Player of the Year — Camron MacGregor.

Team MVP — Mason Alger.

VARSITY

BHS Coaches Award — Senior Isaiah Tobin, guard, linebacker

Blackhawk Award — Junior Max Gamble, receiver, cornerback 

Unsung Hero — Sophomore Samuel Sullivan, receiver, safety

Workhorse Warrior — senior Connor Prentice, offensive, defensive lineman

Most Improved — Sophomore Markus Whittaker-Sprah, tackle, linebacker

Rookie of the Year — Freshman Jacoby McCarthy, offensive, defensive tackle

Special Teams Player of the Year — Senior Gian Mendez, kicker, defensive end

Defensive Lineman of the Year and King of the Weight Room — Senior Sean Dutremble, guard, defensive lineman

Defensive Linebacker/Back Player of the Year — Sophomore Wyatt Callery, tight end, linebacker

Defensive Player of the Year — Senior Connor Kelley, tight end, linebacker

Offensive Lineman of the Year — Senior Donovan Turner, center, defensive end 

Offensive Back/Receiver of the Year — Senior Anthony DaSilva, receiver, cornerback

Pancake Award — Senior Donovan Turner, center, defensive end 

Offensive Player of the Year — Senior Corey Perkins, running back, linebacker 

Team MVP — Senior Dasha Domercant, quarterback, cornerback