Captain and BHS Star Gamble Competes in Shriners Football Classic

By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Max Gamble became the fourth player in the history of Bellingham High’s football program to compete in the Shriners All-star Classic. 

Selected as a captain for the South squad, which lost 7-6 to the North all-stars, the 5-foot-7, 145-pound wide receiver caught two passes for 45 yards in the 47th annual classic last month at Hormel Stadium in Medford.

“It was an honor to be chosen for the game, and I was really surprised to be selected as one of four captains,’’ Gamble said. “I never thought I’d be a captain, because there were 50 talented players on our roster. But it’s everything that I dreamed of. The stadium was packed, and my family was on hand along with the football coaches from Bellingham.’’

Max Gamble will be playing football for Worcester State University in the fall.

 The Blackhawks’ program previously had three players compete in the classic, starting with Ron Howerton in 1992, Justin Bernard in 1997, and Ricky Santos in 2003.

Defense dominated for both squads in what was a low-scoring tussle. Walpole quarterback Noah Mackenzie gave the South a 6-0 lead in the first quarter before Haverhill running back James Farrell tied the contest on a 26-yard touchdown run on a read-option play in the second period. The winning margin was the extra point and that’s where the South fell short when Masconomet’s Cash Kornusky blocked the attempt.

Gamble, who’ll play for Worcester State University where he’ll major in business, was informed he was on the roster in April by head coach Lazaro Mitjans.

“Marcus Price, an assistant coach at Worcester State, scouted me and saw film of some games,’’ Gamble noted. “He’s now at Bryant University, but he let coach Mitjans know about me. My parents and I visited with coach Mitjans, and he welcomed me on board.’’

During his senior year at Bellingham High, Gamble and three other captains combined to help the Blackhawks go from a 1-3 start to an 8-3 record that led to the program winning its second straight Tri Valley League Small Division championship. 

Named the Blackhawks MVP at the team’s annual banquet, the wide receiver/cornerback  compiled some outstanding statistics through nine games — receiving (24 catches for 495 yards and 5 TDs); rushing (20 carries for 195 yards and 4 TDs); and passing (1 completion for 45 yards and 1 TD).  

BHS head coach Dan Haddad attended the Shriners Classic and lauded Gamble for his ability and tenacity. 

“We are super proud of Max; he’s such an impressive young man,’’ said Haddad. “He defies the notion that football players have to be a certain height and weight to be successful. He’s a tough, tireless worker and has so much confidence. He’s so impressive on the football field and that shows by being selected to the Shriners game. It’s an incredible honor that he earned.’’

Haddad also told Gamble that “I was super excited. and it was a blast to watch you compete.’’

Gamble said that the MVP award and the selection to play in the Shriners game and be a team captain are his top thrills in football. “As for my best game, that would have been last fall against Blackstone-Millville when I scored two touchdowns on passes that covered 66 and 70 yards,’’ he said. “I had 130 receiving yards and 40 yards rushing.’’

What helps Gamble excel on the gridiron are his speed and quickness, his grid IQ, strong hands and an ability to separate from his defenders.

Gamble said that the South squad worked intensely in practices, but the nine sessions were sparsely attended during the leadup to the game. “We practiced at Xaverian High School, but most of the workouts came during senior week and graduations,’’ said Gamble. “Building team chemistry was tough, but we came together as quickly as possible and made it work.’’

The head coach of the South team was Zane Fyfe, the varsity coach at Apponoquet. “He knew about me’’ Gamble said, “because we played Apponoquet during the playoffs last year. Another player for us from the TVL was Medway tight end Matt Wilde.’’

Gamble also was a captain in basketball, starting at point guard last winter. Unfortunately, the hoop program suffered its worst season, going winless in 20 games. At the end of his junior year in basketball, BHS posted a 6-14 record. 

Gamble’s competitive philosophy focuses on reaching his potential. “When everyone strives to be their best, then winning follows and winning leads to enjoyment,’’ he said. “And, whether it’s football or basketball, sports have taught me some great life lessons. I’ve learned how to handle adversity, to be resilient, to be a quality leader and teammate, and to be accountable.’’

The Shriners Classic proved to be a big plus for Gamble, who seemed to be riding a roller-coaster as a Blackhawk senior. He had a highly successful year in football, then he and the basketball team experienced a very difficult season. The Shriners game, however, helped his athletic career at BHS to end on a positive note.

“Football was awesome,’’ Gamble said. “Winning the TVL Small Division title, being a captain and the MVP were so rewarding. In basketball, I was the only returning player. I tried my best as the captain, we all prepared, but it just didn’t work out. Then came the selection to the Shriners game, where I caught two passes and was a captain. I’m so pleased that my career ended on a positive note. It’s been an incredible happy feeling.’’