Bellingham Football Team Honored at Banquet Elder Wins MVP Award For 3rd Time

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Contributing Writer

Bellingham High’s football banquet at the Coachmen’s Lodge on Feb. 6 honored last fall’s team that overcame injuries and inexperience to qualify for a berth in the playoffs.

Coach Dan Haddad’s 2021 squad finished with a 4-7 record but managed to keep the Blackhawks’ playoff streak alive. A 35-21 loss to Medway was the program’s third straight post-season appearance. Comprised mostly of sophomores and juniors, BHS was the only Tri Valley League Small Division team to defeat Dover-Sherborn, the eventual Small Division champion.

The graduation of 15 seniors from the Fall-2 squad also left the team without nine starters on offense and minus eight starters on defense.

 “We were 3-2 after beating Dover-Sherborn,’’ Haddad recalled. “We started out well but went on a roller-coaster ride — up and down the rest of the way. We lacked consistency because of our youth and inexperience.’’

Haddad, however, was upbeat about his team’s future.

“The kids knew they were on a learning curve, but they still gave us great effort,’’ he said. “I’m optimistic about next season. I never feel sad going into a banquet. It’s a time when we celebrate our senior players and show appreciation to our younger kids.’’

Eleven of Bellingham High’s varsity players were honored and both the freshman and jayvee teams had four players each cited for their efforts.

The most notable award-winner was senior quarterback Gavin Elder, a captain who captured the Offensive Player of the Year Award and his third straight MVP trophy. Elder is the only player in the program’s history to win the MVP award three times.

“Gavin had to assume running-back duties because three of our backs were injured and Blake Simpson, our best halfback on the unbeaten Fall-2 team, graduated,’’ Haddad noted. “As for the MVP award, it’s no doubt his greatest achievement. Gavin was called on to be a huge part of the offense, and he was willing to do everything for the team. His toughness and his leadership on the field and in the classroom are admirable.’’

Elder’s passing and running ability have earned him a scholarship to St. Anselm’s, a Division 2 college in Manchester, N.H.

“It’s awesome to be selected for the Offensive Player of the Year Award and to win the MVP Award for the third year,’’ Elder said. “I’m glad I was able to stay healthy and give my best effort. Much of the credit for winning both awards goes to our coaches and my teammates. We faced lots of adversity, losing players to injury and coming up short in some close games. I was blessed to be able to play in every game.’’ Elder added he was proud to be part of the leadership team and pleased to help the squad qualify for the playoffs. 

Following are the other 10 varsity award-winners with comments from Haddad:

BHS Coaches Award (James Altomonte) — “Didn’t play much but he’s everything a coach wants in a player. He’s the first in the film room after a tough loss. A character guy who takes responsibility.’’

Blackhawk Award (Sean Dutremble) — “He never stops working. Quiet competitor who always gets the job done. Sean and hard work are a great partnership.’’

Unsung Hero Award (Donovan Turner) — “Has a high IQ, both in football and in academics. Another quiet player who’ll do anything to help the team.’’

Most Improved Award (Jeff Caruso) — His intense work ethic makes him a solid guard and defensive end. He’s physically and mentally tough.’’

Rookie of the Year (Liam Cunningham) — “An eight-grader who played offensive tackle. He’s fearless, tough and never stops smiling. He truly has great passion for football.’’

Defensive Lineman of the Year (Ethan Silva) — “A two-way starter at tackle, Ethan is physical. A great asset who’s versatile, able to play center, guard or tackle.’’

Defensive Linebacker/Back of the Year (Connor Kelley) — “Connor reads plays well at linebacker and relies on pursuit. A ball-hawk, he’s strong and very energetic.’’

Defensive Player of the Year (Sean Edwards) — “He’s Mr. Go because he’s in such great physical shape. Gives 100 percent.’’

Offensive Lineman of the Year (Mark Imparato) — “A tremendous leader who never gets outworked. Stays after practice to sharpen his skills at guard. Has the respect of teammates and coaches.’’

Offensive Back/Receiver of the Year (Calvin Polchlopek) — “He made the biggest turn-around and earned his playing time. A talented receiver with good hands who gave us a deep threat.’’

Junior varsity awards were presented to Connor Bernard (Lineman of the Year); Brady Pelletier (Defensive Player of the Year); Gabriel Egan (Offensive Player of the Year); and Zach Berkeley (Team MVP). “This group played hard every game,’’ Haddad said. “They grew as a group, were fearless and they were physically and mentally tough.’’ 

Freshman awards were given to Hunter Knox (Lineman of the Year); Wyatt Callery (Defensive Player of the Year); Brady Carroll (Offensive Player of the Year); and Jack Davidson (Team MVP). “All four of these players have a work ethic that is second to none,’’ Haddad said. 

Silva and Mike Spera will be repeat captains next season as seniors and they’ll be joined by Turner, who’ll be a junior captain.

Haddad had high praise for his staff of assistant coaches that include Chris Haddad (defensive coordinator); Danny Haddad (offensive coordinator); Pat McGovern (offensive, defense line); Derek Fernandes (quarterbacks, safeties); John Imparato (sub-varsity head coach); Jamie Dutremble (assistant sub-varsity coach); Dan Gavin (sub-varsity defensive coordinator, line coach); and Parker Silva (sub-varsity offensive line coach).