Achievement Defines Elder’s BHS Football Career QB Was Team MVP 3 Times

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Gavin Elder’s football career at Bellingham High was all about achievement.

During his three-plus years at quarterback for the Blackhawks he played significant roles in helping coach Dan Haddad’s teams qualify for the playoffs twice and win a Tri Valley League Small Division championship. That crown snapped Bellingham’s 20-year drought of failing to capture a TVL title.

The 18-year-old Elder also amassed some amazing statistics in the 31 games he started. His career passing yards reached 4,571 yards, he threw 40 touchdown passes and rushed for 15 scores. Last fall, his senior year, his backfield was depleted by injuries, so he shifted gears a bit and rushed for 539 yards.

Awards quickly piled up for the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder who also started on defense at safety for three years. He was a two-time captain and a three-time team MVP, the only player in the program’s history to be an MVP for three seasons. He was voted the TVL’s MVP as a junior and he was the offensive MVP in the Small Division his senior year. Also, the Metrowest Daily News selected him as an all-star twice.

An argument could be made that his most glowing achievements occurred in academics. He’s a two-time National Honor Society student and his GPA is 3.5. Those accolades earned Elder a scholarship to St. Anselm’s, a Division 2 college in Manchester, N.H. where he plans to major in business and play football.

“I thank God for all my success and for staying healthy during my time in football,’’ said Elder, who also competes as a midfielder in lacrosse. “My top personal thrills in football were being selected a captain twice and being chosen as the MVP three times. Those honors are a credit to excellent coaches and outstanding teammates.’’

Elder’s most enjoyable team thrill was quarterbacking the Fall-2 football team his junior year to an unbeaten 5-0 record that led to the TVL crown.

“I enjoyed all my seasons in football but the Fall-2 team was an amazing brotherhood,’’ he emphasized. “That squad had lots of talent and plenty of weapons. Our goal was to get to the Super Bowl, but because of the pandemic, there were no playoffs, and the season was limited to five games. We were confident we could be a Super Bowl team.’’

Many BHS grid fans had the same vibes. Elder knew it was possible because of the array of players who were motivated and committed to winning.

“We had Blake Simpson in the backfield, and he was unstoppable and tough as nails,’’ Elder said. “Our receivers included Tyler Warren, Chris Domicant and Akeem Wynn. I had a good connection with them from my days in Pop Warner ball. They ran effective routes and had good hands. And, the offensive line was invaluable. I had lots of protection.’’

Haddad credits Elder for the ‘’brotherhood’’ formation. “Gavin created the brotherhood by being unselfish,’’ he noted. “Kids like Gavin don’t come along very often. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing his teammates excel.’’

Elder relied on strengths that made him a constant threat for his opponents. His football IQ is high, he’s instinctive, he has decent speed and quickness and he’s a quick decision-maker. “At QB, I tried to slow the pace of the game to my speed,’’ he offered. “I scrambled only if needed. As a passer, I was aggressive, taking what the defense gave me.’’

Haddad firmly believes his QB’s most dynamic attribute is his work ethic. “Gavin will outwork everyone,’’ Haddad emphasized. “His work ethic is relentless. He’s also the ultimate team player, an athlete who has faith in his teammates and coaches. And, his accuracy was another asset. He could complete a pass whether it was a missile or a soft throw.’’

Two games that Elder rates as “memorable’’ were a Thanksgiving Day clash with Norton his freshman year and the 36-0 shutout of Medway that led to the TVL title his junior season. Against Norton, he engineered a 50-yard drive to Norton’s one-yard line that enabled John Keeler to kick the winning field goal. During the Medway encounter, Elder threw two TD passes and rushed for two points. 

“The Norton game turned out to be our first victory over them in 11 years,’’ Elder recalled. “That day was exceptionally cold. We balanced our attack with passes and runs. The drive to their one was significant, because it enabled us to win and it elevated my confidence. I thought the Medway game would be a tough battle, but it turned into a rout. That game clinched the TVL championship.’’

Elder rates his play at safety as “okay’’ but he managed to intercept five passes in three seasons. “Playing in the defensive backfield actually helped me to understand my role as a quarterback. I learned some things at safety.’’

Elder describes Haddad as “one of the best coaches I’ve had. He’s a big reason for any success I’ve had and where I am today. He’s motivating, and he showed me how to lead and how to be a better person.’’

Elder’s collegiate future seemed like it might unfold at Assumption or Bentley, two schools that expressed interest in his ability. St. Anselm’s, however, won the day. “I chose St. Anselm’s because of the people and the atmosphere,’’ he said. “They’ve got a great academic rating and their athletic facilities are super. The scholarship was a significant factor, but it came down to the atmosphere there.’’

The Hawks’ head coach, Joe Adam, informed Elder that he’ll get the opportunity to compete. “He emphasized that it’s up to me to see what happens in the future,’’ Elder said. “I’ll need to be faster in all aspects of the game, especially in decision-making,’’ he said. “I’ll need to compete at the highest level, and the key will be to elevate my work ethic.’’

Haddad, who rates Elder’s career as “remarkable,’’ firmly believes his star QB will be a collegiate success.

Elder’s athletic philosophy blends a combination of winning, reaching his potential and having fun. He also is thankful that sports have taught him some valuable life lessons. “I’ve learned how to sharpen my leadership skills and how to meet challenges and set goals,’’ said Elder, who regards two-time Heismann winner Tim Tebow as his role model, “But, sports have also helped me to care for others, not just myself.’’