DuTremble Excels for BHS Eleven in Unsung Fashion Guard-Nose Tackle a Dynamic Competitor

By KEN HAMWEY,

 Staff Sports Writer

Most athletic teams at every level invariably have an unsung player — a competitor who gets a job done quietly, effectively and without any fanfare. Sean DuTremble definitely fits that description for Bellingham High’s football team.

The 6-foot, 307-pound junior, who started at guard as a sophomore, also plays nose tackle on defense. His work on both sides of the ball was dynamic and helped the Blackhawks to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

After eight games, coach Dan Haddad’s squad surprised its fans by posting a 5-3 record, good enough to earn a berth in the post-season tourney, where the Blackhawks were eliminated by Lynnfield, 38-7, in the first round. 

BHS was an underdog all season long, because it was a sophomore-junior team that lacked in-game experience. It had lost nine seniors and had only five experienced players return. 

“It was a rebuilding year, but I hated to use that word because I knew our players had the ability and the desire to surprise people,’’ Haddad said. “We were eliminated in the playoffs, but to get there was very satisfying.’’

What also was satisfying for Haddad was watching DuTremble in practice and during games. It was like observing a master craftsman.

“Sean is one of the best linemen I’ve ever coached,’’ Haddad offered. “He’s got all the ingredients for success. His work ethic is great, he’s got a high football IQ, he’s athletic, and he’s quick and strong. When you watch him, you never know if we’re winning or losing because he keeps going until the last whistle. He treats each game like a professional, and his mental toughness is incredible.’’

The 17-year-old DuTremble is acutely aware that his work in the trenches goes unnoticed but his passion for football never dips below 100-percent effort. He embraces playing guard and nose tackle.

“I like playing guard where I can clear a path for our running backs and provide protection,’’ he emphasized. “It’s great when the guards pull and knock our opponents off their feet. The key at guard is hand-and-foot placement, strength and quickness. I also like nose tackle. It’s where I get low and maintain leverage, enabling me to throw an opposing lineman off balance and get a sack. I like the one-on-one competition.’’

DuTremble, who started playing football as a seven-year-old at the Pop Warner level, had admirable goals when the 2022 season started. He wanted to improve daily and play the best he could, qualify for the playoffs, advance and get to the Super Bowl. Some of his objectives were fulfilled, but getting eliminated from the playoffs was disappointing.

“It was tough to bow out in the opening round,’’ he said. “Lynnfield gave our defense trouble early, scoring 22 points in the first half, and we couldn’t generate offense. I felt bad for all my teammates, especially the seniors who worked so hard. But, I was happy we qualified. Our lines did their job after losing two players for several games during the season, and we didn’t have two other players available for the Lynnfield game.’’

What was rewarding was the way the Blackhawks progressed and beat teams like Dedham and Medfield and came close to defeating Dover-Sherborn, the Tri Valley League Small champion. “Some people might have been surprised at our achievements, but I always felt we could do well because our players kept pushing themselves, and our coaches were very motivating,’’ DuTremble emphasized.

It’s easy to understand why DuTremble calls Bellingham’s 6-0 victory over Medfield his best game. “I had eight tackles, five of them for losses, and three sacks,’’ he recalled. “It was fun beating a TVL large school. That victory boosted our confidence because we had lost to Westwood, 40-7, the previous week.’’

At the Bulletin’s deadline, the Blackhawks were 5-5, giving them a .500 record after losing a non-playoff game to Seekonk. A victory over Norton on Thanksgiving would ensure them of a winning season.

DuTremble knew what it took to have a winning effort in the weight room. The Bellingham native rates winning the “King of the Weight Room’’ award two straight years as his top thrill. “Whoever lifts the most weight for three days during the last week of the offseason gets that trophy,’’ he said. “I lifted 1,375 pounds last August.’’

DuTremble has a high regard for colleagues who fall into the unsung category. Three linemen he admires are junior center Donovan Turner and senior tackles Ethan Silva and Connor LaLonde. “Donovan and Ethan are captains who are motivators, they’re inspiring, and they’re talented. Connor is a hard-worker who gives 100% all the time.’’

 Sean DuTremble enjoys playing guard where he can clear a path for running backs and provide protection.

Calling Haddad a “great guy,’’ DuTremble, who calls his coaches and his parents, Jamie and Melissa, his role models, says his coach “is a top-notch motivator, very solid tactically, and encouraging, always eager to push us to be at our best.’’

“If you’re giving your best and striving to reach your potential, then winning usually follows,’’ he emphasized. “I also compete in track (shot put and discus), and both sports have helped me learn valuable life lessons — like being resilient, being a good teammate, to work hard and to be able to rely on others and have them rely on me.’’

Unsure of where he’ll attend college or what he’ll study, the honor student would like to continue his gridiron career. “I don’t know what division I’ll play in, but I’m looking forward to collegiate football,’’ he said.

One situation won’t change for DuTremble. He’ll still be unsung — blocking and tackling with little notice and hardly any fanfare.

“A lineman knows what he does is important, and coaches respect what we do,’’ he said. “We play football without looking for praise, but it’s nice when we do get recognized.’’