Knox an Unsung Lineman for BHS Football Team

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

If the Tri Valley League presented unsung hero awards for its two divisions in football, Bellingham High’s Hunter Knox would be a superb choice in the small division. 

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior center, who also plays nose tackle, is a versatile competitor whose work ethic personifies a commitment to excellence. Blackhawks coach Dan Haddad is acutely aware of Knox’s value, and he isn’t afraid to use superlatives when referring to his two-way starter.

 

“Hunter can play all line positions on offense and defense,’’ Haddad said. “He’s one of the toughest and smartest football players I’ve ever been around. He practices and plays at 110 percent every day, and his attitude is tremendous.’’

A top-notch student, Knox is a team-first player who cherishes competing more than personal statistics.

“I’m pleased I get the opportunity to play,’’ Knox emphasized. “Someone’s got to block and tackle. It’s not about notice, it’s about competing. When we’re losing, I never get down or lose hope. It’s all about striving to be the best you can be and know that there’s always another week to bounce back.’’

Last year was symbolic of the bounce-back Knox mentioned. Playing guard on offense, he was one of the key contributors who sparked the Blackhawks after they lost their first three games. The players rolled up their sleeves, went unbeaten in the TVL’s Small Division and won that championship.

“That’s been the top thrill of my career,’’ Knox said. “We beat Norton on Thanksgiving, 20-13. If we had lost, we would have finished in a three-way tie for the title. Our offensive line blocked well, and I was glad to be part of that. Our blocking helped to get the three TDs.’’

Knox says the best game of his career was this year’s 21-0 loss to Westwood. Sounds like a strange choice, but not really. 

“I was playing both ways and got my first sack,’’ he noted. “I also had multiple tackles with three of them resulting in lost yardage. I get up for every game but I was really amped up for Westwood because I wanted us to get back to winning. We had lost to Ashland and I didn’t want to lose two straight. I was hungry to turn things around.’’ 

At the Bulletin’s deadline, BHS was 2-3, but Knox remains upbeat about the goals he set at the start of the season. His team objectives included daily improvement, a playoff berth and to repeat as small division champs. “It’s been a slow start, but we can still bounce back.’’

No matter what happens as the season rolls along, Knox continues to compete relentlessly in the trenches in unsung fashion.

“On offense at center, I’m aggressive,’’ he said. “Center is a challenging position, because my snaps have to match the cadence, and I’ve got to know who to block and assess if a blitz is coming. Nose tackle is more analytical because it’s about pursuit, instincts, being mentally quick and tackling effectively.’’

At the Bulletin’s deadline, Knox had 34 tackles and 2 sacks.

Knox, who started playing football at age seven at the Pop Warner level, relies on a plethora of strengths. Haddad mentioned his work ethic, positive attitude and his versatility. But there’s more. “I like to think my football IQ is high, my technique and skills are good, I’ve got speed, quickness and strength, and I’m coachable.’’

The 17-year-old Knox is quick to laud his teammates and two of them — Gabe Egan and Mason Jacques — have impressed him.

“Gabe is an undersized running back and some people doubt his ability,’’ Knox said. “But, he’s very dedicated and is physically and mentally tough. I respect hm. Mason is a captain who’s suffered two fractured collarbones the last two years. And, he missed our first four games this season. Nevertheless, he still displays great leadership on and off the field.’’

Haddad also gets high marks from Knox. “He’s respected, he’s patient and is a great teacher of the sport,’’ Knox offered. “A very good motivator, he’s loud at times but he gets his message across. His standards are high for both his players and his assistants.’’

The National Honor Society student plans on majoring in marine biology in college and would like to continue playing football.

Knox, who’s a three-sport athlete, competes in wrestling and outdoor track. He wrestled last year in the 175-pound class, and he throws the discus and javelin in track.

“Whatever sport I’m involved with, my competitive philosophy includes winning, reaching my potential and having fun,’’ Knox said. “What’s important is that in my heart I go all out all the time.’’

Knox says that athletics have taught him some valuable life lessons. “I’ve learned to be a good teammate, how to lead, how to overcome adversity, to maintain a strong work ethic and to be accountable,’’ he said.