Positive Culture Emphasized at BHS Grid Banquet Gamble Wins MVP Award

Gamble Wins MVP Award

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Bellingham High’s football banquet attracted a large crowd last month at Savini’s Restaurant in Blackstone, where 36 players at four levels received awards.

But, it was coach Dan Haddad’s message that not only set the tone for the night, but also explained why the varsity team was successful.

The 61-year-old coach stressed the importance and value of a positive culture that’s led to his program winning two straight Tri Valley League division championships — a culture that gets an A-plus for overcoming adversity. 

The 2024 squad, which finished 8-3, won its last seven games after a 1-3 start. The players and coaches never allowed a lethargic beginning to dampen their season. 

Haddad’s words focused on the value of intense practices, belief in a positive culture, and maintaining high standards.

“When you believe in yourself and believe in each other, you’re unstoppable,’’ he emphasized. “This group had no quit in them and they overcame plenty of adversity. When you love going to practice, great things can happen.

“A positive culture means standards are set and they’re executed. It’s not about talent, speed or winning. The standards are be early to practice, be great in school, be kind, be neat and keep the locker-room clean, keep your shirt tucked in, give back and do community service.’’

Haddad’s son Chris, the team’s defensive coordinator, sent the players a message after the Blackhawks lost to Dedham, their third straight setback.

“Chris stood up and said: ‘We’re not going to lose another game and everyone has to have that mindset,’ ‘’ Haddad revealed. “The kids all bought in and we increased the intensity of our practices.’’

After hearing the defensive coordinator’s command, Haddad said the captains displayed tremendous leadership by “never losing faith and setting the bar high for more energy and intensity.’’

Haddad, who’s guided BHS to seven tourney berths and three TVL titles in nine years, also lauded his coaching staff for changing some things and adjusting to them. 

The awards presented were numerous but it was the varsity MVP honor that seemed to be the most anticipated

Max Gamble, a captain who dominated at wide receiver and cornerback, captured the MVP Award. The 5-foot-7, 140-pound wide receiver had 820 total yards. He scored 11 touchdowns, caught 34 passes for an average of 18.4 yards, and had 27 rushes.

“Winning the MVP Award means the world to me,’’ Gamble said. “It’s a credit to a strong work ethic and people believing in me. I’m thankful for coach (Dan) Haddad believing  in me and making this all happen.’’

Two seniors were given the Offensive Player of the Year Award, and two juniors were chosen for Defensive Player of the Year honors. Running back Gabe Egan and quarterback Zach Berkeley took offensive honors while linebackers Wyatt Callery and Michael Demers were chosen for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Although the 2024 team won the TVL Small Division title, it did not qualify for a date in the Division 6 tourney. No. 16 was the final slot, but the Blackhawks finished at No. 18.

“That was hard to fathom when we got the news,’’ Haddad said. “What happened was when we started our winning streak, the teams ahead of us kept winning. We lost out because of the point differential in our three losses.’’

The award winners: 

VARSITY

BHS Coaches Award — Senior Jack Smelstor (wide receiver, safety).

Blackhawk Award — Senior Ryan Cochrane (running back, wide receiver, cornerback). 

Unsung Hero — Senior John Doucette (wide receiver, cornerback).

Workhorse Warrior — senior Michael Labaki (wide receiver, safety).

King of the Weight Room — Sophomore Jacoby McCarthy (guard-tackle, defensive tackle).

Most Improved — Senior Landon Coutinho (tackle, defensive end).

Iron Man Award — Senior Thiago Oliveira (guard, defensive tackle).

Defensive Lineman of the Year — Sophomore Jacoby McCarthy.

Defensive Linebacker/Back Player of the Year — Junior Sam Sullivan (wide receiver, safety).

Defensive Player of the Year — Junior Wyatt Callery (tight end, linebacker) and junior Michael Demers (wide receiver, linebacker).

Offensive Lineman of the Year — Senior Hunter Knox (center, defensive end).

Offensive Back/Receiver of the Year — Senior Mason Jacques (wide receiver, cornerback).

Pancake Award — Senior Hunter Knox (center, defensive end).

Offensive Player of the Year — Senior Gabe Egan (running back, linebacker) and senior Zach Berkeley (quarterback, safety).

Team MVP — Senior Max Gamble (wide receiver, cornerback)

JUNIOR VARSITY

Unsung Hero — Harrison Mattos

Lineman of the Year — William Lahousse

Receiver/Back of the Year — Bryson Nicholson

Defensive Player of the Year — Brock Barry

Offensive Player of the Year — Mason Alger

Team MVP — Camron MacGregor

FRESHMEN

Unsung Hero — Jayden Viveiros

Most Improved — Anthony Barrasso

Lineman of the Year — Thomas Taylor

Defensive Player of the Year — Brett McRae

Offensive Player of the Year — Aidan Cullinane

Team MVP — Jaxen Elder

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Unsung Hero — Vance Dunbar

Blackhawk Award — Aiden Rich

Lineman of the Year — Colin Mooney

Most Improved — Gavin McCarthy

Defensive Player of the Year — Devin Healy

Offensive Player of the Year — Nathan Mckeon

Team MVP — Tyler Hayward