By: Austin Mendes
Matt McGuiggan calls the huddle vs Nashoba Tech
With a conference title for the first time since 2017, the 2021 Old Colony Cougars finished with a 6-5 record. Here are the most notable players from their 2021 campaign!
Award Description:
Awarded to the player with the biggest impact to the team's success as a whole.
About The Recipient:
"He stood out on both sides of the ball, and kicked for us at the end of the year. He was the leader of the team both verbally, physically, on and off the field. He had tremendous growth, both throwing and running the ball. When things got hard, we knew who we needed to depend on." said Coach Brandon Mendez about McGuiggan's MVP honor. Ultimately throughout the season, McGuiggan was all around the top player, his presence on the defensive side of the ball forced teams to avoid him. Serving as the team's quarterback, Matt's athletic ability allowed the rest of the offense to open as teams would gameplan against stopping the threat of him as well. When he did bad, the rest of the team stepped up for him, and vice versa. He contributed to the team's success as a leader and kept everyone's heads up when things got tough. "He's going to continue to grow and get better, and him getting better will push the rest of the team." said Mendez. Congratulations to Junior Captain and QB Matt McGuiggan on the MVP honor.
Final Season Statistics:
Passing: 53-92; 57.6 Completion %; 797 yards; 8 TDs; 4 INTs; 97.1 QB Rating
Rushing: 75 rushes; 415 yards; 7 TDs
Defense: 1 safety; 1 FF; 2 INTs; 1 TD
Special Teams: 5 2-point conversions
Award Description:
Awarded to the player with the biggest offensive impact to the team's success on the season.
About The Recipient:
"Definitely multi-talented. We missed his downhill running in the last few games. His impact was felt when he was there and even more when he wasn't there." said Mendez. Egan led the team in rushing yards up until the Thanksgiving Eve game when fellow back Ryan Silva passed him to finish with the lead. Despite missing 4 games, Egan's numbers were surreal. He dominated on the offensive side of the ball and was a vital part of the Cougars' early season success. "I expect continue growth both physically and mentally. He is a super talented kid, and most certainly has the ability to play at the next level if he chooses." said coach. Congratulations to Junior Running Back Chris Egan on the OPOTY honor.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 83 rushes; 590 yards; 7 TDs
Receiving: 7 receptions; 117 yards; 2 TDs
Special Teams: 2 2-point conversions
Award Description:
Awarded to the player with the biggest defensive impact to the team's success on the season.
About The Recipient:
"Certainly, an anchor at D-end or at the linebacker spot. He was a team leader who brought the physical edge to the game where the younger guys could get behind. We could lean on him, and he always came with it every play." The senior captain was a force on the defensive side of the ball all year. His domination helped the Cougars pitch two shut out victories during the season. Teams were forced to stay aware of where Rubini was on the field at all times. At any moment, Rubini could deliver that game-changing hit, and change the course of the game. His leadership on and off the field is unmatched, as he was also a captain during the Fall II season. Being a vital part of the varsity team as a freshmen led to his dominant senior year. Congratulations to Senior Captain Joe Rubini on the DPOTY Honors.
Final Season Statistics:
4.5 sacks
2 FF
Award Description:
Awarded to the player who contributed to the team the most on special teams.
About The Recipient:
A shifty player that could break off a big play at any moment is what defined Legault his entire high school career. "Pound for pound, one of the toughest kids on the team. For his size, he came with the physicality. We said every week he was one call away from breaking a long touchdown." said Mendez. Legault had an 81-yard kickoff return versus Nashoba Valley that almost resulted in a touchdown. His ability to make people miss and his speed at the end separates him from the rest. Legault was a player who wouldn't back down from players bigger than him. "Kick return wasn't the same weapon when he wasn't back there for us. We knew we were going to get a solid return, or a great decision out of him."
Congratulations to Jacob Legault on the Special Teams POTY nod.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 8 rushes; 51 yards
Receiving: 5 receptions; 38 yards
Special Teams: 1 2-point conversion
Award Description:
Awarded to the two members of the scout team who attributed to the team's success in practice. As recognized by coaches and teammates.
About The Recipients:
Willwerth:
The long hair wouldn't deter Willwerth from big plays. Willwerth is always someone that will give 110% every time, and takes advantage of every time his number is called. "Mikey would do everything and perform well above expectations. He never took a play off, by the end of the season, he was starting at slot receiver for us. He is reliable and dependable." This couldn't be any truer about Mike. As a former teammate of his, Willwerth was one of the smartest kids out there. He knew both Old Colony's plays and their opponent and would run the plays to perfection giving the varsity team a great look every week. Look for him to have a starting role in a skill position next year.
Fulton:
The long stylish socks allowed Tommy to stand out amongst the rest. "Tommy gave us fits, he was unblockable at times. Tommy allowed us to have versatility. He has a high motor, and a mentally and physically tough kid." Tommy is a force on the defensive end of the ball. His physicality gave the varsity team great looks all year. He is a force and as a junior next year, will be looking to battle for a starting spot.
Congrats to Mike and Tommy on the Scout Team POTY nods.
Final Season Statistics:
Willwerth:
Rushing: 17 rushes; 81 yards
Receiving: 1 reception; 10 yards
Fulton:
1 fumble recovery
Award Description:
Awarded to the player who may not have been a big name, but showed up big for the Cougars when called upon.
About The Recipient:
Coming on following the injury to Egan, O'Neill emerged as a star player for the Cougars. "You would never hear a word out of him except get back in the huddle. He'd score a touchdown, hand the ball to the referee and get off the field. Jake O'Neill is get to work, do your job, and get off the field type of kid." O'Neill is a respectful player that is dependable and you can count on him to do what he needs to do. Leading the team by far in 2-point conversions, O'Neill was the type of player you could rely on. "I knew if I needed 3 yards, he could get the job done."
Congratulations to Jake O'Neill on the Unsung Hero award.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 56 rushes; 350 yards; 5 TDs
Receiving: 1 reception; 3 yards
Special Teams: 13 2-point conversions
Award Description:
Awarded to the player who battled adversity and achieved the most success for the team.
About The Recipient:
Following an injury riddled sophomore year where he was poised to have a big role for the team, Ryan Silva bounced back from adversity. "The ankle injury he had, he came back big. A dependable back, 10 touchdowns and 4 2-point conversions is nothing to sneeze at. Probably our best open field runner. He's a big strong kid and we're looking for more of the same." Silva led the team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns on the season. The team's number one carrier of the rock battled adversity and finished with a strong junior campaign. "He can really make things happen out in open space."
Congratulations to Ryan Silva on Comeback POTY.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 87 rushes; 619 yards; 10 TDs
Receiving: 1 reception; 5 yards
Special Teams: 4 2-point conversions; 1 XP
Award Description:
Awarded to the best young Cougar who contributed to the team's success in their first varsity season.
About The Recipient:
The younger cousin of former star receiver Jarret Taylor, Burnham came on big for Old Colony when they needed someone to step up. "Another super talented guy, early in the year, we knew he had some juice. Great scout player till the time came, and then became a role player. When someone went down or something happened, Stu came in." Burnham was on every special team and had a lot of great returns. "He was a tackle short of breaking one a few times." He's going to be a great piece for Old Colony next year as the Cougars look to reload for another title run.
Congratulations to Stuart Burnham on the Rookie of the Year nod.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 7 rushes; 69 yards
Receiving: 2 receptions; 7 yards
Award Description:
Awarded to the player who exhibited the most heart on every play. Giving their full effort for the team.
About The Recipient:
A kid who does everything he is asked to the best of his ability. The senior was a key part of the success on both sides of the ball. "Heart award, there's no better recipient then Ray. I reflect back to asking him to change positions, and he didn't blink an eye. He got really good at it, he was the tone setter. Heart tells you everything you need to know about him, he came with it every play." said Mendez. Thibault, a smaller linebacker and guard could deliver a big hit at any moment. He was a hard runner and capable of making a big play when they needed one.
Congratulations to Ray Thibault on the All-Heart Award.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 16 rushes; 69 yards; 2 TDs
Defense: 2 FF; 1 sack
Award Description:
Awarded to the player who delivered the spark for the Cougars when they needed it most.
About The Recipient:
The scene: Old Colony is down 20-0 midway through the 3rd quarter against Nashoba Valley. In need of a spark for the team, the Cougars needed a big play. Backed up on their own 25-yard line, McGuiggan takes the snap, rolls to his right, heaves it downfield to a double covered sophomore receiver. He catches is and sprints 75-yards for a score. That sophomore was Shawn Markham. A starter his freshman year, Markham is a key player for the Cougars. "When we needed a play, or the game was on the line, Shawn Markham was getting the ball. Probably one of our most explosive players in many years, probably back to Ryan Baker. He is a talented receiver who drew a lot double coverage." said Mendez. Markham's athletic ability sets him apart from the rest. No matter what point in the game it was, Markham could make that play to light the fire for the Cougars. He electrifies the team and is the jump start to many big plays and big sequences.
Congratulations to Shawn Markham on the Backs Against the Wall Award.
Final Season Statistics:
Rushing: 29 rushes; 148 yards; 1 TD
Receiving: 24 receptions; 440 yards; 6 TDs
Defense: 2 interceptions
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