By: Austin Mendes
(Left) Old Colony's Seniors pose with Coach Mendez (Right) Whitman-Hanson's Senior class
These seniors played their hearts out not only for their schools, towns and families, but also for themselves. Here is a recruiting guide for the Old Colony RVT and Whitman-Hanson Regional Class of 2022 seniors looking to play football at the collegiate level.
Old Colony
OL/DE/LB Joseph Rubini
Joseph Rubini (55) lines up on defense
The four-year varsity player for the Cougars has been a force during his time on the field. "He was the anchor for our defense, he was a leader who led by example and vocally." said coach Mendez. Rubini was a lead-by-example type of player who did things the way the coaches wanted it done. He is a leader vocally as well, as he is not afraid to call out a teammate doing something wrong and coaching them in the right direction. Rubini is a pillar of a Cougars offense who scored 315 points during the year. Rubini, a tackle was an anchor protecting McGuiggan and opening holes for Old Colony running backs. In school, Rubini is described as a respectful student, who has an exceptional work ethic. He is a student who participates in class a lot and is smart. He is in a couple AP classes and in all honors. He was named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021 Cougar football season.
GPA: 3.51
Joseph Rubini's Hudl:
LB/FB/G Raymond Thibault
Thibault (58) receives a play to give to the defense versus Upper Cape
When the Cougars needed a big play on either the offense or defensive side on the ball. Thibault was able to make the play. A hard-hitting linebacker with a great motor and a knack for leadership. "Ray played with heart no matter if it was in practice or in a game. He was the tone setter, coaches in the league said, 'this was the most physical Old Colony team we've ever seen' and Ray was brought up in the conversation." said Old Colony Head Coach Brandon Mendez. Thibault always strives to do things the right way. He was asked to change positions his junior year and didn't back down from the challenge, serving as the team's starting guard for his junior and senior year, Thibault was a force on the offense opening up holes for the running backs and pass blocking to give McGuiggan time to throw. Off the field, Thibault holds a 3.61 GPA and is apart of the National Honor Society at Old Colony. He is described by teachers as a hard-working student who is willing to help his fellow classmates when they are struggling. Thibault is the type of student you would want in your classroom and a respected student at Old Colony.
GPA: 3.61
Raymond Thibault's Hudl:
Whitman-Hanson
DE Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder
Alcorn-Crowder celebrates with his team
"Malcolm was definitely our best defensive players this year, playing defensive end and offensive tackle for us [Whitman-Hanson]. Very explosive player, he is a very intelligent player." said Panthers Head Coach Zach Botelho about Alcorn-Crowder on the field. Playing defensive end for the Whitman-Hanson Panthers, Malcolm was the third leading tackler on the team. Alcorn-Crowder had 21 tackles for loss and 10 sacks on the year for the Panthers. "He was an absolute terror on our defense. On offense, he was big, physical and moved people. All you could ask for on the line." said Botelho. Alcorn-Crowder is described as a lead by example type of leader for the Panthers, he would show up and do what he is supposed to do. "He could read the offense and adjust the defense around him." When things got tough throughout the year, Malcolm picked up his teammates around him. "He doesn't shy away from a challenge. He shows up every day and works, whether that be in the weight room, on the field, or helping his teammates. He is a grinder and motivated the team to work." Alcorn-Crowder is a player who the Panthers could rely on when the going got tough. In school, Zach Botelho said he is referred to as the "Mayor of Whitman-Hanson." Alcorn-Crowder is described as a kind, hard-working individual in school. "His work ethic has been really good; he is great to have in the classroom." Botelho serves as one of his teachers as well. Malcolm does the news for Whitman-Hanson. "He's a well-rounded kid, well liked, kind, and a hard-worker. He is a blast to have around the building." said Botelho describing Alcorn-Crowder's impact on the school. Malcolm is versatile, naturally gifted, and very athletic. He is a basketball player and a great athlete. "If you need him to be that true four front defensive end... he's able to do that." said Botelho. Alcorn-Crowder all in all is a great athlete, a great personality and an even better student in the school.
GPA: 2.2
Alcorn-Crowder's Hudl Link:
RB/SS William Stafford II
Stafford looks to make a move during a scrimmage
"Stafford is one of the players who held our squad together all year." Stafford, who suffered a season-ending injury, was a captain for the Panthers during their season. "It is easy when your season is done to be disengaged, Will [Stafford] was the polar opposite of that. He was in the back end on defense, behind the huddle on offense, and helping the players taking his spot. During practice and games, he was a super energy hype man, all in a positive way. Will is a lead by example (in the weight room, on the field) and a motivational (pulling kids aside and coaches them). That leadership showed through and helped us get back on track." Stafford was a part of the group with Malcolm that helped keep their teammates in the game and their heads held high. A rough season for Whitman-Hanson didn't deter him from helping the team progress as a whole, especially with a new head coach. "Stafford is a physical, downhill football player. He wants contact, he is capable of making that big hit." said Botelho when asked about his play style. From his senior year highlights, you can see his ability to make big plays and the game changing ability he has when in open space. He is shifty, and explosive off the ball. "He is a smart football player who can be the quarterback of a defense." Stafford was able to adjust plays based off what he saw. Stafford helped the development of Junior QB Cam Burrows. "Stafford helped Burrows take control of the huddle, he was able to communicate with Cam [Burrows] on what he saw on the offensive side of the ball." The genuine nature of Stafford shows that it will be done the right way. In school and off the field, Stafford participated in several community service projects by the team. Stafford also is in several AP and honors classes in his senior year. He is a member of the captain's council and hosted the pep rally at Whitman-Hanson. "He is an awesome personality in the building. He helps kids in need, and a pillar of what we do at Whitman-Hanson." said Coach Botelho.
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