By: Austin Mendes
The Cougars take the field for the Cougar Cup
ROCHESTER, MA -
A month of growing pains and new experience for the younger players, and the final send off for the Class of 2022. The young guns took charge this month giving the Cougars a bright future, here are your November Players of the Month!
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
Shawn Markham
Shawn Markham attempts to escape Tri County's Angel Velez during the Thanksgiving Eve action
When the Cougars needed it, you could expect the sophomore to be on the other end of the play. Shawn Markham would use his athletic ability to jump and haul in passes from Matt McGuiggan. He would then use his speed to out run defenders on his way to pay dirt. In the vocational playoff game versus Nashoba Valley, Markham sparked the comeback for Old Colony with a 75-yard touchdown reception in double coverage. Markham's freak athletic ability will pay dividends for the Cougars down the stretch, ultimately being a big part of their offense in the future.
Final Stats for November:
Rushing: 21 rushes; 107 yards; 1 TD; 1 2-point
Receiving: 11 receptions; 219 yards; 3 TD
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
Patrick Quin
Pat Quin takes a knee in the endzone following an interception versus Tri County
Pat Quin wasn't a flashy name throughout the season, but when his number was called, you could expect him to make a big play when needed. Serving as one of the many enforcers on the team, Quin would make the big hit that would make you wonder who laid it. His best game of his career defensively came against Tri County on Thanksgiving eve. He intercepted the ball twice, as well as forcing a fumble and recovering it. His interception late in the game allowed Old Colony to make an attempt to comeback after the interception was in the endzone.
Final Stats for November:
2 INTs; 1 FF; 1 FR
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
Hunter Morrell
Hunter Morrell (68) prepares on defense
Morrell serves as the team's right tackle and defensive tackle. His impact in the special teams' phase allowed Old Colony to stop many 2-point conversions, as well as contributing to 2 PAT blocks versus Nashoba Valley Tech. Morrell is a hard-working junior who will be a big part of the Cougars in his senior season. His strength allows him to shed blockers to make plays, and his presence for double teams allow his teammates make plays. Morrell is the player you want on your team.
UNSUNG HERO:
Trevor Taveira
Taveira turns upfield after a catch during the state playoff versus Ware High
When Markham wasn't available during the Ware game, number 23 stepped up. Throughout the season Taveira has been an important part to Old Colony's offense. When Shawn went down against Ware, Taveira picked him up by making the big receptions when the team needed it. While teams focused on the other receivers throughout the game, he was making plays when the Cougars needed him offensively and defensively. Being able to be versatile is a big part of Taveira's game, and he is always up for a challenge when presented with one.
Final Stats for November:
Passing: 0-1
Rushing: 1 rush; 2 yards
Receiving: 7 receptions; 94 yards; 1 2-point
SCOUT TEAM PLAYERS OF THE MONTH:
Max Finney & Nate Marden
(Left) Freshman Max Finney makes a move on his touchdown run vs Pathfinder
(Right) Freshman Nate Marden stiff arms a Pathfinder defender on a run
Finney:
"Max works his butt off in practice and he did so well he earned a starting spot-on varsity," said Matt McGuiggan. Max Finney, a freshman, was a key part of the Cougars defense when Egan went down. Serving as a rotational defensive end, Finney's presence was felt against Nashoba Valley. In practice, Finney would be a force on the scout team's offense and defense giving the Cougars a great look all month. Against Pathfinder Voc-Tech, Finney scored his first career varsity touchdown late in the game. He is a young player who will shine down the line for the Cougars in the upcoming years.
Marden:
"He picks up the scout offense very well and is able to give the defense a great look from Monday to Thursday" said McGuiggan. Marden was thrown into the backup quarterback role following an injury to sophomore Matt Pitts, and he never looked back. Marden's ability to throw the ball gives the varsity defense a great look, as well as his downhill running ability to simulate a varsity running back in practice. He will be a vital part of the Cougars in the future.
Final Stats for Marden/Finney:
Finney:
Rushing: 5 rushes; 53 yards; 1 TD
Marden:
Rushing: 6 rushes; 25 yards
Thank you for taking your time to read this article!
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