WINTHROP — Revere freshman quarterback Calvin Boudreau has come a long way in his first varsity season, and he’ll be the first to tell you. The young signal-caller, who is still only 14 years old, has been at the helm of the Patriots offense since the beginning of the year, and it’s been a long learning process.
“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for sure, but I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Boudreau after taking down rival Winthrop in his first taste of Thanksgiving Day action. “We’ve come a long way as a team and we’ve worked hard to get to where we’re at, so I’m just really excited for the whole team right now.”
Boudreau had possibly his best game of the season in the battle with Winthrop, completing 7-of-9 passes for 63 yards and running the offense to near perfection, minus one fumble in the third quarter.
“This was a big one for our team, especially after they took Fenway away from us,” said Boudreau, referring to the fact that the game was initially proposed to be played at Fenway Park before it was decided that it would be played on Winthrop’s new Miller Field. “But just the rivalry between the two towns and the two schools, you can feel it everywhere. And it feels great to come out on top.”
For Revere coach Lou Cicatelli, he knows a quality player when he sees one. And he sees one when he looks at Boudreau.
“I mean, the kid is only 14 years old and he’s running the offense,” said Cicatelli. “It’s a lot for a young kid to take in like that, but he’s worked hard since the beginning. He’s going to be a great one, man, you can see it. The kid has miles of room to grow from here, and we have him for three more years.”
Boudreau feels the same way, especially after all the progress he’s made in his first season.
“As you keep playing, things definitely slow down and you get more confidence,” Boudreau said. “I’m kind of bummed this is the last game, I wish I could just keep playing with these guys. But I’m excited for what’s ahead too.”
What’s ahead is three more years under center for the Patriots, the next couple of which he’ll be joined by a host of talented players like Darius McNeil, Lucas Barbosa and Zach Furlong.
“Just like Calvin, this whole team is young and has a lot of room to grow,” said Cicatelli. “These guys have a lot of fun playing together and they all have a lot of raw talent. It’s going to be fun seeing where they go from here.”
“We’ve got a lot of good players here, and we’re only just getting used to all playing together,” Boudreau said. “I think we’ll be a lot better next year, and then keep going up from there.”
As far as what he thought of his first Thanksgiving Day action and his first taste of the Revere-Winthrop rivalry, Boudreau can’t wait for more.
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing football to be honest,” he said. “I mean, I love this group of guys and all we’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to come back next year and do it again.”
