LYNN– Tech football coach James Runner couldn’t have asked for a better season from his team this past fall. The Tigers won 12 of their 13 games, including a trip to the Division 8 North final and a MVADA Small Championship. Tech carried seven CAC Small all-stars and Runner was named both CAC Small Coach of the Year and The Item’s Peter Gamage Coach of the Year.
“I’ve been coaching in Lynn for a long time,” Runner said. “Even though we lost to Cathedral, we didn’t fold. To beat Nashoba Valley at their house, that was special. I grew up playing at Lynn Classical so this was close to heart. It makes you want to keep doing it, winning breeds winning.”
The Tigers started their season with 43-6 rout over Mystic Valley and rumbled to six consecutive wins after that. In the regular season finale, Tech was tested by Greater Lowell but the Tigers pulled away late for a 13-0 win.
Undefeated at 7-0, Tech made the postseason at the No. 1 seed in Division 8 North. Runner and his Tigers made quick work of Marian/Keefe Tech in the quarterfinals with a 43-8 win. A week later, they blanked New Mission, 35-0, in the semifinals. The postseason run ended when the Tigers fell to Cathedral, the No. 2 seed, 20-6, in the final.
Despite falling short in states, Tech ended its season on a positive. The Tigers stormed through Franklin Tech in the MVADA Small semifinals, 41-6. That granted Tech a bid in the MVADA Small championship game, where it held off a second half rally from Nashoba Valley for a 50-22 victory. In between those two games, the Tigers defeated Thanksgiving rival Austin Prep, 27-6.
“It all started with a promise from out athletic director, Joe Skeadas, at last year’s banquet,” Runner said. “He promised that Tech would play at Gillette Stadium at the end of the season. We fell short of that but still finished the season with a championship and that was an amazing way to end the season.
“The way we ended the season showed a lot of resiliency,” Runner said. “The comeback when you’re down is one of the best things you can teach a young man. When you get knocked down, you get back up and you prove you belong in that spot.”
Offensively, the Tigers carried no shortage of scoring threats. Junior quarterback David Barrios threw for 900 yards. Senior running backs Steffan Gravely and Keoni Gaskin teamed up to score the bulk of Tech’s touchdowns. Gravely graduates as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (5,903) and touchdowns (89), while ranking fourth in state history in career yardage.
“You can’t replace Keoni’s leadership on the field and in the weight room,” Runner said. “Kids saw the way he works and wanted to follow in his footsteps. He has great football knowledge. When it comes to Steffan, he’s tough, illusive and he has speed. He’s hands down one of the most dynamic players I’ve ever coached. He’ll always be remembered for his senior season.
“Every team we play is going to be very excited that Steffan’s graduating,” Runner added.
Defensively, junior linebacker Emerson Ramirez led the way with 159 total tackles (60 solo), eight sacks and four forced fumbles. Junior Elvin Gonzalez grew into a reliable cornerback. Gaskins and Gravely made key contributions as linebackers, as did Barrios at safety with six interceptions.
“It started with our defensive line,” Runner said. “Kevin Aguilar and Josh Pena never left the field. When we needed to change the line of scrimmage, Ali Bdwai was one of our most physical players. He took two offensive linemen every play. He was a major factor against power teams.”
Award winners at Monday’s banquet were Juan Vasquez, Offensive Lineman of the Year, Ali Bdwai, Defensive Lineman of the Year, Jacob Legune, JV Coaches Award; Aguilar, Varsity Coaches Award; Edwin Gonzalez, JV Scout Team Player of the Year; Lorenzo Montenegro, Varsity Scout Team Player of the Year; Noah Thurston, JV Sick Dog Award; Giuliani Daniels, Varsity Sick Dog Award; Ratha Thach, JV Unsung Hero; Elvin Gonzalez, Varsity Unsung Hero; Haidar Bdwai, Special Teams Player of the Year; Jamie James, Varsity Special Teams Player of the Year; Jermanny Guerrero, JV Defensive Player of the Year; Ramirez, Varsity Defensive Player of the Year; Angelo Person, JV Offensive Player of the Year; Barrios, Varsity Offensive Player of the Year; Justin Phem, JV Scholar Athlete; Pena, Varsity Scholar Athlete; Angel Hernandez, JV MVP; Gravely, Varsity MVP.
