The Lynn Tech and KIPP Academy football teams were well-represented among the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small All-Stars and awards.
Panthers coach Jim Rabbitt, who guided the team to its first postseason appearance, a sectional title and a trip to the Division 8 state semifinal, was named CAC Small Coach of the Year.
“It’s a great honor,” Rabbitt said. “There are so many great coaches in the CAC Small that work really hard in their programs. To be chosen as Coach of the Year’s a really humbling experience for me.”
Co-MVP honors went to Tech’s Haidar Bdaiwi and KIPP’s Dave Filias. Bdaiwi scored 12 rushing touchdowns despite missing the last three games of the season with a thigh injury.
“Haidar averaged 175 yards and a touchdown against conference teams,” Tech coach James Runner said. “I just wanted to get him represented the right way. The best part about it is I didn’t even nominate him first. Nashoba Valley nominated him first.”
Co-Lineman of the Year honors went to Tech’s Kenny Perez and KIPP’s Mike Bryce.
“That was big for us too,” Runner said. “This is the second year we’ve had a top lineman. Last year it was Haidar’s brother, Ali. Kenny’s a 3-year player for us. It was great to get him some recognition.”
The Tigers, who reached the Division 8 North state tournament, logged six members on the all-star team. They are senior running back Bdaiwi, senior guard Perez, senior defensive back Miguel Soto, senior linebacker Devin Lewis, senior defensive tackle Winnesoda Mah and junior defensive end Jermanny Guerrero.
“I was very proud of the kids that were selected,” Runner said. “The CAC represents very well in the MIAA playoffs. A lot of times the vocational kids don’t get the recognition they deserve. Our kids work hard. We had a couple linemen get recognized, which was great. Jermanny finished with eight sacks, which was great for us.”
The Panthers, who finished the season at 9-3 after a win over Tech last Wednesday, earned nine all-star honorees. They are junior lineman Brice, junior running back/linebacker Dave Filias, junior running/linebacker Danyul Oluwasuyi, junior receiver/defensive back Taj King, junior lineman Jose Castillo, sophomore quarterback/defensive back Piero Canales, junior lineman/linebacker Kenneth Beato, junior kicker Kris Merino and junior receiver/linebacker Alex Ogando.
“It was an overwhelming experience at the league meeting when I nominated all those guys as all-stars,” Rabbitt said. “Our deep run showed how hard these guys worked. It’s great for these guys to be recognized not just for their work during the season but also before the season. The kids have already started offseason workouts. It shows the great desire our players have.”
Earning honorable mentions were Tech junior running back Gabriel Perez, KIPP junior defensive back Bhenzel Cadet and KIPP freshman defensive back Juan Setalsingh.
