PEABODY — The Peabody football program had a successful season last fall, racking up 10 wins and a trip to the state tournament. This year, despite losing key players to graduation, Coach Mark Bettencourt is looking to go again.
“I think the offseason will pay off for us. They know we’re coming off a 10-win season, something that hasn’t been done in a long time here at Peabody,” Bettencourt said. “They’re accepting the challenge that expectations have risen and they are proud of that. They’ve had captains’ practices and we have great numbers regarding signups.”
As for key members no longer with the team, Bettencourt believes “you have to look at what you have.”
“We lost a quarterback and four really good receivers, but we still have some more that didn’t graduate,” Bettencourt said.
Losing starters, and captains, allows others to step up and take on more responsibility. Bettencourt mentioned running back Alex Silva and wide receiver Eli Batista.
“Losing Shea Lynch is obviously a gaping hole, but one kid who has been working his tail off is Alex Silva. He was a captain for us as a junior and starting running back,” he said. “I think he’s looking at the situation knowing it’s a big hole and big shoes to fill, and he’s worked his tail off. So far, it’s looking like he’ll be in the hunt for the starting quarterback vacancy.”
“I admire Alex for wanting this challenge,” Bettencourt said. “I’m not surprised though. That’s the kid he is.”
As for Batista, Bettencourt added “it’s fun to be a coach when you have kids like this.”
“Eli Batista is another kid who’s excited to top his great year last year where he had over 1,000 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns,” Bettencourt said.
Just because some players are gone, expectations shouldn’t drop according to Bettencourt.
“We don’t want to look at a season as a rebuilding year,” he said. “We want kids to learn and want to have the same success as we did last year – or better.”
Oh, and leave it all out there.
“I tell our guys all the time: win or lose, when the opposing team heads home, you want them to know that they played Peabody,” Bettencourt said. “That’s what it was like before I even played here. Win or lose, they’re going to know that they played a tough team. Over the years, we’ve been known to be a tough town with tough kids, and I’m just trying to carry that torch.”
With practice kicking off Aug. 18, he’s ready to go.
“As far as attitude goes, and the kids shaking off the cobwebs, you want them to come in and be motivated and excited. If we have to motivate them, then something’s wrong,” Bettencourt said. “Us coaches played our sports and it’s the kids’ time now. I want kids who want to be Peabody Tanners and want to wear that bull on their chests. Those are the kids I love to coach. It’s a sense of pride that the coaches and I love to coach.”
“We’re excited. The players are excited,” Bettencourt said. “We can’t wait.”
