The Tri-County Cougars are off to a 7-1 start this season and appear poised to make a strong playoff push starting next week. After making history last season by winning the school’s first vocational bowl, the expectations were high coming into this season.
Despite losing their first game of the season last week to Blue Hills, the Cougars have been rolling this season, especially on offense. Tri-County is averaging over 40 points and led by one of the best offensive players in the state of Massachusetts in do it all running back Nick O’Brien.
Head Coach Andy Gomes says O’Brien has been a special player from the first moment he stepped on campus.
“Nick O’Brien has been a special player since he came out Freshman year. Nick is a pure athlete, but what makes him special is his mind. You never have to tell him anything twice. The connection between Nick and Declan (Quarterback Declan Walker) has been something special and fun to watch. They hold each other accountable and work extremely well together. Nick understands the game better then most kids I have coached. He sees things and understands them at a high level. Nick is a great kid who simply loves to compete and win. He’s tough, embraces every challenge, and it’s been incredible to watch his growth and development.”
O’Brien is part of two strong classes that have been a big part of the ascension of the football program in recent years. Gomes says that the junior and senior classes have elevated the program to new heights.
“This year, the key to us being competitive has been a firm foundation by the athletes that have graduated. When we started the journey here, there was a group of athletes that truly wanted to get better. They understood that most football programs win in the off season by working out and honing in on the craft. Those players raised the bar in the off season, created a culture and with that it made younger players know that it pays off.” Gomes continued: “The most important thing in my mind is the will of the players. They want to get better. They take coaching. They know it’s difficult to play, and they embrace it. They have fallen in love with this sport, and it shows in practice as well as on the field. This year, our experience has also been a big part of it. Declan Walker is a four year starter, as well as Matt Pinto. On the line we have a 4 year starter in Riley Dahl and a 3 year starter in Brody Resendes. That experience has helped us deal with the ups and downs of this season.”
Winning makes everything better, including playing all of your games on the road. Tri-County is in the midst of a construction project at the school that has forced the team to play all of their home games at Xaverian for the past three seasons. Gomes says the players and coaches haven’t complained. In fact, he sees playing home games at Xaverian as a blessing.
“Playing all of our home games at Xaverian has been a blessing and we are very thankful to be able to do so at such a great venue. Xaverian Head Coach Al Fornaro and Athletic Director Ted Currle have been so welcoming. We started playing there 3 years ago due to the shape of our field at TC. Now with the construction at Tri-County, playing there has become almost normal. It’s a routine, and we know what to expect. As far as it being a bonding experience, these kids have had nothing but obstacles and possible excuses to not play well. We haven’t had a practice field in two years, not to mention bleachers for their parents to sit on at home games. However, they never complain and continue to work hard to get better.”
Gomes also credits his coaching staff with helping him keep things together despite the difficult circumstances.
“I am extremely proud of our staff because good coaches are difficult to find. Play caller Robb McCoy, defensive coordinator Brian Kelly and assistant coach Mike O’Brien have all been here since Day One. They have demonstrated a genuine investment in these players, fostering their development both as competitors and as individuals.”
The Cougars are currently in second place in the Mayflower Large and they are the nine seed in Division 6. When asked how far the team could go this season, Gomes says that is not something he thinks about. He focus on the task at hand.
“As far as how far we can go, well that isn’t something we think of. We think about keeping our side of the street clean. We need to control what we can and that is all. We have been focused on that since day one. If we play to what we are capable of then the outcome will be favorable. This team does a good job of that so we have been on the better side of the score so far this year. However we are just getting into hardest part of the season. Staying focused and trying to get better every rep and everyday is our focus.”
Regardless of how this season finishes, Gomes says he could not be prouder of this group and what they have accomplished this season.
“All we can do is take it one day at a time. Regardless, I could not be more proud of what these young men have become. We just want good, hard working kids that hold themselves accountable. We want them to know if you want something you need to work for it.”