RallyNorth.net

Knights' Boudreau conquers all hurdles except for one

Friday, October, 19 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

Steve Boudreau and his old-school mid-range jump shot captivated North Andover High fans last winter, helping lead the Scarlet Knights to the Division 2 North sectional title game.

The senior quarterback would like nothing better than for his deadly short-passing game to do the same on the gridiron. Saturday at Pentucket, the Knights take the first big step toward that goal when they collide with the very similar Pentucket Sachems.

Both clubs had expected to rebuild. And both are charging, at 1-0 in the Cape Ann League Large, just as the race is heating up.

"They're very good, and this a real big one for us," said Boudreau, who's done his best this week to balance school, football preparation and his allegiance to the Boston sports scene.

"I'm a big Red Sox fan and a big Pats fan. So, I've been busy."

Boudreau, whose 61.8 completion percentage (42 of 68) is one of the best in area history, found time to lend some insight to Football Friday. Here's what the North Andover High senior had to say.

Eagle-Tribune All-Star in hoop, star quarterback and defensive back in football, why no spring sport? "I tried outdoor track my sophomore year. The 300 hurdles simply weren't my thing."

How did you start playing quarterback?
"It was in the seventh grade. The starter went down. I was asked to step in. I've been playing it, off and on, ever since."

You didn't start at QB last year, you played receiver. Was that tough to take?
"Absolutely not. Whatever it takes to help the team. I'll do it."

Do you have a favorite receiver?
"Nick Faucher (15 catches, 164 yards) and Dave Sousa (12 catches, 122 yards, 4 TD catches) seem to be catching the bulk of my passes."

One of those guys must beg for the ball more than the other?
"Sousa's always open, and he's always telling me about it."

So do you try to keep it even?
"I go through my reads, and find whoever's open. These guys are good, and somebody always seems to find that window."

All right, now to the fun stuff. Who's to blame if the Red Sox lose the series?
"I'd have to say the bullpen. Right now, their ERA is something like 6.00."

How about the Pats? How good will they be?
"Nobody's stopped them yet. Anything less than a Super Bowl would be a disappointment."

And the Celtics?
"The Big Three will be tough to stop. Playing with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, people are going to see how great a player Paul Pierce really is."

Finally, the Bruins?
"I haven't followed them for years."

Ouch, that doesn't bode well for Jeremy Jacobs or you, Steve, because our extra credit question was simple. Name five current Bruins?
"Tim Thomas, (Zdeno) Chara ..."

Sorry, Steve, we're out of time. Better luck with the Sachems on Saturday, and thanks for playing.