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Bishop producing despite separated shoulder

Friday, November, 09 By Nick Curcuru
Staff writer

When describing the way that Manchester Essex's Jack Bishop plays football, one word comes to mind: Tough.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound sophomore linebacker/fullback has played an irreplaceable role in the Hornets 7-2 start, and he has done it through gritty physical play. To top it all off, he has been playing the entire season with a separated shoulder.

But according to Bishop, playing physical is the only way he knows how to play.

"That's the way I have been taught to play," said Bishop, who has ran for 283 yards and a touchdown in the Hornets spread offense. "I always play aggressive, physical and hit hard until I hear the whistle."

Hornets head coach Mike Athanas praises Bishop for his tough physical play, calling him a "throw-back, smash mouth football player."

"Jack is a brute," Athanas said. "He is just a football player; he is tough and he can hit really hard. He has everything it takes to be successful in this sport."

And successful he has been. On offense, Bishop is second on the team in rushing, and he also provides excellent pass protection for quarterback Pat Orlando and the Hornets passing game.

"He is a prototypical fullback," Athanas said. "He has good quick feet and he can hit the hole with a burst. He can also use his size and strength to grind out some tough yards. He won't break any 90-yard runs, but he will get us the 5 and 10-yard runs we need."

He has also been one of the top performers on a Hornets defense that has made big plays all year. He made a stop on a two-point conversion against Pope John in the season opener to seal a Hornets victory, and he is always around the ball carrier.

Bishop's shoulder injury has reoccurred multiple times and has led to him not being able to play defense. Still, Bishop has seen an increase in carries on offense and has made the most of every opportunity he has had.

"This has been a tough year for Jack with the injuries," Athanas said. "But he has been fighting through them and he works hard and he can battle. He is still playing physical football and helping us win games every week."

While disappointed that he can not play defense, Bishop still takes pride in both his blocking and running at fullback.

"It's been tough not being able to play defense but Clayton (Morrissey) and Max (Quirk) have played well since I have been playing offense," Bishop said. "But I enjoy running the ball and picking up yards. I don't mind where I play as long as I'm helping the team."

Bishop hopes to be back playing linebacker in time for the Hornets' Thanksgiving Day showdown at Georgetown, where the winner will most likely earn a Division 4 playoff berth. But Athanas cautions that it's out of both his and Bishop's hands.

"That is for his doctor to decide," Athanas said. "If he can come back and play defense at some point this season, great, he will definitely help our defense. If he can't we will keep using him primarily on offense."

For now, Bishop will be starting at fullback when the Hornets travel to Malden tomorrow to play Mystic Valley (4:30 p.m.), and he hopes that he will deliver more big hits not just in tomorrow's game, but for the next couple of years.

Athanas believes that Bishop could mold into an even better football player than he is now.

"Jack may look like a senior but he is still just a sophomore and still learning," Athanas said. "He has a bright future ahead of him and he will be a force in the next couple of seasons."