MILFORD — If you were a football player in the Hockomock League with designs on continuing your career at the next level, Milford High was the place to be on Sunday.
The league held the Hockomock Showcase, where 93 players from around the league performed in front of 37 colleges.
It was a rare opportunity to show your stuff in front of coaches from every level of college football. Players from all over the league had the option of running laser-timed 40-yard dashes, agility drills, offense and defense individuals, and one-on-ones.
From all who could observe, it was a grand success in the first year of the league showcase.
“Privates have been doing it for years,” Milford coach Dale Olson said. “I think it’s an opportunity to get our kids, in the Hock, in front of a lot of college coaches, and get a little exposure. I think it’s fantastic. It’s something that needed to be done, and I’m glad it’s happening this year.”
Dale’s brother, Dana, was quick to mention that they did a showcase at Millis in 2016. But you are starting to see more of these showcases pop up around New England. And it’s all about getting eyes on prospects.
University of New Hampshire coach Ricky Santos was on hand, and sees the value of it.
“I think it’s great,” Santos said. “Getting the young men exposure, there’s so many great opportunities in New England at the Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 levels. I think it’s imperative for the high school coaches to make sure they’re dong everything they can to provide a platform, so their student-athletes can thrive and get their names out there. For us, as colleges, it’s a great opportunity for us to see so many talented young men in one venue. I think, overall, whether it’s the Mass. showcases, the Connecticut one, through the private leagues and now the public ones getting on board, I think it’s a great way to get as many coaches as you can at one time, and it’s great for both ends.”
Taunton coach Brad Sidwell said doing this is, in some ways, keeping up with the Joneses with private schools offering these every year now.
“A little bit,” Sidwell said. “We do want to get all of our kids exposure. We know we have a good league with good coaches, and good programs. We try to find ways to get all of our kids exposed to all the different levels of local New England football and even further.”
“I think it’s great, because I think the Hockomock League is one of the best leagues in the entire state,” North Attleboro coach Mike Strachan said. “Probably one of the best leagues in New England. I think there’s a lot of great athletes here that get to be seen by some great colleges. You’ve got a great showing from different colleges and universities right now, and just give some of the best athletes in the Hock some exposure.”
One of those great athletes is Milford linebacker Andrew Rivera, who this past week picked up a Maine offer. Some Black Bears coaches were in attendance Sunday.
“I got to meet some of the other coaches today, and it was cool,” Rivera said. “It’s huge. It’s a great opportunity for all the players in the Hock to get exposure with all the good schools. I think they do a great job in general with all that.”
One of the top performers was Canton defensive end Rhancy Jean-Baptiste, a 6-foot-2, 260-pounder who won most of his reps.
“A whole lot of coaches came up,” Jean-Baptiste said. “Nichols, Western New England, Union, a few coaches came up after my performance. This (event) is pretty big. I heard a lot of coaches were coming. I’m currently a sophomore. I want to get my name out there. I want to play college football. I’ve worked my butt off. I just want to play at the next level. I tried as hard as I can. I won all the reps I could. I’m getting my name out there.”
