Over the past few weeks, MassLive has asked football coaches and athletic directors to reflect on their teams—specifically, the unsung heroes who contribute to their programs’ success.
For some teams, it’s the player who hustles on defense. For others, the player may not appear often on the stat sheet but inspires their teammates every time they step on the field.
Please learn about the unsung heroes of the 2025 football season in their coaches’ words below.
Note: Some submissions have been lightly edited for clarity. To add a player to the list, football coaches can email sports@masslive.com.
Edward Ferris, Taconic, Senior – submitted by Justin Bailey Sr.
(Ferris) is Mr. Everything for our team. He is the leading tackler and rusher, while also our punter and team captain.
Christopher Carrasquillo, Chicopee Comp, Senior – submitted by coach Graham Raymond
Chris Carrasquillo is a two-way starter for the Chicopee Comp Colts. He has been a leader by example for a dominant offensive line, leading the Colts to an 8-0 record and the team has rushed for over 2,000 yards in the first eight games.
Chris’s blocking and pulling have led the way for an offense with 32 rushing touchdowns. On defense, Chris is a defensive end who can consistently create problems for the offense. Through eight games, he has 24 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and four sacks.
Chris doesn’t often get his name mentioned as one of the top players in the area, but he deserves recognition for his team-first attitude and dominance on the field.
Jared Currier, Franklin Tech, Senior – submitted by coach Joseph Gamache
Jared is a senior captain. Due to personal reasons, though, he was unable to participate in football his freshman year.
He worked extremely hard to elevate his skill set after that. But he unfortunately sustained a season-ending shoulder injury before our first game this season. Regardless, though, Currier has continued to serve as a leader and assist in any way possible.
London Lewis, Frontier, Senior – submitted by coach Scott Dredge
Last year (his junior year), London had to step away from football to work. His family needed the money, and he decided to prioritize his family’s situation over his own.
This year, he chose to return for his senior season so he could be with his friends and have no regrets later in life for sitting it out. He knew by returning there would be no spot waiting for him and that he would have to work harder to catch back up, and did so anyway.
This season, Frontier has enjoyed much success due to its strong core of seniors and, collectively, some of the best I’ve had. London knew there were many kids in front of him in the depth chart, but he showed up day after day after day with the same commitment that any of our starters had shown.
He simply wants to be around. He had earned some spot duty on special teams and had been happy being a part of that.
Unfortunately, though, his season was cut short two games ago with a knee injury, and his playing days had to end.
But this did not stop him from showing up each day and being a presence with his teammates. What I also appreciate about London is that he is quite comfortable speaking up and sharing his words during team times, and he is listened to and respected.
What his teammates seem to respect is that, through it all, he has shown up and walks the walk.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Dredge
Frontier Regional School
David Parker, Monument Mountain, Senior – submitted by coach Chris Tucci
David Parker joined as a freshman, having never played football. He struggled to learn the game and adapt. But no matter how hard he struggled, he never gave up.
He remained one of the most consistent athletes during off-season workouts. When injuries along the offensive line created an opportunity in his junior year, he was ready.
He stepped into a starting role and didn’t let it go, often rating as one of our best linemen. He remained one of our best linemen through his senior year until an injury against Smith Vocational cut his season short.
But that didn’t stop him from wanting to help the team. As soon as he was cleared to return to practice, he was there on crutches, encouraging everyone to stay committed to each other and to the team.
He’s the best of what high school sports can be: growth, grit, and a commitment to something greater than himself.
Cal Blanchard, Minnechaug, Senior – submitted by coach Will Nickerson
Football isn’t just about touchdowns and highlight reels — it’s built on the hard work of players like Cal Blanchard, who do their job with pride and humility.
He may not always make the headlines, but his impact is felt in every huddle, every snap, and every game. Cal truly embodies what it means to be an unsung hero.
Frank Swazlowski, Smith Vocational, Freshman – submitted by coach Alex Subocz
Frank is a true lunch pail kid. He comes to practice every day with a great attitude.
He works hard in every drill. He even puts up with the countless potato jokes that the coaches make throughout the year.
He’s an incredibly coachable kid. He was a glue guy on our JV team. He commanded the offensive huddle from his QB position and then anchored the defense at MLB.
Mychal Rogers-Nesmith, SICS, Senior – submitted by coach Matthew Belanger
Mychal Rogers-Nesmith is the true definition of an unsung hero.
He has been with our program from the very beginning—four years ago, when our football team was still brand new and nothing was guaranteed. From day one, he embraced our vision, our work, and the culture we were determined to build.
He never asked for recognition or special treatment; he simply wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.
Mychal isn’t the player who fills up the stat sheet or grabs headlines, and not once did he let that matter. He shows up every single day, on time, prepared, and ready to give everything he has.
He does every job we ask of him with no complaints, no excuses, and no ego. As a coach, players like Mychal are what you hope for—steady, humble, dependable, and fully committed to the team.
Even though he didn’t crack the starting lineup this season, he was absolutely vital to our success. When suspensions and injuries challenged our depth, Mychal stepped in at center, guard, and linebacker—three entirely different positions—and handled each with toughness and composure.
His versatility and willingness to help in any way he could kept our team grounded during some of our most difficult moments.
Mychal may not lead in statistics, but he leads in character. He represents commitment, resilience, and the selflessness that make high school sports special.
He is the kind of teammate every player wants beside them and the kind of young man every coach is proud to have in their program. That is why he deserves to be recognized as an Unsung Hero.
