Hopedale’s Robbie Siefring will be starting at quarterback for the fourth straight year for Blackstone-Millville’s football team and the veteran signal-caller would like to see the Chargers continue to build on the success they experienced last year.
The 5-foot-10 Siefring, who guided BMR to its first winning season in the school’s five-year history of varsity competition (6-5), led the Chargers to a pair of other firsts last year. He helped the squad qualify for the playoffs and he engineered a victory over Sutton on Thanksgiving, which was BMR’s first triumph over its archrival.
The 17-year-old native of Hopedale is a capable and consistent QB. But, he’s more — much more. Siefring starts at outside linebacker on defense and he’s also the team’s punter and field-goal kicker. Handling the Chargers’ kickoff chores on special-teams duty makes it a virtual certainty that he’ll rarely leave the field.
“My goals this season are to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight year, advance as far as possible and to beat Sutton again,’’ Siefring emphasized. “Those objectives are realistic because we’ll be competitive.’’
Siefring had some dynamic statistics last year — 824 yards rushing that included 14 TDs and 986 yards passing that led to 13 TDs. But, increasing those numbers isn’t on his to-do list. He’d rather see numbers mount in the win column.
“Personal stats are not that important,’’ he said. “I’d rather win a game than throw five touchdown passes. Statistics usually fall into place.’’
When someone gets around to writing BMR’s gridiron history, it’ll show that Siefring was the QB when the Chargers experienced their first winning campaign. He downplays that and prefers to include his teammates. “I have five players blocking for me and others catching passes and running the ball,’’ he noted. “I’m the QB but other guys are playing at a high level. No one person can win a game by himself — it takes 11.’’
Able to adjust his style depending on the situation, Siefring is a quarterback who can be aggressive, deliberate, patient or analytical. And, the strengths he possesses are abundant.
“I’d like to think I’ve got a high football IQ, good field awareness, arm strength, an ability to run and stay calm under pressure,’’ he said. “Where I can improve is to get faster, bigger and stronger. My footwork and pre-snap reads can also be better.’’
Siefring’s coach, Josh Euglow, is bullish on his co-captain who’s definitely the Chargers’ offensive leader. “He’s tough as nails and he has no quit,’’ Euglow said. “No matter how poorly a game is going, he doesn’t give an inch. Robbie is a complete competitor who’s got arm strength and athletic ability. But, it’s his determination that sets him apart. He’s a nightmare for coaches to game-plan against and for opponents to line up against.’’
Siefring’s best game came against Sutton last Thanksgiving when he threw a pair of TD passes and rushed for another. “Our team chemistry clicked and it was rewarding to send our seniors off with a win,’’ he emphasized. “We had never beaten Sutton, so it was a thrill. And, the atmosphere was great — lots of alumni and fans witnessed it.’’
A Dual Valley Conference all-star who was the circuit’s offensive MVP, Siefring is quick to credit his teammates and his coach for last year’s success. He’s a fan of the Chargers’ other captain — Hopedale’s Matt Crepeau — and receivers Alex Luccini and Dylan Ayotte, who both are cornerbacks on defense.
“Matt is a center who also plays linebacker,’’ Siefring said. “He’s got a high football IQ, knows technique and is a quality leader. Alex is athletic, has good hands and runs his routes well. Dylan is tall, athletic and physically strong. Coach Euglow is supportive, knows the game and motivates players effectively. He’s worked hard to build the program.’’
Delighted that BMR stepped up when Millis High was forced to end its co-op arrangement with Hopedale, Siefring says the new mix has been a plus. “I’m glad Hopedale kids have the opportunity to continue playing football,’’ he said. “It’s a good blend and the players at both schools have developed a close-knit relationship.’’
A National Honor Society student, Siefring isn’t sure where he’ll attend college or what his major will be. Football at the collegiate level, however, probably will take a back seat to lacrosse. Siefring, who plays varsity basketball, has been a two-time Mid-Mass. League all-star defender in lacrosse and he plans on pursuing that sport.
Calling his parents (Deb and Jeff) role models for their support and encouragement, Siefring also includes his older brother Mitch as an influence. “Mitch has always pushed me to excel,’’ Siefring noted.
Relying on an athletic philosophy of competing hard, Siefring believes that reaching one’s potential and having fun in the process leads to success. And, he’s quick to credit athletics for learning life lessons. “Sports help players to overcome adversity,’’ he said. “And, you learn that hard work is an asset and that it’s important to strive to reach your goals.’’
Siefring started playing football when he was eight in the Nipmuc Youth Football program. He quickly embraced the sport because “if it’s played correctly and everyone fulfills their roles, success is the result.’’ And, that’s what Siefring hopes will occur on Sept. 8 when BRM hosts Bellingham in its opener. Last year, the Blackhawks pulled out a dramatic victory in the final two minutes of the game. “It’s an important game because a victory will set the tone early,’’ he said.
BMR’s coach is looking forward to the opener, but also to another full season with Siefring taking the snaps. “I’ve been extremely lucky to have had Robbie all four years,’’ Euglow said. “And, I’m excited to see where we can take our offense this season with him.’’
BMR should be just fine with Robbie Siefring passing, running, punting and kicking field goals.
Issue Date:
September, 2018
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