The partnership that Blackstone-Millville Regional and Hopedale High have in football goes far beyond what happens between the white lines — it’s about relationships and friendships.
Just ask Hopedale’s Jake Wollensak.
The 6-foot, 170-pound senior captain, who led the Chargers last year with 680 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns, calls the opportunity to play football at BMR “a blessing.’’ A three-sport athlete at Hopedale, Wollensak is extremely pleased that a new gridiron pact quickly got underway at BMR after the co-op arrangement Hopedale had with Millis High expired.
“I’m grateful I’ve had a chance to play football,’’ Wollensak said. “BMR provided the opportunity and I’m glad. I’ve met new friends, we’ve developed good team spirit, and we support one another at various events. Everyone from BMR has been friendly towards the Hopedale kids and the connection is positive.’’
So, too, is the way Wollensak competes. A National Honor Society student, the 17-year-old actually has played five varsity sports. After the football season, he’ll finish up his final year at Hopedale as a forward in ice hockey and a midfielder in lacrosse (56 goals last year). He also played golf his freshman and sophomore years and was a skier as a freshman.
On the gridiron, the wide receiver/safety is a blue-collar competitor who relies on grit, no matter what side of the ball he’s on. “I like catching and running with the ball, and scoring,’’ he said. “At safety, I like to hit and be aggressive and strategic,’’ he said. “As a receiver, I try to run my routes precisely.’’
BMR coach Josh Euglow likes his captain’s overall ability. “Jake is smart, athletic and he’s got good hands,’’ Euglow said. “Teams tend to focus on him, putting their better defenders on his side, which opens things up for other players. What makes him so effective is the way he goes up for the ball and separates himself from defenders. He also runs good routes and can get to his spots quickly. He’s a good leader and other players look up to him.’’
Blending speed and quickness, Wollensak is adept at gaining significant yards after a catch. Through five games this season, he’s got four TD receptions, one TD pass and he’s gained 313 yards on 19 receptions. He also has major assets on defense.
“I rely on being instinctive,’’ he said. “My field awareness is okay and I try to be sound in read-and-react situations. But, I can improve my communication with (quarterback) Robbie Siefring, and on defense I can improve my pursuit.’’
BMR-Hopedale has a 4-2 record and is in the mix for a playoff berth. Wollensak would like to get a shot at post-season play because he doesn’t plan to continue football in college.
“My goals before the season started were to have a winning record and get to the playoffs,’’ he emphasized. “The playoffs are a reality because we’re a mature team now and we’re all on the same page. If we don’t qualify, it’ll be disappointing. But, as long as we give our best, that’s what’s important. Individually, my objectives are to keep improving and to live up to the expectations of the team and the coaches.’’
Wollensak lived up to expectations in games against Quaboag and Sutton last year. He had a TD reception against Quaboag that covered 96 yards, and he also had three TD receptions for 172 yards against Sutton on Thanksgiving.
“The TD against Quaboag is a school record for the longest reception,’’ he noted. “The pass traveled 35 yards and I ran for 61. We beat Quaboag but we lost to Sutton by a point. Even though we lost, we all played hard. Against Quaboag, it was a thrill to get three TDs.’’
Wollensak, who missed two games because of a concussion last year, is quick to credit his teammates and coach for the team’s progression. He specifically points to Siefring, Matt Crepeau and Sam Parker as key cogs.
“Robbie has a strong arm at QB,’’ Wollensak said. “He runs hard and he goes all out each game. Matt is a solid center/linebacker who’s well-versed on offense and defense. Sam is a running back who also plays defensive end. He knows his role at end and he runs well. Coach Euglow is a great guy, he knows the game and he’s a motivator.’’
Wollensak, who plans to major in business in college, is mulling schools like Maryland, Syracuse, Indiana and UConn. “I’ll likely play some club or intramurals sports in college,’’ he said. “My focus will be solely on academics.’’
And, that focus will be with the same intensity he applies to athletics. “If you reach your potential, then your team should be a winner,’’ Wollensak said. “And, if you’re winning, then you’re having fun.’’
Calling his older brothers (David and Ryan) role models for “setting the bar high,’’ Wollensak relishes the life lessons athletics have taught him. “Sports have helped me manage my time, set goals, work hard and overcome adversity,’’ he said. “You also learn to give 100 percent.’’
Giving a full effort in every practice and every game is a huge priority for the classy captain, especially after teammate Brian Cerow suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck in the Chargers’ opening game at Bellingham. Wollensak and his teammates have dedicated the season to the injured running back.
“Everything we do is in his honor,’’ Wollensak emphasized. “We’d like to make the playoffs in honor of Brian. After he got hurt, our next game was against Millbury and we all wanted to win that one for him.’’ The Chargers rolled, 27-6.
Wollensak’s days in athletics will conclude next spring and he says it’ll be bittersweet when that time arrives. “It’ll be sad to no longer suit up for football or lacrosse but there’s a new chapter coming in college,’’ he said. “I’ve had a great time in all the sports I’ve played.’’
Competing for the BMR-Hopedale football team, however, is bound to be an indelible memory. Because even though Jake Wollensak wears blue and white at Hopedale, he’s also partial to BMR’s purple, gold and white.
Issue Date:
November, 2017
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