Billerica — Tim Cassidy knows how to stand out.
A resident of Billerica and Shawsheen Tech’s senior offensive lineman, a key cog in his football team’s undefeated season, he has done a lot of the necessary tedious work that would normally go unnoticed by the average fan. going.
But his clout was an integral part of pushing the Rams back to Super Bowl status.
As a result, Showscene Tech (12-0) will wrap up their undefeated campaign against North Reading (10-2) on Friday in the Division 5 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.Kickoff is set for 5:30pm
Cassidy said, “This is probably another game for the rest of my football career. I want it to be good.”
The 4th-seeded Rams beat 8th-seeded Dover Sherborne, 21-14, to secure their ticket to the big dance. They had previously defeated No. 13 seed Worcester Tech 20-6 and No. 5 Old Rochester 27-20.
In the face of a strong offense that scored 378 points, Cassidy and the offensive line provided many blocks for star quarterback Sidney Tyldesley & Co.
“Since the summer, we’ve developed a strong bond here,” said Cassidy, 18. Together we are a family, a unit. Everything that happened to this team has brought us closer together. “
“Tim is a very smart lineman and a very good leader,” said Al Costabile, ST’s head coach. “He never takes a day off. really respects him and he gets along with all of them.”
A two-year letter winner, Cassidy has been involved in every offensive play this season. Starting at left guard, he quickly moved to left tackle, playing next to junior Austin Marandian, 6-foot-5 senior center Cooper Lemieux, junior Richard Elliott and sophomore Karen Walsh. , carved out a niche.
The unit gave the Rams’ offensive room room to work its magic.
“Coaches always say that we are the driving force behind this team,” Cassidy said. “They need us ahead of time. We won’t be catching balls in the end zone or having our names called through the bullhorn, but we’re still doing our job.”
Cassidy, who checks in at 5 feet 11 inches and 185 pounds, has no qualms about keeping up with much larger players.
“This is a head-on fight,” Cassidy said. “Sometimes they seem to have more people than we do.”
Costabile says he may lack size, but Cassidy makes up for it wholeheartedly. His drive and determination were evident from the beginning.
“Tim isn’t an overly big offensive lineman, but he plays bigger than his size,” Costabile said. “He’s always ready, always ready.”
Cassidy’s play would be key to the Rams heading to the program’s first Super Bowl game in 12 years when Shawsheen beat the Blue Hills Regional 20-8 at Curry College in 2010.
North Reading are considered the favorites, but the Rams are confident.
“I like feeling like a loser,” said Cassidy.
“We are excited about this opportunity,” said Costabile. “I know North Reading have been waiting for their return. We are a very talented football team.There are quite a few challenges ahead of us but we are playing very well.Our confidence is high and that should help us a lot.” There are also tough kids who take the fight.”
