T-Day has special meaning for Bulldog QB

This Thanksgiving Day, Canton High School senior Anthony Bires has a lot to be happy and thankful for. He will be calling signals at quarterback — his dream position — for his hometown team on the biggest stage of the season.

Anthony Bires (Mike Berger photo)

But beyond football, life has been a challenge for Anthony and his family. Two years ago, his mother passed away from an illness, the family lost their home, and Anthony was living in a foster home in Randolph. Football was the furthest thing from his mind.

But he is back home now in Canton, and every game, his father, John Bires, leads the fans in the stands with encouragement and praise. Off the field, he has improved his grades and is looking to make even bigger strides academically in preparation for prep school next year.

Bires has so far exceeded all expectations with his exceptional play at quarterback. He was recently named a Boston Globe Player of the Week for his performance in a 27-21 win over Oliver Ames — the Bulldogs’ first victory against a Hockomock League opponent in over two seasons. Bires led all runners with 118 yards on the ground, ran for three touchdowns and threw for one more.

Bires had a spectacular game against the Tigers, using his fakes at the line to trick the OA defense, whose mission was to stop fellow Bulldog runner Dexter Green. Many times he faked to Green and kept the ball himself. He also executed the Bulldog game plan to perfection as he threw to Green and Elias Camacho on the sideline and in the backfield, allowing them to use their speed and quickness.

This year, new head football coach Dave Bohane came into training camp and promised every player they would be given a fair chance to prove what they could do. To Bires, all he wanted to do was prove to the Canton coaches that he could play quarterback, a position he played in Pop Warner and on the CHS freshman team.

Last year as a junior, Bires was discouraged as his time on the field was limited to playing linebacker. But he did not give up and played quarterback during the summer passing league, where he impressed the coaches with his throwing ability, speed and athleticism.

Bohane, who was named head coach last spring, said he came into the August preseason camp with no clear-cut candidate to be the starting quarterback. However, Bires quickly emerged as the frontrunner with his strong play at practice.

“I actually thought Anthony would make a good receiver,” said Bohane. “But I listened to what he said and gave him a shot. He earned the position with his speed and athleticism.”

Bohane said Bires continues to improve every week at quarterback as he gains a better understanding of the offense. He even makes audibles at the line when he sees better opportunities.

“It’s too bad we only have him for a year,” Bohane said. “With another year he would be so much better. At this point of the season, he really understands the offense.”

Bires believes that he has a special connection with Green and Camacho, who both split time at receiver and running back. “We have this special understanding between us,” said Bires. “We understand what we need to do.”

Bires recognizes that opposing defenses know all about Green and his ability to run the ball. With good head and hand fakes and his overall quickness, Bires knows that he too can be a key runner in the right situation. He also praised the offensive line for opening the holes that have fueled his emergence as a runner.

Despite the team’s most recent 37-13 loss to King Philip, Bires said everyone who showed up for film the next day did not have their heads down.

“We are so excited for Stoughton and to show what we can do,” he said. “It’s the last game of the season and we don’t want to end this season on a down note. We are very confident going into every game that we can win it.”

Asked what he has learned from everything he endured over the past few years, Bires responded, “When you are down, you just get up and work even harder. Two years ago, I had no idea I would be playing quarterback in this league. It’s a dream come true for me.”

“I am having fun, a blast,” he said. “I only wish my mother could be here to watch me play. I am sure she is smiling.”

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Posted by Mike Berger on Nov 23 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.