Reigning MVP, Norwell football out to prove breakout 2023 season wasn't a one-year wonder

NORWELL — At this time last year, the Norwell High football team was one of the South Shore's sleeping giants.

Although outside expectations for the Clippers were tempered after a 4-7 season in 2022, head coach John Willis saw a senior-led breakthrough coming last fall. It arrived emphatically, in the form of a five-win improvement and a South Shore League Sullivan Division crown.

But, what's next?

“We have to realize this is a new year. We’re not going to catch anyone by surprise," Willis said. "For us, we knew (about last year’s 9-2 season) going into it. This is an even bigger year because we have to replace those (20 seniors). Now we have to maintain it. … There are a lot of really good programs that do it year-in and year-out. We certainly want to get to that level.”

The reigning South Shore League Sullivan Division MVP will lead the charge. Will Bostrom is set to return for his senior season after standout campaigns in football (over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns) and basketball last year. Willis, who enters his third season as the head coach, called him "one of those ‘once in every 20 years’ players.”

“I wish I had 11 Will’s. This is my 36th year (overall) coaching at Norwell, and Will is as good of an athlete as we’ve ever had, honestly," Willis said. "There’s nothing he can’t do on the field and nothing he can’t do on the court.”

“He’s an absolute dog, really," sophomore quarterback Jack Luccarelli raved of his running back. "There’s nothing more to say. If you watch our games, you can clearly see that he’s our guy.”

Bostrom credited the Clippers' offensive line, which has blocked for him since the second grade, for his big year in 2023. Carter Rae and Connor Cronk were quality veterans that graduated from the unit at the end of last year, but junior league All-Star Dante Tordiglione , senior Thomas Regan , senior Brian Schindler and senior Ryan Daly are names to know on this year's line.

They will also protect Luccarelli, who enters his second year under center. The sophomore took over the QB1 gig early in his freshman season following an injury to Day 1 starter Colin McCarthy, and was named to our All-Scholastics list as an honorable mention by the end.

Once primarily known for his mobility and escapability, Willis applauded his young quarterback's improving intermediate passing and pocket presence. Both of which were on display in the team's 7-on-7 clinics this offseason.

“Confidence is up after we had a successful year last year as a team, as a whole," Luccarelli said. "But I also feel more comfortable in different scenarios.”

Senior Drew Lazcano , senior Joey McCarthy , senior Ethan Bostrom (twin brother of Will), senior Joey Perniola , junior Matt Penttila and junior Teddy Glynn will be among Luccarelli's top receiving targets. Will Bostrom, too, of course.

“Jack doesn’t act like a sophomore. He doesn’t look like a sophomore," Willis said. "The two of them (Luccarelli and Bostrom), they’re not showboats. They don’t look for attention. They just go out and play. They’re old-school in a lot of ways. And I like that. That’s how I want the team to be. If we emulate those guys, we’re going to be all right. There’s a calmness about them.”

2023 rewind

Norwell was one of the South Shore's most improved teams last fall. After a 4-7 season in 2022, the senior-heavy Clippers earned key victories over Abington (27-7 win), Middleboro (34-13 win) and Sandwich (33-6 win) last season to finish with a 9-2 record and the South Shore League Sullivan Division title. Norwell was the No. 1 seed in the Division 6 bracket and lost to the eventual champion, No. 8 Fairhaven, in the second round by a 28-14 margin.

More: 'We understand our potential': Weymouth football aims high after standout '23 season

More: Find all South Shore, Brockton-area high school football coverage right here

Three names to know

Will Bostrom, senior running back/linebacker: Bostrom was named South Shore League Sullivan Division MVP last year. He rushed for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Clippers won the Sullivan Division title.

Jack Luccarelli, sophomore quarterback: Luccarelli was named a Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic honorable mention. He took over the QB1 job midseason last fall and now enters his second year as the starter.

Dante Tordiglione, junior lineman: Tordiglione, a two-year starter, is one of the Clippers' mainstays in the trenches after graduation claimed veterans Carter Rae and Connor Cronk in the offseason.

They said it

Tordiglione on Bostrom: “I’ve been blocking for him since youth. Our whole line has been blocking for him since second grade. He just knows when to cut and what we’re going to do, which makes him such a good running back. ... He just doesn’t stop running. As soon as he gets hit, he stays up as best he can.”

Willis on what makes Bostrom an effective running back: “I wish I had the answer. He’s just so good athletically. He’s maybe 5-9, 5-10, but when he jumps, he keeps going up and other people are coming down."

Bostrom on winning the MVP last year: “It was a great feeling. Seeing all the great players in our league, and for me to be the MVP, it’s like ‘Wow.’ It’s indescribable. But I’m looking for it again this year, looking for even better than MVP. I’m just hoping to have a great season.”

Norwell High football schedule

Friday, Sept. 6 -- at Cohasset, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13 -- at Blue Hills, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19 -- vs. Scituate, 7 p.m.

BYE WEEK

Friday, Oct. 4 -- at Abington, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Rockland, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 -- at Middleboro, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Sandwich, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1 -- vs. East Bridgewater, 7 p.m.

Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28 -- at Hanover, 10 a.m.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Reigning MVP, Norwell football out to prove breakout 2023 season wasn't a one-year wonder