RallyNorth.net

Bunnell, Sachems set for Amesbury

From the Pentucket region, that same Pentucket region that produced John Cena, professional wrestling's "Doctor of Thug-onomics," Eagle-Tribune Football Friday brings you "Nate-Dogg," and his band of Sachem football "Regulators." Unlike Cena, Nate Bunnell doesn't profess to be from "the mean streets of Merrimac."

"I live in the boonies," said Bunnell, a senior fullback/linebacker. "It's peaceful."

Pentucket got back on track last week, trouncing Ipswich, 48-6, after a disappointing opening loss to Hamilton-Wenham. In two weeks, the senior has chewed out 207 yards and five TDs on the ground.

If Bunnell seems to be making up for lost time, he absolutely is, both on the field and in the classroom. "I lost the battle of the books and missed the Thanksgiving game last year," said Bunnell. "I just wasn't paying attention to it, like I should have been. I learned my lesson, though. Missing that game hurt bad. I couldn't imagine not being in there. And to be sitting on the sidelines really stunk.

"Right now, I'm sticking to business."

Bunnell has been just the leader coach Steve Hayden has been looking for.

"He's a nice kid, and he's always doing things to help the coaches out," said Hayden.

Bunnell has actually found himself trying to draw up some plays that could help the team.

At 5-11, 195 pounds, Bunnell is one of the few runners in the region bigger than the guys blocking for him.

"He's pretty much bigger than all of them," said Hayden, who never tried to make Bunnell a lineman because, "he can really run."

Bunnell enjoys two things about offense, carrying the football and delivering punishment to defenders. As he says, "Maybe, I would have it a little easier if my linemen were bigger, but nobody's tougher and nobody works harder than my guys."