By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Mark Mortarelli knows there’s no worries about the kind of season Sam Hubbard will have for Natick High’s football team because the senior captain’s bloodlines tell the Redhawks’ coach all he needs to know.
The 17-year-old Hubbard is the fourth athlete in his family to play football for Natick. His father (Chris) was a captain during the 1990 season, played guard and linebacker and was a teammate of Mortarelli. Hubbard’s older brother (Jack), who played center, was a captain in 2022. His grandfather (Bob) was a 1954 NHS graduate who played football and wrestled.

Chris and Jack were captains in football and hockey at NHS and were Bay State Conference all-stars in both sports,’’ Mortarelli said. “Chris graduated in 1991. His senior year we were 7-3 in football. We were 9-2 in Jack’s junior year in 2021 and 6-5 his senior year. 

“Like Sam, they were quiet, team-first players and tough as nails. Jack was an undersized center, but one of the best linemen in the league. Chris was really tough at guard and linebacker. He also was a terrific center on our hockey team and had a nose for the net.’’

Hubbard, who also will be a captain in hockey, has definitely lived up to his relatives’ excellence on the gridiron. He carved out a very impressive niche last year as a running back and linebacker. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound Hubbard, who rushed for 690 yards on 102 carries for 10 touchdowns, also excelled on defense, helping him earn berths on the BSC and Metrowest Daily News all-star teams as a junior.

“It’s an honor for me to follow my grandfather, father and brother,’’ Hubbard said. “I’m excited about my final season and eager to uphold the family tradition.’’

Hubbard‘s skills and techniques, coupled with his leadership ability, are attributes that Mortarelli admires.

“Sam is the definition of old-school,’’ he noted. “Quiet, dependable, tough as they come and a complete player, he runs very well between the tackles and has tremendous balance and vision. He’s also very physical on both sides of the ball. A punishing blocker on offense, he can also catch the ball. On defense, he has outstanding instincts and finds the ball very quickly. Sam will be one of the top players in the league this fall.’’ 

Hubbard’s goals for the 2024 campaign are not only impressive, but he also calls them “realistic.’’ 

“I want us to improve daily by working hard and remaining dedicated,’’ he said. “I also want us to win the Carey Division title, beat Framingham, qualify for the playoffs and make a deep run. Personally, I want to be the best captain I can be, score more touchdowns, gain more yards, make more tackles, and repeat as a league all-star.’’

Last year, the Redhawks compiled a 6-5 record, then lost in the first round of the playoffs to Methuen.”

“My goals are realistic and we can go on a deep run because we’re talented, have depth and are experienced,’’ Hubbard offered.

Three players Hubbard is sure will be prime contributors this season are Natick’s other captains — Simon Pedrelli (tight end/defensive line), Nolan Cloutier (receiver/safety), and Ronnie Sadam (defensive line).

Hubbard, who intends to lead by example and by being communicative and supportive, is honored to be part of the Redhawks’ leadership team. “Simon, Nolan and Ronnie are quality leaders and they’re well-skilled,’’ he said. “They’ve also got experience, are athletic and also dedicated and determined.’’

Hubbard also is upbeat about Mortarelli’s ability to lead the Redhawks. “He’s a great motivator,’’ he said, “and he not only knows the game, but he also gives very inspiring pep talks.’’

Relying on a high football IQ and field vision, Hubbard has no preference on what side of the ball he plays. He started at linebacker as a sophomore and last year started at linebacker and running back. Able to compete aggressively, Hubbard is adept at adjusting his style to a more analytical and finesse approach.

“I like being physical when running the ball,’’ he said. “And, I enjoy it when defenders miss tackling me. At linebacker, I like pursuing whoever has the ball and I like blitzing, hitting and getting sacks.’’

Hubbard’s best game so far was a decisive victory over Newton North last year when he excelled on both sides of the ball. “I scored four TDs, the longest for about 30 yards,’’ Hubbard recalled. “I also blocked and tackled well.’’

As for his top thrill, Hubbard says his selection as a captain is No. 1. “Voted by the coaches and my teammates shows trust,’’ he said. “I’m honored and I’m serious about providing leadership.’’

A solid student, Hubbard has yet to decide where he’ll attend college and what he’ll major in. “I hope to play either football or hockey in college,’’ he said. “A Division 2 or 3 college is likely in my future.’’ Hubbard is an outstanding center in hockey. Last year, he scored 20 goals and had 10 assists and was named to the BSC all-star team.

Hubbard, who worked diligently all summer on strength and conditioning drills and seven-on-seven competition, relies on an athletic philosophy that combines winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “Reaching my potential and enjoying competition leads to winning but winning really results from hard work,’’ he said.

Life lessons learned in sports can be valuable and Hubbard has a half dozen he recognizes. “Sports teach how to overcome adversity, how to lead and be a good teammate and how to be resilient,’’ he emphasized. “Accountability and how to manage time are other good lessons.’’

Calling his parents (Chris and Sarah) role models for their support and encouragement, Hubbard is active when either the hockey or football teams get involved with community service. “I try to participate any time we have a fund-raiser or a food drive,’’ he said. “I’ve also helped to hang flags on Memorial Day.’’

Bloodlines often reveal the extent of one’s abilities or how effective an individual can be in fulfilling goals and objective. In Hubbard’s case, his lineage speaks volumes about his athleticism and commitment. 

For Sam Hubbard, a solid junior season is in the books and now the spotlight is on him to uphold and enhance the family tradition in what should be an outstanding senior season.