Harwood players in U-32 program learn football at arm’s length

October 30, 2020  |  By Katie Martin

No tackles this season but huddles with masks are allowed. Photo by Becky Divelbliss.

Although Harwood Athletics does not have its own football program, student-athletes this fall have still had the opportunity to pad up, travel, and play with neighboring U-32’s football program run at the U-32 High School campus in Montpelier.

Brian Divelbliss has been coaching in the program for 13 years at U-32, the past 10 as head coach. 

Harwood athletes have been participating in the U-32 program for 12 years along with players from other schools in the region such as Montpelier, Northfield, Williamstown, and Twinfield. This year the program has about 41 student-athletes including seven players from Harwood Union: Hunter Bove, Owen Bouchard, Ismal Cruz, Aiden Dalley, Owen Duffy, Connor Hebert, and Andre Reynolds. 

U-32 competes in a regional division along with North Country, Lyndon Institute, St. Johnsbury Academy, Oxbow, and Spaulding.

Cameron Comstock catches a pass. Photo by Becky Divelbliss.

This year, each fall sport has had a shortened season this year due to a late start because the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the start of the school year and fall sports rules. Football was probably the most dramatically altered sport this season based on the COVID-19 guidelines set by the Vermont Principals Association that called for playing touch football – a very different game than usual. 

Some of the key changes were shifting to a 7 v 7 format with no offensive and defensive line play and no collisions, blocking or tackling allowed. Receivers/ball carriers are considered legally down after being intentionally touched by an opponent using one or both hands. And like other athletics, daily health screenings are routine now and facial coverings are required at all times.

For Divelbliss, adjusting the game to factor in COVID-19 has meant changing his entire outlook. “We had to change our philosophy, of allowing the quarterback to decide our run/pass options, and focus on a pass-only offensive game plan. We also split our squads during practice time, as well as [the times] when they can practice,” he explained. 

The team has also been changing practice plans to follow guidelines, equipment use, acceptable drills, and more, he said.

Despite the new rules and guidelines to follow, the team still sticks to its usual approach when preparing for the next practice or game. Divelbliss said the focuses is on individual skill development and keeping things simple. 

Currently, Divelbliss has seven assistant coaches: Rob Williams, Chris Cadorette, David White, Sean McGinnis, Andrew Cremins, Kevin Richards, and Cooper Bushey.

U-32 Coach Brian Divelbliss meets with the team post-game. Photo by Becky Divelbliss.

“I was a coach on the Norwich University football staff when Rob Williams and Chris Cadorette played there. I was a coach on the U-32 staff when Andrew Cremins played there. I recruited Sean Mcginnis from Granville, N.Y. when I was coaching at Norwich, but he went elsewhere,” Divelbliss said, recounting how the current staff came together. “I coached at Norwich, with the now-head coach of Trinity Pawling Prep, which is where Kevin Richards previously coached. I also worked the Vermont Football Camps with Coach Richards. Finally, I coached against Cooper Bushey when he was a player at Milton.” 

The coaching staff tries to keep things fast-paced, going over the details on each drill – and also having fun, he said.

But looking past those details, Divelbliss said the main highlights of the season so far have been on a broader level. First, being able to actually have a season at all, and then seeing people from all of the communities where the players come from enjoying and supporting the joined team. “People are always amazed at how we get all of these different communities together and give the players and families a positive and worthwhile football family experience. The highlight of this year is that even with all of the challenges, we are still doing that, and the players, families, and communities are buying in 100% to our football family,” he said.  

Adding a more specific highlight, Divelbliss said the team’s overtime victory against Oxbow was a standout. He called it a great game for both teams, and for him and his players it was a fun team experience. U-32 finished the regular season 2-2. 

Given how fundamentally changed the game was this year, the Principals Association decided against the typical post-season playoffs. Instead, regional tournaments are now underway. On Saturday, U-32 hosts St. Johnsbury Academy at 3 p.m. The tournament wraps up Saturday, Nov. 7.

The U-32 football program includes players from five other high schools in the region including Harwood Union High School: Montpelier, Northfield, Williamstown, and Twinfield. This year Harwood has seven players in the program. Photo by Becky Divelbliss.

Katie Martin is the JV and middle school field hockey coach at Harwood Union High School and a member of the Waterbury Select Board.