Methuen’s Anthony Romano embraces each moment on the football field in an even deeper, perhaps more emotional way than he once did.
Having just closed out a monster junior season for Hobart College, Romano knows he no longer has years left to dominate on the gridiron. So now, he knows to enjoy every huge hit.
“My mindset is a little different now as I’m getting older,” said Romano. “I’m a lot more grateful for the game, just knowing that I’m going into my senior year and I only have a handful of games left. I just try to play all-out every game, so when I’m done playing I’ll know I gave it all I’ve got left.”
Romano certainly made the most of his second-to-last campaign this fall.
The linebacker led Hobart in total tackles (80), solo tackles (34), tackles for loss (7) and sacks (3.5). He also made an interception, which he returned 43 yards, had a forced fumble and three quarterback hurries, helping lead the Statesmen to an 8-3 record and a trip to the ECAC Clayton Chapman Bowl.
In November, he was named All-Liberty League for the second straight season.
“I thought the season went really well,” said Romano, the 2020 Eagle-Tribune defensive Player of the Year as a senior for Methuen High. “We improved a lot as a team. I felt like I continued to get better as the season progressed. I’ve definitely grown a lot as a player throughout the season. I’ve matured a lot and was able to become one of the leaders on the defense.”
Big games for Romano this fall included a season-high 13 tackles, 10 solo, against Utica and 10-tackles days against Keystone and Rochester College.
For his three-year career at Hobart, Romano has made 189 tackles, 90 solo, with 20 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
He admits he felt the expectations of following up a sophomore season where he made 88 tackles and took home the school’s Bob Toner Defensive MVP Award.
“There was some pressure heading into this year, until I stopped focusing so much on the stats and started controlling what I can control like my effort and attitude,” he said. “That’s when I started to play my best.
“My two favorite moments from the year were beating RPI (31-21) and Rochester (27-23). Both conference games were a battle that went to the last whistle. Those hard fought games are the ones that brings a team together and will be remember for a long time.”
And after a lifetime of playing linebacker, there’s nothing like taking command, and dishing out massive hits for Romano.
“What I enjoy most about playing linebacker is being able to lead and take charge of the defense,” he said. “Playing linebacker gives you a lot of freedom to run around and make plays. I love being able to make a big play or hit that will fire my team up. My keys to success as a linebacker is being able to stop the run, being able to drop back into coverage and also being aggressive. My speed and change of direction has helped a lot.
“Being able to make a big hit or play is the best because it is a product of all the hard work that you have put in. Sometimes a big hit or play can change the course of the game.”
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