Posted Nov. 27, 2013
WELLESLEY
Brian Pedersen has been playing football only since he was in the eighth grade, but the game has already left an indelible mark on the Wellesley High senior.
“It has taught me that to be successful, you need to be willing to work hard, and that nothing ever comes easy,” said Pedersen, a third-year defensive end and offensive guard on the Wellesley High football team. “Also because of football, I have made some great friends, and I could not be happier with my high school football experience.”
Pedersen started playing thanks to his father and brother, who both played football and passed that love of the sport down to him. As football became a regular part of his life, Pedersen became immersed not only in the game, but also in the bonds he made with teammates.
“I love football because I get to spend time with my friends every day,” Pedersen said.
As a sophomore at Wellesley High, Pedersen joined the Raiders’ varsity football team. In his junior year, he was named a Bay State Conference All-Star and earned Eastern Mass. All-Star honors. He again made the BSC and Eastern Mass teams this year.
“Besides being one of the most dominant players in our league, Brian is also a good leader and excellent student,” said Wellesley High head coach Jesse Davis. “Brian leads by example. He plays tough and he cares about his teammates and the football program.”
Pedersen has put up some impressive numbers in his final season with the Raiders, totaling 48 tackles this fall, six tackles for a loss, along with 17 sacks. Thanks in part to Pedersen, the Raiders have rebounded from a 1-3 start to win five of six and enter the Thanksgiving morning contest with rival Needham posting a 6-4 record.
“I have been happy with my individual performance,” said Pedersen. “I have been hurt most of the season with a pulled hamstring, which has been a bit of a setback for me, but overall I am happy with how I have done and how the team has done.”
Since the slow start, Wellesley rallied to make the playoffs, losing to eventual Division 2 South champion Mansfield, and had an exciting 61-52 victory over Marshfield on Nov. 15.
“We have really bounced back since then,” said Pedersen. “We really came together as a team in our last win [against] Marshfield.”
On the field, Pedersen believes he’s unique because of his speed and size, and he also prides himself on his tireless work ethic. Pedersen believes that speed and competitive drive are two of the biggest factors in a successful football player.
“Brian’s strength, speed and toughness make him an excellent football player,” Davis said. “He uses his hands well and can physically dominate the line of scrimmage.”
This was reposted with the permission of The Wellesley Townsman.