Cason Boudwine is carrying on the tradition at Hartford Union High School.
There have been many before him, including Noah Deibert last season, AJ Pepin two years ago, Scott Savage in 2018 and Logan Broker in 2017. The list goes on with more talented running backs - Ryan Zuern finished his high school varsity football career with 4,529 rushing yards from 2014-2016.
Through four games this season, Boudwine has rushed for 310 yards on 52 attempts, averaging six yards per carry and five touchdowns. The senior fullback also averages 76 yards rushing per game for the Orioles football team.
Hartford head coach John Redders says his running style has made a difference.
"We call him the bulldog around here, he is hard to handle when he's running the football. He is a strong, solid runner and you can't just put an arm out there and expect to knock him down. He moves people pretty quick and he wears down the defense."
A good example was Friday night, September 8 in their North Shore Conference game with West Bend East on the road. Boudwine's 10-yard touchdown run with 11:14 remaining in the game capped off a 12-play drive that chewed up around eight minutes off the clock.
"That was a big drive for us," according to Redders. "It was an important point of the game where we were able to sustain a drive and score. The kids really played an outstanding second half of football."
The Orioles defeated the Suns, 37-29 to stay undefeated in conference play and 3-1 overall.
Boudwine told WTKM Sports that this year's senior class is filled with talented players leading the way this season.
"We have a huge senior group this year, like 30 kids that are in my class and we've been playing football together since the fifth grade. We have a great bond and it's cool to now be on the varsity after all these years of hard work. I feel like it's paying off and we're getting better every week, and winning these conference games."
Hartford's talented fullback says he appreciates the offensive line, since he played down there last season.
"I didn't start playing fullback until this year. I played on the offensive line last year, so I know the grind, the blocks and how tough it is. It's not an easy position. You're down there fighting every single play and I appreciate those guys."
Boudwine also stands out on defense, playing strong side tackle and handling double teams on a regular basis. He says defensive coordinator Lance Zodrow deserves a lot of credit.
"Coach always has a huge scouting report every week to make sure we are fully ready to go. I think we really play together, and are prepared thanks to him and all the stuff we do at practice to get ready. Also, a lot of credit to the backers making the tackles, and the secondary is hard to play but it all comes together."
Cason Boudwine is a class act, and just like those players before him, continuing the tradition of Hartford football the right way with his teammates.
