Former Everett High All-Scholastic Nick Stanfield (second from left) is pictured at the New England Football Writers Awards Banquet with his Framingham State coaches Aynsley Rosebaum.
Tom Kelly and Jeff Moore.
Nick Stanfield was a big part of history in the Everett High School football program.
Stanfield was the center snapping the ball in the shotgun to quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso during his record-breaking 2011 season as the state’s all-time leading touchdown passer. Stanfield was selected an All-Scholastic and Everett won the second of two consecutive Super Bowl titles.
He’s still playing center and doing it exceptionally well for the Framingham State University football team. The New England Football Writers Association honored Stanfield as an All-New England player for Divisions 2 and 3 at the group’s annual dinner Dec. 5 at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham.
“I was very happy to be able to attend the dinner and receive this award,” said the 20-year-old Stanfield.
The 6-foot, 210-pound junior is a three-year starter for the Rams who won the Massachusetts State Athletic Conference (MASCAC) title and finished 10-1 this season, losing only to highly ranked Rowan in a non-conference game. Framingham also earned an ECAC bowl bid, defeating RPI in overtime. The Rams’ offensive line allowed only eight sacks.
In addition to his All-New England honors, Stanfield was named to the All-MASCAC first team and lineman of the year. He was All-MASCAC as a sophomore and the New England Football Conference rookie of the year as a freshman.
His football career in Everett goes back to Pop Warner where he played on the same team with Nerlens Noel, currently the center for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I played football with Nerlens on the Eagles before he went to the Huskies,” recalled Stanfield. “He was so fast. I remember we had an Eagles-Huskies game when I was eight years old and he ran 99 yards up the middle on a handoff for a touchdown. I also played Rec basketball with Nerlens as well.”
Stanfield stepped in to a new role as a center in his senior season for the Crimson Tide. The offensive line was exceptional, keeping Jonathan DiBiaso well protected in the state’s most prolific passing attack. Along the way to the Super Bowl title, Stanfield received the Unsung Hero Award in a Homecoming Game win over Xaverian.
“Coach [John] DiBiaso and [Mike] Milo moved me over to center,” said Stanfield. “Coach DiBiaso is a great mentor, just an all-around great guy. “I feel so honored that I had the opportunity to play for him. The same goes for coach Milo – he just taught me so much. They’re so good at what they do and I hope they continue to do it for a long time.
Stanfield said his Pop Warner experience set the foundation to his highly successful football career.
“I had Peter Forte all through Pop Warner so I was well coached,” said Stanfield. “And his son, Peter, helped me a lot when I was going in to my freshman football season.”
What’s the key to being a great center on the offensive line?
“It takes experience, more than anything – that and just knowing the game,” said Stanfield. “The players on the other side of the line are way bigger than I am. But I’ve been blocking for so long, so I have to say it’s experience more than anything. I’m usually faster so I’m able to get in to good blocking position.”
His Framingham teams have won three conference titles in a row. There is a good chance that Stanfield will be adding the title of captain to his resume next fall.
“We’re thinking NCAA Playoffs next year,” said Stanfield. “It will be the first year that the conference champion receives an automatic bid. We have high expectations. I think we’re going to have the best team we’ve ever had.”
Nick said his father (Bob) has been a tremendous supporter from his very first day on the football field.
“My dad has helped me a lot,” said Stanfield. “I couldn’t really do what I’ve done without him. He’s very, very big in my life. He’s basically my best friend. I can’t even think of the words to say to thank him enough.”
Nick is majoring in Criminology but he hopes to be coaching some football following his collegiate career. “I’m hoping right when I leave college I can get right in to coaching in Everett. That would be awesome.”