Lexington’s Quint runs with chance
LEXINGTON — Ben Quint remembers the play.
It was a kickoff return. And it happened during the first half of a game, just a few weeks into in his sophomore season at Lexington High.
But it also was the play that caught the eye of the coaching staff, which at the time was looking for someone to step up and take the role of lead running back for a program that was just beginning to find its legs after some down years.
“I came into my sophomore year without a position, but a few games into the season, we were still struggling to find a running back,” Quint said. “I caught the ball and had a decent return, and coach (George) Peterson said, ‘Throw him in at running back.’ I got to play some snaps in the second half, and I’ve been starting ever since.”
Not only has Quint started, he has produced at a high level for the Minutemen, who head into tomorrow’s Thanksgiving game at Burlington with an 8-2 record and will try to finish the season on a high note after back-to-back appearances in the Division 1 North playoffs.
Playing the past two seasons in the proverbial shadow of star quarterback Sal Frelick, you could forgive Quint for feeling a little overlooked, or miscast as just another player. But that is not in his nature.
Instead, Quint has let his play do the talking.
This season alone he was as productive as any player in the state when you factor in his number of touches. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards on just 64 carries, including a threetouchdown performance in a 42-28 season-opening victory against Brockton. The win jump-started an eight-game streak that was snapped by Everett in the sectional semifinals.
“I play my brand of football, and I let Sal do what he does, and it is amazing,” Quint said. “But I always say just play your part, play your game and do what you can to help your team.”
Dealing with high school kids comes with challenges, but for Peterson, those trouble spots never manifested with Quint. His maturity level and humble spirit, along with his natural ability, have been a breath of fresh air.
‘I always say just play your part, play your game and do what you can.’ — LEXINGTON RB BEN QUINT On making most of his role
“(Ben) is just such a good kid, and he has a head on his shoulders that is well beyond his years. There isn’t a selfish bone in his body, and he could have been a kid that sulks because he doesn’t get the carries,” Peterson said. “The other kids see Ben, and they see that you can’t be a selfish guy and be a part of what we do.”
Quint won’t ever have to worry about folks in Lexington forgetting his name. He also is a standout wrestler and competes in lacrosse, but it’s the type of person he has become in the classroom and in the community that will leave the most lasting impact.
“(Ben) is a contributor on the field and off. He is awesome,” said Alicia Linsey, Quint’s school counselor. “He is a leader and is incredibly humble. Ben gives back and is a mentor to our young students.”
By tomorrow afternoon, Quint’s high school football career will be finished. He has enjoyed the ride, and his advice to those young kids who have dreams of suiting up for Lexington in the future is simple:
“Listen, there are going to be kids that are going to be better than you at what you are doing. You have to keep pushing and keep doing you.”