Stoneham back has it both ways
Argyropoulos a two-way star
STONEHAM — Christos Argyropoulos knows there is a price to pay for being a two-way standout who never leaves the field.
Less than 12 hours after rushing for 220 yards and four touchdowns on
25 carries in a 44-14 victory over Burlington, the Stoneham running back/linebacker was among the first at the school Saturday to view the highlights of the night before.
“It’s pretty tough waking at 8 a.m. to come here, watch film and try to fix the mistakes,” Argyropoulos said. “You just have to do that and also take care of the bumps and bruises.”
Argyropoulos gives as good as he gets. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has been part of a program which has flourished since Bob Almeida arrived in 2012. The senior standout rushed for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago as Stoneham captured its second sectional title in three years.
“First of all, Christos is a big, strong, fast talented kid so he has a lot to work,” Almeida said. “But Christos is special because of his work ethic, he’s really a 24-7 kid. We have a very ambitious weight program here and he’ll leave after working out to go to a gym just to do a little extra.”
As a result, Argyropoulos has become a focal point of an offense which loves to pound the ball. He relishes the opportunity to trot out on the field to unleash his skills on the rest of the Middlesex League.
“It’s definitely hard to focus on school the day of the game,” Argyropoulos said. “I have friends and family wishing me luck, then I get on the field and see it and it just gives me more motivation to do well.”
Argyropoulos was certainly motivated last Friday in the Middlesex Freedom opener against a Burlington team off to its best start in several years. He got an early vibe that it was going to be a productive night for the Spartans.
“Usually, I can judge the game from my first run. I can see who my competition is at linebacker and on the line,” Argyropoulos said. “The 220 yards is the offensive line doing all the work and making holes.
“Once I see them, I just have to hit them hard.”
Argyropoulos has arrived to the point in his high school career where he is one of the leaders. Almeida says it is something that comes very naturally to his star back.
“He’s great with the younger kids, he’s always looking out for them,” Almeida said. “The kids love him, they’re a close group and he is a big part of that.” Do you have a similar story in your community? Let us know at dventura@bostonherald.com or by emailing a Hot Shots-worthy video (max. 25 megabytes) to hotshots@heraldinteractive.com.
Twitter: @BostonHeraldHS