Family ties fuel Sanderson

By MATT FELD Despite being only a junior, running back Zach Sanderson was already on the verge of accomplishing it all. After beginning the season as the backup, Sanderson quickly proved that he deserved to be Northeast Regional’s starting back. He hurdled over tackles, proved nearly impossible to bring down, and left opposing defensive backs in the dust. “The first of the game of the year, he didn’t even start and he ended up getting 200 yards,” recalled Northeast Regional coach Don Herres. “He doesn’t look like much of an athlete, but he runs angry down hill.” The following 10 games of the 2017 season proved to be near carbon copy’s of the opener. Sanderson shattered the school rushing record that had been set the year prior compiling 2,109 yards on the ground. “Last year, I didn’t begin as the starter and it pushed me a lot,” said Sanderson. “It meant a lot not only breaking the record that was set the year before, but proving a lot of people wrong along the way.” Except the six-foot two-inch running back was missing a missing a lucky charm following a 4-7 season; a superstition that could translate onto the field not only in terms of statistics, but wins. He has found it his senior season in his Uncle Billy. Disabled and in a wheel chair from a young age, Billy lives with Sanderson’s family in the basement of their home. After not being able to make it to games last season, the two have developed a bond through Billy’s constant presence in the Knights’ fan section where he can root on Zach and the Knights in person. “He was not able to come to any of our games last year because all of the games were on bingo night and he was never going to miss bingo,” said Sanderson. Now, however, Billy has become a predictor of Northeast’s success. They have yet to lose with him in attendance while Sanderson continues to impress as one of the top backs in Div. 5. “We’ve really built a relationship through football,” said Sanderson. “Just to see him there it means a lot. I know its hard for him to get a ride to places.” So far, Zach and his teammates have held up their end of the bargain. One season after missing out on the postseason altogether, they will enter the Div. 5 North tournament as the No. 3 overall seed sitting at 5-2. Sanderson’s role has altered from a season ago. Herres has four different backs he can rely on, alleviating some of the pressure put on Sanderson and also allowing the Knights to use him in other packages. This season, Sanderson has become the Knights wildcat formation quarterback. “In the system we’re in, there were games earlier in the year when Zach didnt get as many touches. We have four people who can carry the ball and if something is working we stick to it,” said Herres. “When we need a go-to-guy though Zach’s the guy we go to.” With Billy pulling for him from the sidelines, Zach saved his best game of the regular season for last. He rushed for an eye-opening 263 yards and four touchdowns on just 11 carries in a win over Whittier. For Zach, though, its become all about delivering a championship to the Northeast Regional community with the hope that the final place his uncle is pulling for him this season is from the Gillette Stadium bleachers. “He’s one of my best friends and he means everything to me,” said Sanderson. “My one goal is to win for him and the school. The rushing yards are awesome, but I just want to win.”