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O'Connell to HC

Print | Comments () Posted by Brendan Hall, Globe Correspondent January 6, 2009 01:37 PM

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Framingham senior Pat O’Connell has committed to Holy Cross’s football program for the 2009 season.

O'Connell (Globe File Photo)

O’Connell, the Flyers’ first two-year captain under head coach Gary Doherty, made his decision last night. He was also considering scholarship offers from Sacred Heart and Assumption. Rhode Island and Colgate had also shown interest.

“The money’s a little bit of an issue, but getting a Holy Cross education, and playing football for Holy Cross, the opportunity seemed right,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell, a two-way starter at linebacker and center, made 108 tackles with two interceptions, two sacks and three forced fumbles as the Flyers went 10-3 and made their first trip to the postseason since 2000.

Framingham lost to Marshfield, 14-7, in the Division 1A playoffs.

On the offensive side of the ball, he provided the adequate pass protection needed for All-State quarterback Dan Guadagnoli to rewrite the Framingham record book.

“I’m a big believer in using your athletic ability to give the greatest academic possibility,” Doherty said. “He’s going to a great academic institution that just happens to have a fine athletic reputation.”

With the Crusaders, who went 7-4 this season under coach Tom Gilmore and just missed capturing the Patriot League title, O’Connell will most likely see time as a linebacker.

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