Impact sizable, even if Tide star isn't
EVERETT - Tailback J.W. Forte didn't sneak up on the Middies last week. Dracut coach Jeff Moore planned for him and even asked his team to try to emulate him.
"We tried to put our best guy at that position in our scout team," Moore said.
How then did Forte scorch Dracut for 158 yards and three touchdowns on 28 rushes in Everett's 48-26 win yesterday?
"He's tough to find behind the big people," Moore joked.
Being 5 feet 8 inches and 175 pounds didn't stop Forte before, and the sixth-ranked Middies couldn't stop him either. Nor did his size matter on defense, as he twice sacked colossal Matt Grimard, who stands 8 inches taller than Forte.
What he lacks in size, he makes up for in leadership.
"He's not a very vocal leader but he leads by example," said Everett coach John DiBiaso. "He's played with [ankle problems]. He's played with strains and things like that."
"The team really looks up to the captains and the seniors," Forte said.
The running back set an example in the offseason, attending camps at Boston College and the University of Connecticut. His speed and physique were two bullet points in a detailed offseason workout.
"I didn't realize how well put together he was," Moore said. "He's got muscles everywhere."
For Forte, it's just a prerequisite for wearing the Crimson Tide uniform. "Lifting is obviously a big thing in Everett," he said.
As is the Forte family.
His older brothers Joe and Peter enjoyed the winning tradition as the second of two generations of football players in the family. J.W. has been playing since he was 6, as a member of the Pop Warner Everett Eagles.
Forte has been in contact with several prep schools and expects to attend one next year, but a senior year championship remains top priority.
"I know all about Everett's history and how big the expectations are for winning," he said. 