Bedford's record no small feat

In recent years, Bedford toiled in the shadow of the Dual County's big programs such as Lincoln-Sudbury and Acton-Boxboro. Then, this offseason, the Buccaneers were set free.

With the return of Weston to the DCL for 2008 came the creation of the Dual County Large and Small. The latter became Bedford's new home, and though the team has played just one DCL game, its new schedule has allowed it to be more competitive.

The Buccaneers are off to a 5-0 start, having eclipsed their win total from last season and 2006. They went 4-7 each year.

A new schedule wasn't the only change, explained coach Jack Belcher. The Buccaneers, a young team in 2007, are reaping the benefits of being a year older. The experience the team garnered last season has helped the 14 returning starters develop into a winning team this season.

A 24-16 victory over St. Joseph Central Sept. 27 best exemplified the new Bedford, Belcher said.

"We were down, 8-0, right away, and we had two touchdowns called back and three turnovers in the second half," he said. "Last year's team, with all those sophomores, would have had trouble with all that adversity. But now they're fighting every single play. That we won [despite the adversity] is a testament to their maturity."

The 10 seniors began lifting weights with Belcher's team four years ago as eighth graders, in the coach's first season. The work has paid off, as senior Ryan Carter is fourth in Division 1A in scoring with 56 points and senior Dave Micu leads a defense that's allowed just 11.2 points per game - best in the DCL Small.

The offensive line, however, has been the most responsible for the turnaround.

"We grade our offensive line," Belcher said. "Every player gets a plus or minus on every play. When you grade out at 80 percent [80 plusses for every 100 plays] or more it's a real good game. This last game, [a 34-7 win over Boston Latin] all five of our linemen graded out at 80 or better."

Bedford's final six games are against teams with a combined 14-16 record, and only two (Weston and Arlington) have winning records, which could set the Buccaneers up for a long ride on the bus. Belcher, however, doesn't want to get ahead of himself.

"I don't want to sound like a Bill Belichick wannabe, but we don't even think about or talk about anybody but Newton South, our next game," he said.

Bedford hosts Newton South Friday. It kicks off DCL Small play Oct. 24 at Weston.

What team has improved the most in EMass? Bedford isn't the only contender. King Philip, 2-9 in 2007, is 5-0 after beating Canton. Scituate, 2-9 in '07, is also 5-0. And finally O'Bryant (5-0, 2-0), which was 5-6 last year, but after beating defending Super Bowl champion Brighton is sitting atop Boston South . . . For those wondering if Longmeadow's output in its 80-55 victory over Minnechaug Friday is a state record, the answer is no. The Lancers still have a way to go to top the 99-6 win by Amesbury over Newburyport on Thanksgiving 1951.