Even though he played for another school this season, Chad Rabideau has done the Brandon football program proud.
Rabideau, a former captain for the Blackhawks, has earned a football scholarship to Northwood University in Midland, Mich.
The senior running back/defensive end transferred from Brandon before the start of the 2003 season due to his father’s job transfer. He moved to Ashley, Mich., located in mid-Michigan near Alma.
Ashley High School varsity football coach Dustin Pyscher said the transfer was not easy at first for Rabideau, but he quickly adjusted and became a team leader.
‘It was a tough situation for him, but he was a joy to coach, and all his teachers liked him,? Pyscher said.
In fact, Rabideau was so well-respected by his teammates and coaches he was named one of the team captains after the third game of the season.
Rabideau led the Bears, who play in the Mid-State Athletic Conference, to an 8-1 record, a conference championship, and a berth in the Division 8 state playoffs. They lost to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes in the first round.
In addition, he made all-state Division 8 honors this season. He gained 1,640 yards rushing and an additional 480 yards receiving, scoring a total of 29 touchdowns on offense. On defense, Rabideau notched 117 tackles and 28 sacks.
He was chosen the Bears? team Most Valuable Player and was a unanimous choice for the league MVP award.
‘Chad brought us our conference championship,? Pyscher said. ‘His determination and work ethic lifted us up.?