By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Sean Converse could easily be the poster child for what a team-first football player looks like.

The 17-year-old was Medway High’s starting quarterback last spring as a junior but now he’s competing as a wide receiver. That kind of change no doubt would cause some players to moan and groan, but the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder not only was open to the move, but was also supportive of his replacement.

Converse’s immediate reaction when he learned what head coach Anthony Mazzola had in mind was: “I’ll do whatever it takes to help our team.’’

A confident competitor, Converse guided Medway to an early 3-0 record during the Fall-2 grid season last spring but the Mustangs lost their final two outings, finishing 3-2 and ending up in third place in the Tri Valley League’s Small Division standings. Converse’s effort in Medway’s third win was dynamic — he threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two other scores against Dedham. “That contest was a big test,’’ he recalled. “It was our first road encounter and it was my best game and top thrill.’’

So, why the switch?

“After the season ended, coach Mazzola told me in June that he and his staff felt the team needed help at wide receiver,’’ Converse said. “They liked my physical style and my ability to catch the ball. They wanted me to team up with Connor Kewley, a two-time league all-star, to provide more offensive firepower. And, coach Mazzola felt that junior Luke Frauton would be a capable successor at QB.’’

Converse, now a senior captain, displayed superb leadership by telling Mazzola in a second meeting that he’d like to compete with Frauton for the QB job during 7-on-7 summer play. 

“I felt that the competition would help Luke to grow as a player and help him develop as a leader,’’ Converse offered. “Competing against him could also help his confidence. We both did well in the 7-on-7 drills. Luke, however, worked so hard, settled into the role and earned the job.’’

“Sean’s willingness to switch should help us by having two weapons at wide receiver,’’ Mazzola said. “He and Connor will open up our running game for Matt Childs. Bellingham won the league title last spring with two exceptional wideouts.’’

Mazzola also likes the attributes that make Converse a natural on the outside. “Sean has great hands, he’s athletic and has a high football IQ,’’ he emphasized. “He’s also mentally and physically tough, has speed and quickness and he runs good routes. He does the job at 100 mph and his leadership skills are amazing. I go to him for things that need fixing.’’

Converse is quick to laud both Frauton and Kewley. “Luke is an athlete, also playing hockey and baseball,’’ Converse noted. “He can throw deep accurately, he can run, and is physical. And, he’s working on improving as a field general. Connor can jump, has good hands and knows how to run crisp routes. I’m excited to team up with him.’’

A native of Medway, Converse’s debut at receiver came against Medfield in the Mustangs’ opener. He was targeted twice and caught one pass for 22 yards. The first-down reception set up a touchdown two plays later when Childs scored on a 35-yard run. The Mustangs rolled to a 27-12 triumph. 

“My goals for our team are to win the small division title, qualify for the playoffs and go as deep as possible,’’ Converse said. “My individual objectives aren’t to compile statistics but I’d still like to become a TVL all-star. That would mean helping my team by blocking or by excelling on defense at cornerback. It’ll take lots of hard work to be an all-star but it’s Medway High’s success that’s more important than my stats.’’

A good student, Converse is leaning towards attending the University of New Hampshire. “I’m not sure what I’ll major in and my chances of continuing with football are slim,’’ he said.

Voted a captain when pre-season practice concluded, Converse was enthusiastic and honored. He intends to lead in a variety of ways. “I’ll lead by example, by being supportive and being vocal when needed,’’ he said. Mazzola labels Converse as “positive’’ in his leadership approach.

Converse’s athletic philosophy is another area where he’s positive. “I want to win, reach my potential and enjoy competing,’’ he said. “If we suffer a loss, it’s like a fire in me. I want to return to the field quickly and get things turned around.’’ 

A power forward in basketball, Converse is acutely aware that sports teach valuable life lessons. He’s learned some powerful athletic tenets from both sports. “I’ve learned to be competitive and how to overcome adversity,’’ Converse stressed. “Athletics have also taught me to be a leader and a good teammate.’’

One’s role models often reveal why an individual is capable, confident or successful. Converse has five and they reveal volumes about his character, work ethic and perseverance. His role models are his paternal grandmother (Alana), his parents (Jeff and Diane), his brother (Jeff), and former Mustang quarterback Drew Plunkett.

“My grandmother is 76 and she has stage 4 cancer,’’ Converse offered. “She’s opened my eyes about how to handle adversity. My parents are supportive and encouraging, and my brother was a great athlete at Medway and he’s achieved high academic honors at Merrimack College. Drew taught me so much about playing QB when I was his backup as a freshman and sophomore. He’s been very helpful and I still talk to him.’’

Hoping that his senior season will be more normal than last spring’s campaign that involved coping with a plethora of COVID-19 restrictions, Converse is prepared for whatever rules will be imposed. He’s also ready to be a two-way competitor. “Dealing with COVID-19 was tough but we adapted well,’’ he said. “To play both ways requires being in great shape, being physical and being prepared.’’

The fifth in his family to play football for Medway, he follows his father, his brother and two uncles (Jared and Steve). “I dreamed about being Medway’s quarterback as a kid, but now as a wide receiver, I’m okay with that,’’ Converse said. “I want to be the best receiver I can be and make an impact. I’d like to leave a legacy as a great wideout who was a team-first player.

Sean Converse is all about “we,’’ not “me.’’