The job description remains a bit unclear, but the goal is clear for North Andover’s Ben Iglesias this fall.
Deliver big plays and big wins for the Phillips Academy football team.
“I’m listed as an ‘athlete’ for Phillips,” said Iglesias. “So I want to continue where I left off last year (as a playmaker), and I’m going to do anything the team needs me to do to win.”
After exploding onto the scene for North Andover High as a senior last fall, Iglesias is ready to make even more noise on the gridiron, just four miles from his high school home.
Iglesias is set to kick off his postgraduate season with Phillips Academy when the Blue Blue open the 2025 season on Sept. 13 at the Hotchkiss School (Salisbury, Conn.)
“I’m very excited to start the season!” said Iglesias, whose squad is deep into preseason work after a week away at camp. “I’m excited to work with the new team and coaches. I can’t wait for the games to begin. My goals for this season are to help the team have a winning season, improve my technical skills and to continue to make some plays.”
Iglesias finally earned his opportunity shine last fall, and delivered a breakout year as a senior for North Andover High. In his lone season as a starter, the running back erupted for over 1,400 yards rushing and 300 receiving yards with eight touchdowns, earning Eagle-Tribune All-Star and North Andover’s Offensive Most Valuable Player. On Thanksgiving Eve, he ran for 247 yards and two TDs on 24 carries as the Knights took down Andover.
“I never doubted myself,” he said. “Not at all. I knew there was a great running back in front of me as a junior (Zach Wolinski), so I had to be patient. When it was my turn, I took full advantage of it. Coach Dubz (former North Andover coach John Dubzinski) gave me the opportunity to make plays on the offensive side of the ball. I’m happy to have gotten the chance to perform at my best. I’m truly honored that I did this in my hometown and with the guys that I grew up playing with.”
Iglesias had a variety of options following that huge year, before choosing Phillips Academy. The speedster becomes the latest Eagle-Tribune area football star to choose the Big Blue for a postgrad year, including fellow former Scarlet Knight Jake Saalfrank last fall and Lincoln Beal of Andover, Aidan Goss of Windham and Janiel Herrera of Lawrence in 2023.
“I considered attending other prep schools and colleges throughout this process,” said Iglesias. “But I felt like Phillips Academy would help me the most in both academic and athletic development.”
Now, Iglesias will look to prove himself against the higher level of competition, and earn his next big opportunity.
“I’m working hard this year in hopes of having another year like last year,” he said, “and to achieve my highest potential in order to have the best chance to play in a great college program.”
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