HAVERHILL – Collectively, last year’s group of talented, multi-dimensional quarterbacks may have been the best the Merrimack Valley Conference has seen in quite some time.
At least five local teams will have a new starter under center this fall season, including Haverhill head coach Rob Pike, who will have the daunting task of trying to find someone to replace James Farrell.
Farrell was arguably the program’s greatest QB with over 7,000 passing yards and 54 TD strikes in his illustrious career.
“You don’t just replace someone like James,” said Pike, noting that Farrell is now playing at Assumption College.
On the flip side, Pike is excited knowing he has three legit candidates in junior Michael Bayko, sophomore Leo Butcher and freshman Ryan Hebert.
All, according to Pike, appear to have the work ethic and skill level to eventually take the starter’s role in the highly competitive Merrimack Valley Conference.
“We have three young kids and it’ll be a fun competition,” he said during Sunday’s 7-on-7 games held at the Haverhill Stadium. “We’ll give all three equal reps and opportunities and see what happens. We’ll see who the best one is (after we finish the preseason).”
Last fall, Bayko saw time as a wide receiver and defensive back but took a lot of quarterback reps during practices.
“He looks really good athletically and he can throw exceptionally well,” said Pike. “Last year he played some wide receiver for us. He’s just such a great athlete and plays basketball. He has a nice smooth release and can throw the ball a mile. I’m excited for the opportunity for him.”
Bayko has missed the 7 on 7 competitions because of a partially torn calf muscle injury but is excited for the upcoming challenge.
“It’s been a friendly competition,” said Bayko. “The position switch hasn’t really changed since I have been playing the position and practicing during last season. Although I haven’t been able to compete much this summer due to my injury, I am excited to compete against both once practices begin.”
Butcher is coming off a strong season as the program’s freshman quarterback.
“He was excellent for us in that role,” said Pike. “He has a good arm. He got into some mop-up varsity time last year and made one or two completions. He is also a baseball player and helped the varsity team this year as a pitcher. He’s a really good athlete, a smart kid and strong competitor.”
Butcher has taken the most snaps thus far in the Sunday games.
“(Being here) helps build chemistry with the team and the competition between us will only make us better,” he said. “But I’m just trying to stay focused on myself and working to get better.”
Hebert is coming off a strong season with the Junior Hillies youth team.
“He’s from the well-known Hebert Family,” said Pike. “His father Randy was a good quarterback for three years here (at HHS). His uncle Ricky was a great quarterback here and his cousin Blake (played at Central Catholic) and is at Notre Dame (University).”
Pike said that he expects Hebert will start out with one of the sub-varsity teams, but said the potential is there for him to be an impact varsity player in the near future.
“He’s a great young player and a tough competitor and I know he comes from a family of tough competitors and great athletes,” said Pike. “He’ll get a few opportunities soon.”