OPC: Tactfulness could prove advantageous for Team West Varsity RB Bettencourt

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

Brandon Bettencourt has taken a smart approach when it comes to playing at the running back position.

“I know what I need to do for my team to win and I have a good IQ when it comes too down and distance and know what yards I need for the drive to continue,” explained the 5’10, 215 pound offensive standout.  “Also, I am smart at managing an offence over many years of experience with many teams and many coaching staff.”

His tactful play has translated into success on the gridiron.  Bettencourt began to show those signs early on when he began his career in house league with the Blue Bombers in grade three.  The running back would move on to suit up for the Jr. Tiger Cats of the Hamilton Minor Football Association (HMFA), Hamilton Steelers, Hamilton Ironmen of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) and high school squad Bishop Ryan Celtics of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA).

During his career, he has looked up to his main idols, Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks and NFL free agent Peyton Hills.

“They are tough hard core running backs,” added Bettencourt.

However, he doesn’t go far when it comes to who he models his career towards.

“I like to model my game to myself and be on own different type of player no one has seen before,” expressed the Ontario offensive standout.

Brandon Bettencourt 1

One thing that Bettencourt has demonstrated is the growth of passion when it comes to playing the running back position.

“I play running back because I love the feeling that I know the person in front of me has no choice but to “try” and take me down and I love contact more than anything,” commented Bettencourt.  “Again, I love the contact and the ability to take control of the game when I have the ball in my hands.”

This Friday, Bettencourt will have an opportunity to demonstrate his gridiron tactfulness when he participates in the Ontario Prospect Challenge. He will be part of Team West’s Varsity squad that will battle Team Halton-Peel at Kiwanis Field in St. Catharines.

“My friend told me to come out and play some serious football,” recalled the running back of he got involved in OPC.  “I said “why not?” showed up, the coaches loved me, had great tryouts and impressed the coaches to make the team!”

For Bettencourt, is has been a satisfying experience, but one that he almost didn’t get the chance to take part in.

“It’s been great,” commented the Team West running back.  “At one point, I thought I wasn’t going be able to play because I couldn’t afford to play but the coaches paid for everything and let me play for free just to show the everyone what I can do.”

“I greatly appreciate that opportunity.”

Brandon Bettencourt 3

Moreover, he has savoured the chance to improve on his skills set.

“It’s been great working with the coaches they listen and also coach you up and teach you what you did wrong,” added Bettencourt.

While he is not feeling the added pressure of competing on a big stage, the offensive standout is doing his part to get ready for the elite event.

“I’ll treat this game just any other game and be focused and mentally prepare as of now,” said the Team West running back.  “The steps I’ve been doing is just keeping up with my workout schedule, cardio and training everyday preparing for the worst but expecting the best!”

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Overall, he is thrilled to be competing with and alongside the best from Ontario.

“I am looking forward to playing against future CIS and NCAA players,” added Bettencourt.  “I am looking forward to working with our fantastic coaching staff.”

This upcoming September will mark a new gridiron chapter for the Ontario running back.  Recently, he committed to the Waterloo Warriors for the 2015 OUA season.

Presently, Bettencourt is hoping to accomplish two key objectives for OPC.

“My personal goals are to rush over 100 yards and do whatever I can do help the team get a victory,” offered the Team West running back.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

 

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