1985
Perhaps the most feared sight in AB Football History was running back Michael Vecchione rumbling with the speed and size of a runaway locomotive, intent on running over, through and beyond his foe in quest of the goal line. Statistics do not always tell the story. His statistics do. Mike sustained a neck injury after 5 games his junior year ending his season. He still produced 800 yards and 8 touchdowns.
His senior year set a standard that lasted 19 seasons. In his storied 1984 season, Mike rushed for 1589 yards, scored 26 touchdowns and 3 P.A.T.'s for an amazing 162 total points. Three games stand out. At home versus Don Bosco, he ran 18 times for 260 yards with 4 touchdowns and a spectacular ninety-nine and a half yard touchdown run, an AB record to this day. At BC High, Mike carried 40 times for 291 yards and 4 touchdowns. On Thanksgiving Day, Vecc carried 17 times for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns including two 70-yard runs while defeating archrival Maynard. With a unique blend of size and speed, Mike was a Roman statue put into high-speed animation. His accolades did not go unnoticed - Boston Herald "First Team All-Scholastic," Middlesex News "Player of the Year," and Lowell Sun "Player of the Year." There is little doubt, "Vecc" is one of the outstanding high school running backs in EMASS history. Mike is a successful contractor living in Chelmsford with his wife Lisa and sons Joey and Michael. Mike's most memorable moment at AB was being elected Captain of the 1984 Football Team. To this day, Michael Vecchione is AB Colonial Football's only single Captain.
