Quebec transfer hopes to put Thayer Academy football on the map this season
BRAINTREE − When Thayer Academy quarterback Arnaud Dugas was asked whether he watches Canadian football or the NFL, the Quebec native smirked.
“I watch college ball,” said Dugas. “I like Colorado right now for sure.”
During this time last fall, Dugas was back home and already two games into his season. Now he’s preparing the Tigers for a schedule packed with tough competition. But one thing that’s already has been clicking is his relationship with his skill guys.
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Senior captain and running back Nate Austin-Johnstone has made an instant connection with his QB, who hails from Laval.
“Didn’t know him at first, he toured with me in the spring so I was pumped to meet him,” said Weston resident Austin-Johnstone. "He came in pretty late because he’s from Canada, came in August, but right away we went right to work. Great chemistry from the jump.”
Like the viral attraction that Colorado football has brought, Dugas aims to take over like the Buffaloes have. Nearly every response from Dugas’ had a constant theme: “work.” He said that’s been a big difference between this current team and his past squad.
Dugas has started in scrimmages against Belmont Hill and the Rivers School. He was asked the biggest difference he’s noticed about family in the States vs. Canada.
“It’s a little bit faster, guys are a little bit bigger, nothing I cannot do and cannot beat,” said Dugas.
Luckily for Dugas, a junior who stands 6-3, he’ll have a good corps of guys to throw it to. And on defense, the Tigers' secondary may find themselves having a lot of interceptions.
“Definitely our skill guys,” said Austin-Johnstone when asked of their strength. “We got some dogs, some wide receivers, DBs, we’re always flying around. Second level, we’re always holding strong.”
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Dugas, Austin-Johnstone and head coach Jeff Toussaint all agreed their strength is the skill positions. However, after having Div. 1 linemen like brothers Samson Okunlola (Miami) and Samuel Okunlola (Pittsburgh) in past years, it’s a new era of guys in the trenches.
“We’re young, particularly up front on the line,” said Toussaint. “I have good linemen, young kids with size, but they’re inexperienced.”
Now with roles being reversed from last year, Thayer will hope to get its line right before the first game against St. Mark’s.
“The guys are great,” said Dugas. "They’re always there to work, guys are there for extra work. Honestly, it’s probably the hardest work I’ve put in since I played football cause it’s different.”
No-huddle
The Tigers will rely heavily on their skill positions. On offense, they have the junior Dugas at quarterback. Hingham resident Drew St. Pierre will be behind Austin-Johnstone at running back. Senior captain and Quincy resident Sean Toland will be tight end and defensive end. Sandwich resident and senior captain Harry Salters will play tight end.
For receivers, the Tigers have Brockton residents Malachi McClean and Angel Perez-Gonzalez, Conrad Langenhagen and Carter Bewley. Plus, Dedham resident Tyler Brewington as well.
2022 recap
Thayer finished the regular season with a 2-6 record and had wins over Groton and St. Mark’s. Playing in ISL and NEPSAC gives them some of the toughest competition the state has to offer. Their strength was their offensive and defensive lines.
Three players to watch out for
Nate Austin-Johnstone, RB/OLB: “He’s our best player, for sure,” said Toussaint. “He’s a great athlete, great running back, he’s a beast. He’s extremely fast, great hands, runs people over, runs past people, and finished plays.”
Sean Toland, TE/DE: “He’s been working his way up all through high school,” said Austin-Johnstone. "Some big players, and now it’s his chance and I’m seeing it now from the preseason scrimmages. Big target.”
Malachi McClean, WR/DB: McClean has great hands, good route running and can turn on the jets.
They said it
Toussaint on the teams willingness to learn: “I feel good with where we are, we’re making progress every day, the kids' attitude is awesome. They’re all out to practice on time, the energy in every single practice is really strong.”
Austin-Johnstone on getting ready for the season: “ISL we’re always slow from the start but we’re getting right to it. Preseason was really well, hitting we did really well.”
Thayer’s 2023 schedule
Sept. 23, Saturday − vs. St. Mark’s, 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, Saturday − vs. Buckingham Browne Nichols, noon
Oct. 7, Saturday − at Milton Academy, 3
Oct. 14, Saturday − vs. Lawrence Academy at Groton, 2:30
Oct. 20, Friday − vs. Belmont Hill, 7
Oct. 28, Saturday − vs. Governor’s Academy, 1
Nov. 3, Friday − at Groton, 2:45
Nov. 11, Saturday − at St. Sebastian’s, 10:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Thayer Academy football 2023 season preview
