ConVal senior captain Sean Robicheau is fine with the fact that he gets double-teamed from time to time.

Because for him, it just means that opposing coaches respect his ability on the football field, while it also allows for some of his teammates to roam free.

It has been an adjustment, but one he hasn’t minded.

Heading into the 2009 season, teammate and fellow senior Barry Powers was the focus of each opponent’s offensive line, but if teams double-team Powers, they will likely find Robicheau making a tackle in the backfield or sacking the quarterback.

So now, opposing coaches have a decision to make. Who will they double-team?

“When I know that everybody else is taking on multiple players, I know I have to step up and make plays,” Robicheau said.

At almost the same size as Powers, Robicheau may not get the same respect around the rest of Division III, although he gets it from his head coach.

“I think a lot of our opponents are taking notice of Sean,” said coach Greg Leonard. “We knew that when he had a chance at the varsity level, he was going to show his talent.”
Robicheau, at 6-foot, 2-inches and 210 pounds, is in his second year as a starter on both the offensive and defensive tackle positions, yet year two is turning out much better and more productive than the first.

Having a year of varsity experience helps almost every player, and then there is someone like Robicheau.

A strong senior year has been progressively worked toward, and now he is just exceeding expectations with each passing game.

“I think we’re going to find a guy like Sean playing college football on Saturdays next fall,” Leonard said.

And a lot of it has to do with the work he put in during the off-season. Robicheau committed to getting stronger, adding 20 pounds by hitting the weight room five days a week, and it has paid off.

“Because I’m on the offensive and defensive line, my responsibility is solely to move players out of the way,” he said. “And that extra strength helps me.”

No longer is Robicheau just another defensive tackle that teams need to account for. He has turned into a formidable force that will really hurt teams if he is not blocked every play.
“Last year I could get my job done, but this year it’s more consistent,” said Robicheau.

The big prize for defensive players on the ConVal squad is the Hammer Award, given to the outstanding performer for each game, and after earning it against Monadnock and Bedford, Robicheau is coming full circle.

“I always knew he was a good player, but I didn’t know he’d be this good,” said Powers.
With a half dozen sacks on the season, even a couple against double teams, Robicheau has helped make guarding the ConVal senior laden defensive line a nightmare.

“It’s the best feeling,” Robicheau said. “There is no better feeling than hitting the quarterback.”

After last year ended in disappointment, Robicheau put an emphasis on 2009. It was his final go around in a ConVal uniform and in no way did he want it to end in the regular season.

“This year, having been a varsity football captain, starting both ways, playing straight through every game, I’ve put a lot more into it,” he said. “It’s a lot more earned.”

Robicheau has always been a good player, but he wanted to be a great player.

“He was playing phenomenal football toward the end of last year,” said Leonard. “But he’s done a lot to make himself a better football player.”

As a sophomore, Robicheau got a taste of the playoffs, although it was only as a special teams player, so with a very good chance this season, he wanted to leave everything on the field.

“He has been working really hard so it’s nice to see it pay off,” Powers said.

And even though this season has exceeded a lot of his expectations, there is still a whole lot left to do.

“It’s my senior year,” Robicheau said. “I want to do everything.”

Robicheau wants to be a part of that first team to make a state championship game and with a win on Saturday over Portsmouth, he will be.