By DAN ZIMMERMAN
Prior to the opening kickoff of each high school football game, there are long-standing traditions that are addressed, none more important than the handshake with the opposition’s captains. Representing the North Reading Hornets this season in that respect, senior Jason Berry has been the epitome of a captain, leading by example from that initial handshake to the post-game prayer huddle at the conclusion.
At a recent game with Amesbury, with North Reading trailing late, Berry impatiently paced the sideline, football in hand, sharing words of encouragement with his teammates as the Hornet defense labored. “Get the ball back,” he urged. “So we can win this game.”
While the Amesbury game ended in defeat, it was the only such result this season. Berry has led the Hornets to an enviable 6-1 record, completing 67-of-95 passes for 1122-yards and 12 TDs. The durable QB has also supplemented the running game with 191-yards on 31 carries and 3 TDs.
“It’s hard to put into words what Jason has meant to this program,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum. “His leadership, energy, and work ethic has set the tone for his teammates and the team.”
Berry, 17, is a lifelong North Reading resident who has participated in football, basketball, and baseball through his formative years. Like many of his current teammates, football seems to come out on top.
“My favorite used to be basketball,” said Berry. “But my focus changed because of the preparation needed for football and the environment of the sport. I actually dropped baseball years ago to spend more time refining my football and basketball games.”
Like a number of his senior class teammates, Berry was quite proud in winning a Super Bowl in the eighth-grade, handily defeating Masconomet to claim the title. Last year, Berry earned MVP honors by leading the Hornets over Arlington Catholic in the title game of the Daniel Green Basketball Tournament, scoring 17 points in the effort.
Berry has the full support of parents Brandon and Jodie, as well as younger siblings Kelsie, Kayla, and Jared who, at eleven, is the hardworking, enthusiastic football water boy. In addition, it is understood that Jason’s coaches have played a substantial role in his development.
“Coach Blum and Coach Arch (Eric Archambault) have been so influential in this chapter of my life,” said Berry. “They are great coaches but even better men and have shaped me into a better man today.”
“He has earned everything by putting in a ton of hours on the field, in the weight room, and film study,” said Blum. “But like so many of our players, what I’m most proud of is his character in the school and how he is as an older brother. A true role model for so many, even for his coaches.”
Berry, like teammates Gavin Brady and Nick Torra, works part-time at Big Pig Catering out of Peabody, as well as Artichokes Restaurant in Wakefield. He enjoys reading, golf, and summer trips to Hampton Beach with his family. He is also deeply religious and can often be found leading team prayer before games, and after.
“I’m huge on my Faith so I do spend a lot of time in my Bible and surrendering my life to Christ,” he shared.
Berry also enjoys crunching numbers and figuring out problems and admits math is his favorite subject. He hopes to gain entrance into Bentley University in Waltham and take up Accounting and Finance. While not yet concrete, Berry has a few thoughts on athletic pursuits following high school.
“I have plans of maybe walking on the football team wherever I end up in college,” he said. “But I’m really into weightlifting and running marathons. I have a pretty good plan of what I want to do.”
For now, there is the matter of facing the Newburyport Clippers in the regular season finale and maintaining a hold on the Hornets No. 5 Power Ranking and home field when the playoffs commence.
“My football teammates are like family,” said Berry. “I look at them as brothers. Our senior class has been playing together since the third grade. The high point for me is spending time with my teammates – my friends – playing the game that we love.”