By DAN ZIMMERMAN
Amid the rhythmic chorus of “Otto-matic” from the Hornet cheerleaders and the adoring North Reading faithful gathered in the grandstand, senior running back Otto Indelicato takes the football and sets about his task. More often than not, he brings discomfort to those who try to stop him.
Indelicato, 18, has been a member of the varsity football squad for the last four years, since he first donned Hornet green as a high-schooler. Like many of his teammates, he was part of the 2022 MIAA Division 5 Super Bowl championship team, but as a freshman at the time, saw little more than the sidelines at Gillette Stadium. A return to Foxboro next month as a senior is certainly in the cards but while Indelicato has a can-do outlook, he is very mature about the approach.
“It’s a great feeling to win it all but the success doesn’t happen without the right mindset and practicing with a purpose,” he said. “It doesn’t matter which team is next on our schedule. Playing to our standards each time we take the field is what gives us the best chance.”
Indelicato certainly has the physical attributes to make it happen. Possessing a low center of gravity, coupled with ample upper and lower body strength, he often carries would-be tacklers that extra few yards. Indelicato is seldom brought down at the initial point of contact. Thus far this season, in seven games played, Indelicato has rushed for 557-yards on 72 carries, adding 14 touchdowns. Only six times was he stopped with a no-gain and when that occurred, he’d often bounce back on the next snap with double-figure yardage.
“Otto is known for his physicality on the field,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum. “But I’ve always admired his humbleness and quiet personality.”
Despite his talent for the game, Indelicato admits that football takes a backseat to Track & Field, especially the throwing events. Last May, Indelicato eclipsed a 50-year-old North Reading shot put record, throwing 51’ 1.25”. In the MIAA Division 5 Championships, held at Westfield State, he threw the shot 52’ 7” to claim the title.
“I plan to throw the shot put when I reach college,” said Indelicato, who plays golf during the off-season and is a part-time restaurant worker. “I have played basketball and baseball in the past but after winning the D5 State Championship last year in the shot put, that would definitely be the highlight of my athletic career.”
Indelicato, a lifelong North Reading resident, counts his parents Brenda and Steven, along with older sibling Jake, as his most ardent supporters. And he would certainly add his football coaches to that list.
“I firmly believe that Coach Blum and Coach Arch (Eric Archambault) are both amazing coaches who not only care about winning games, but strive to make us better people in the process. I also appreciate my teammates for always being there for me and making me the best person I can be.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of Otto’s character and the way he has grown-up and matured,” said Blum. “He has an impressive work ethic and has become an awesome role model for the younger players.”
Indelicato was banged-up and missed the final regular season game last week, although not entirely. Twice the Hornets faced a punting situation and twice, Indelicato emerged from the sideline to effectively pin Newburyport in their own territory, an impressive feat on a windswept, rain-soaked field.
Next up for Indelicato and his teammates is a visit from the Division 5 No. 12-seed Marlborough Panthers. No. 5 North Reading will host the MIAA playoff opening round tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.
Expect to hear shouts of “Otto-matic!” a time or two as the game progresses.