1970 Boxer Football Video Recalls BHS Early Days

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton High School football coach Peter Columbo is always looking for new ways to improve his team.
Saturday night Peter Columbo received a dose of his father Armond’s coaching medicine from a DVD of old 8mm films from the 1970 team that went undefeated the first year Armond took over and went on to win the first high school Super Bowl in 1972.
“This team is historic,” Columbo said. “This team goes on to prominence and we are carrying on the tradition,” Columbo said moments before the DVD was played on numerous TV screens in a private room at Joe Angelo’s Café.
Following the showing of the DVD that mostly displays the 9 games the 1970 team went on to win during an undefeated season, Columbo said it makes him look forward to next season.
“They played some great football,” Columbo said, noting he was in junior high when the film was made. “It’s impressive and inspiring,” he said.
The 1970 team was undefeated, but because the Super Bowl did not exist yet, did not earn that title although a banner marks the team’s achievement.
When the high school Super Bowl tournament was launched in 1972, Brockton High won the first two.
The 30 to 40 former players, past and present coaches, school officials and volunteers who attended Saturday night’s intimate showing of the new DVD watched as images of Brockton High School in the 1970s flashed on the screen.
Many laughed and joked as they recalled students and teachers, remembered the remarkably 1970s gym shorts and T-shirts students had to buy and wear to join in on physical education classes and scanned the football scenes either for themselves or friends.
The 39-minute video mostly shows highlights from the football team’s season from 1970to 1971.
Gary Leonard, President of Save our Sports, a non-profit foundation that raises money for high school sports programs, named numerous players and what they are doing now.
Many are area businessmen and lawyers, others have moved away, including one player who is now in Egypt working as a renowned artist.
Leonard also played on the team as center and lineman.
Bobby Bonnette, who turns 80 this year, (Pictured at right) has been a constant figure on the sidelines for more than 40 years and continues to do all he can to help the team, including selling 50-50 raffle tickets during Saturday's dinner and film.
"I'm one of those little guys who couldn't play,but I can do this and still do all I can to support the team," Bonnette said.
Brockton High Athletic Director Thomas Kenney said the DVD’s are available to anyone who is interested. The cost is $10 and can be purchased through the high school athletic department and by calling at 508-580-7546 or by email at thomaskenney@brocktonpublicschools.com.