Tabot and Ferrell, A Winning Combination
BY: JESSICA LLOYD - GAMEDAY MAGAZINE COLUMNIST
December 3rd, 2007
There are few things in life that feel as good as living the American dream while playing the all-American sport. For Westfield High School seniors Brandon Ferrell and Steven Tabot, that dream has become reality, but even better. The boys have been close neighbors since the 8th grade and, after joining the football team, have been teammates and friends ever since.
On any normal weekend you'll find them shooting hoops or hanging out playing the latest version of Madden, but once Monday morning comes around, it's all football, all the time. The guys manage to drag themselves to school, spending every lunch watching practice and game film with their respective coaches, then head to practice at 3pm. Both of them stay every day past the end of practice to work on special teams plays. Even on Saturday mornings you'll find them at Westfield High School in the weight room, playing a pick up game, and watching film from the previous night's game.
Tailback Steven Tabot has been a key player for Westfield since his sophomore year. He began his playing career as the backup to current Penn State red-shirt freshman Evan Royster. His junior year, Tabot made his shining debut and continues to uphold his reputation. Ferrell, on the other hand, has yet to see as much of the media spotlight, but deserves just as much. As the Bulldogs starting fullback, Ferrell is often found leading the way for Tabot and teammate Brian Kennedy on running plays, and making key blocks or receptions for quarterback Mike Glennon. His impact isn't as visible, but it is undeniably a big reason why Westfield has the most prolific offense in the state.
The boys joke about reporters, articles, and message boards all the time, but Ferrell doesn't mind the background so much. "I don't care that Steve gets all the press. I never expect any with the position I play."
During the game, Tabot works off of Ferrell's quick thinking and strong blocking to make sure he'll stay untouched. Their friendship has its benefits on the field, as both Tabot and Ferrell tend to think similarly, making it easier for them to adjust to what the defense does.
"I have more trust that he'll block the defender the right way; that way I can run off his block," said Tabot.
Tabot, Westfield's leading rusher, has been terrific this season. Against Herndon earlier in the season, he finished with four touchdowns in the game to help the Bulldogs stay unbeaten in the Concorde District. Westfield later went on to win the Concorde District Championship, and both Tabot and Ferrell believe that this Bulldog team can reach the ultimate goal, a state championship.
"As returning starters, we both know what it feels like to lose in a big game, so this year we've focused even more on preparing for each game," says Ferrell.
Tabot agreed. "We've got a real good chance at states this year."
Westfield running backs coach Pete Salvano watches closely every day in practice as Ferrell and Tabot prepare for each opponent. Salvano is quick to note that what makes his two standouts arguably one of the best tandems in the state is that both Ferrell and Tabot are reliable and intelligent.
"They're both very smart players," says Salvano. "Whenever we make a change or adjust to the defense, they pick it up right away. It never takes them more than one try to get it done right. They're just smart athletes - we can trust them to make the play."
Outside of football, the guys surprisingly have a lot in common. Not only are they physically alike, measuring about 5'8" and weighing around 180 pounds, but they also both do well in school, successfully balancing their time between classes and football. Tabot and Ferrell are both Redskins fans and football fanatics in general. Their favorite class is the only one they share; sports marketing, taught by assistant coach Brian Day. Not surprisingly, the guys are involved in multiple Fantasy Football teams, and dominate their class pool.
After high school, neither is sure where they'll go to college, or what they'll do, but they plan on keeping their friendship intact. With less than a month left in their final season playing for the Bulldogs, both are hoping that their chemistry on the football field can help Westfield to another state championship.
