It’s second nature for a running back to thank their offensive line anytime they’re recognized for an individual award or achieve an individual feat like rushing for 1,000 yards in a season. And while it seems like a cliche, they really couldn’t do what they do without the help of the ones getting in their stance up front and paving the way play after play.

The 2023 Daily Hampshire Gazette Football Player of the Year, South Hadley star tailback Owen Dawson, made sure to mention that right away when asked for his thoughts on receiving the honor.

“The offensive line starts every single play. They get us moving,” Dawson said. “I always try lifting them up and keeping their mind on the right things. We had a surplus of linemen this year, so having them buy in together was really nice. I wouldn’t have come close to the year I had without them.

“If you have a bond and a connection that’s deep and meaningful with your line, they’re not gonna want you to get tackled,” he continued. “And that’s what we had. They’re gonna want you to score touchdowns, get your name in the paper, and get awards like this. So although this says my name, it’s deeper than that. It’s a team award to me.”

South Hadley’s o-line played a huge role in the Tigers’ 9-2 season this past fall, there’s no question about that. But what Dawson did was other-worldly. Anything he was asked to do by head coach Brian Couture and the coaching staff, he never hesitated. Dawson was the leading rusher, best defensive player, and even stepped in to play quarterback on numerous occasions when South Hadley faced struggles at the position.

He rushed for over 1,300 yards, found the end zone 24 times, and grabbed seven interceptions on defense. He also threw a passing touchdown in the Tigers’ 28-19 win over Chicopee Comp. Dawson stands as the 2023 recipient in a region filled with terrific talents in the backfield, most notably Belchertown’s Chris Daskam and Amherst’s Jameson Dion.

“It’s a huge honor,” Dawson said. “The Hampshire County kind of gets looked down upon compared to Hampden County because Hampden has all the big schools. Yet up here, Hampshire County, we have some studs up here. So to win this knowing there is a lot of talent means a lot.”

Growing up in South Hadley, Dawson watched the Tigers year-in and year-out, known as one of the best programs in Hampshire County. After a handful of down years, and not posting a winning record in a full season during his playing career, Dawson was ready to return South Hadley to its esteemed glory this past fall.

The Tigers dropped their first game of the season to Wahconah, then won seven consecutive contests to clinch a trip to the Division 7 state tournament as a No. 14 seed. They traveled to No. 3 West Bridgewater and ultimately lost, but not before Dawson tallied 185 yards and a 55-yard touchdown.

“It was a huge year for me, I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish,” Dawson said. “I’ve been a South Hadley kid my whole life, I grew up with South Hadley football having success. The team and myself, we wanted to bring that success back. And it showed this year with the run that we made.”

Upon graduation in the spring, Dawson will further his football career at either Springfield College or Franklin Pierce. He’s also considering playing lacrosse at the collegiate level as well.

“I’m still weighing my options and looking at where I want to play, but I’m going to play football, and maybe even lacrosse,” Dawson said.