By LORENZO RECUPERO
On and off the field, Everett High School senior Ismael Zamor is mastering his route.
Found in the depths of the Crimson Tide’s success is Zamor, a team captain that leads by example from the ground up.
In the Tide’s 21-19 overtime season-opening win over Xaverian, he led the way with a decisive 59-yard touchdown catch, an interception, and a forced fumble – all instrumental in the slim victory.
“Ish was a star in all 3 phases of the game,” said EHS head coach Robert DiLoreto of his blooming wide receiver. “When the game was on the line and our team needed Ish the most, he came through and led us to victory. He is a coach’s dream!” said DiLoreto.
It would be hard to see it from the stands, but when the shoulder pads come off, Zamor is something like a teacher’s dream and a community’s dream as well.
The standout athlete is not only a quick-thinker in-game, but he knows a thing or two about school and being a top-tier community member.
Part of the National Honor Society, Zamor excels in the classroom. Now a Boston College commit, Zamor, who plans to study law and history at BC, values his education as much as he does the sport of football.
“Growing up, my parents always told me academics come first,” said Zamor, who started his playing career in Everett’s Pop Warner program after migrating from Haiti following the destructive earthquake that struck the country in 2010. And his choosing to attend BC was largely due to the school’s interest in him as a student-learner first. “All the staff at BC have shown they love me as a person and not a player,” he said.
And if you’re wondering how Zamor’s book smarts translate on the field, he believes the two go hand-in-hand.
“[Excelling in the class] it’s helped. Being aware of things, being a fast learner, learning the plays leads to making fast reads on the field,” he said.
Zamor’s leadership doesn’t stop at the field or the classroom. He makes sure to lend a hand where he can in the community. When he’s not learning or scoring touchdowns, he’s helping coach Everett Pop Warner, assisting in book drives, passing out food at local pantries, and helping out around the holidays.
“I always do anything I can do to give back to the community,” said Zamor proudly, recalling his relocating to Everett after his family’s move from Haiti. “Everett has done a lot for me and my family, it means a lot to me to give back,” he said.