Biddeford linebackers Josh and Austin Dutremble may not be on the level of the players above, but they definitely have a bond that few teammates can match. The two standouts are cousins and have become a strong duo in the middle of the Tigers’ defense.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Josh on playing alongside his cousin. “We’ve been pretty close for a while.”
The standouts, who live right across the road from each other, have put a lot of time in together working on their games.
“We work together,” said Austin, who plays inside linebacker for the Tigers. “We talk about stuff outside of practice too since we are always together.”
Biddeford coach Brian Curit had some high praise for both of the Dutremble boys.
“Josh plays with a tenacity that is infectious,” said Curit. “Just watch him come off the corner when he’s rushing the QB.”
Josh, who is a senior outside linebacker, has an incredibly strong work ethic, according to Curit.
“He has paid the price in the weight room and is so respected by his teammates,” said Curit.
When it comes to Austin, Curit says the junior has quickly become a leader on the team.
“Austin brings a toughness to both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. I also consider him one of the more cerebral players on the team and (he) runs (our) defense,” said Curit.
The two cousins are also very similar, according to the Biddeford coach.
“Both are selfless, both are very intelligent and they are both beloved by their teammates,” said Curit.
Both players – along with the rest of the Tigers – are trying to navigate their way through a new division after Biddeford dropped down from Class A to Class B this season.
“It’s been going pretty well,” said Josh of the 2015 season. “A lot of new stuff in Class B – new teams and new sets to look at, but I think it’s going good.”
Josh has been happy with how the Tigers defense has played so far this season – and he has enjoyed his time chasing down opposing quarterbacks. “I think we have a lot of tough guys up front, so when we get some pressure on the quarterback, that’s a lot of fun … that’s the best part,” said Josh, whose dad played football at Biddeford.
The Tigers currently sit at 1-1 after falling to defending Class B state champion Marshwood 21-7 in the season opener and then bouncing back with an impressive 35-0 shutout of Noble last week.
Austin believes all of the Tigers’ hard work paid off during last week’s win.
“It’s been great. We’ve all been working hard in practice … we just want to be the best that we can and it all starts in practice,” said Austin.
For the Dutremble cousins, the connection they have has helped them on the defensive side of the ball.
“It’s easier to read each other when you’ve been playing together for a while,” said Josh.
Austin echoed that statement.
“It’s very fun. We always seem to be on the same page and seem to be thinking alike,” said Austin.
Curit definitely sees the close relationship the two cousins have and believes they represent the Biddeford program and the community as a whole.
“They are very close,” said Curit. “The Dutremble cousins come from a typically tight Biddeford Franco family.”
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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