Gallant’s versatility key to Bangor success Senior standout proven at three positions on offense

BANGOR – Aaron Gallant’s value to the Bangor High football team isn’t measured merely in on-field contributions, but also in the security and depth he provides his team through his versatility.

Gallant has played tight end, tailback and fullback on the Rams’ offense, is one of the state’s top cornerbacks on defense, and also stands out on special teams.

“He does everything,” said senior quarterback Brian Hackett after Bangor edged Skowhegan 28-22 last Friday night to win the Eastern Maine Class A championship. “He’s an athlete, he’s smart, he does what he’s told, and he can do everything.”

That last fact was on full display against Skowhegan. Gallant caught a 72-yard TD pass from Hackett while at tight end, filled in at tailback long enough to run 19 yards for a touchdown, and provided a key block that sent starting tailback Nick Payson off on a 62-yard run that set up the game-winning touchdown.

On defense, he was one of the Rams’ leading tacklers, joining several times with his brother, sophomore safety Alex Gallant, to make downfield stops that prevented Skowhegan from breaking off some big plays.

That effort has helped Bangor run off seven straight wins to improve its record to 10-1 and earn a berth in Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. state final at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland against unbeaten Bonny Eagle of West Buxton. The Rams are scheduled to practice on the FieldTurf at Fitzpatrick this evening.

“Aaron says to me over and over, ‘Coach, I just want to win,'” said Bangor coach Mark Hackett. “I don’t care where I’m playing, whatever you want me to do, I’ll do if it helps us win.”

Gallant’s versatility is steeped in athleticism, intelligence, intensity and a willingness to help the team.

A high honors student, Gallant also is one of the top high school basketball players in the state – having earned NEWS All-Maine honors last winter while leading Bangor to the Eastern A final. He also plays baseball for the Rams.

Gallant began his senior football season sharing time with Payson at tailback, but nagging injuries soon reduced his role on offense.

In the Week 4 regular-season matchup with Skowhegan, Gallant shifted to fullback while previous fullback Ricky Dexter moved to tight end to fill the gap left when Paul Russell suffered a broken arm. Bangor lost that game, but the Rams regrouped, and soon Gallant began playing tight end while Dexter was back at fullback.

The Rams haven’t lost since, and Gallant’s role on offense has evolved from strictly a blocking presence to a considerable receiving threat to go with wideout Anthony DeRosa and wingback T.J. Vanidestine.

“Aaron at tight end is quick and gives us a versatility we really haven’t had there,” said Hackett. “We’ve had great blocking out of our other tight ends, but we really haven’t had a dynamic pass receiver there.”

Gallant has made just three receptions, but one was the long TD pass against Skowhegan that rallied the Rams from an early 6-0 deficit. Gallant caught the ball at midfield, raced down the right sideline and broke a tackle bid by Skowhegan’s Jason Lisherness before heading into the end zone.

“It’s a play we worked on all week,” Gallant said. “I fake a block and then go out. Brian made a great pass, and then I just had to break a tackle at the end.”

Gallant’s rushing TD came during a brief return to his original offensive position after Payson injured his ankle.

“Mainly I’ve been practicing there with the second team just to stay fresh so if some freak thing happens, I’ll be there,” said Gallant, who has 280 yards on 50 carries this season.

“Nick hurt his ankle, but it was nothing big, he was right back in there. Just a momentary thing, he wanted to let me score a touchdown, I guess.”

Gallant soon returned to tight end, and that is where he will start Saturday – along with cornerback and on the special teams – when Bangor seeks its second state title in four years.

“Early in the season when he got banged up, I told Aaron to relax, that we were going to need him,” Hackett said. “In the last few games he’s playing more of a role in all dimensions of the game. He does everything, and everything he does is high energy.”