South Coast Today’s “Dartmouth's Smialek brothers face off in college”

By Brendan Kurie
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports/20161018/at-college-dartmouths-smialek-brothers-face-off-in-college

From backyard route-running with dad to lining up on the same offensive line at Dartmouth High to facing off on either end of a kickoff in college, the Smialek brothers have a deep history on the football field.

Beyond being siblings from Dartmouth — Stephen a junior linebacker at Worcester State and Sean a freshman linebacker at Mass Maritime — the Smialeks have been teammates and opponents, and they realize how rare that is.

"It's definitely a unique experience that not many people get," said Stephen, who is third on the Lancers in tackles this season with 46. "To think that all the hard work the two of us put in culminated with us squaring off on a college field was special and not something to be taken for granted. It was an awesome experience.

That game was three weeks ago, when Mass Maritime won 32-14 despite a game-high 16 tackles from Stephen.

"He had a great game against us," Sean said. "Even though he's on the other team, it's always good to see him do well. It was just definitely a fun experience. Very few people can say they got to face their brother in a collegiate sport."

Both boys grew up in Dartmouth, the son of a former Indians and Mass Maritime football player. Stephen was two years ahead of Sean, but during Stephen's senior year they spent a couple of games lined up beside each other on the offensive line, with Sean at center and Stephen at guard.

As Stephen embarked on his college search he wanted an affordable school with a strong business program and the chance to play football. He got all three at Worcester State.

"They key is finding a place where you're really going to be comfortable and has all the accommodations," he said. "When I came here, the coaching staff was really inviting and made me comfortable."

Smialek spent his first two seasons playing mostly special teams as he adjusted to the collegiate game. He continued to practice at linebacker, where he had moved from defensive end as a junior at Dartmouth.

"From a physical standpoint you realize the game is a lot faster," he said of the transition. "You're essentially playing the best players you faced in high school, just all on one team. You have to realize you have to be patient and work hard at practice until you get opportunity."

That opportunity arose this fall, when the Lancers' starting middle linebacker went down with an injury and Stephen was inserted into the middle of Worcester State's 3-3 stack defense. He responded immediately, and in just four games has accumulated 46 tackles and one interception, moving him up to third on the team in tackles.

"This year I had a good camp," Stephen said. "My coach noticed that and an opportunity arose for me to play and I was able to take advantage of it and I've afforded myself a spot."

His first start came against Worcester State — a mere three days after he found out he'd be starting — and he finished with seven tackles. He had 16 tackles his next game against Mass Maritime and Sean, then eight tackles and a pick in his third game and 15 tackles in his fourth game.

"I was fortunate enough to play well and run with the opportunity," Stephen said. "At first, there's definitely some nerves involved, but at the same time I've worked really hard to get to where I am. I was excited to get out there and contribute to a team effort."

His interception came in Week 5 in the Lancers' lone win of the season thus far, a 17-14 victory over Fitchburg State.

Playing from his "mike" linebacker spot as the Lancers went cover-4, he jumped an inside slant and returned the pick eight yards.

"I had an opportunity earlier in the game (for an interception) but wasn't able to capitalize," Stephen said. "As a team we always have the mentality to not put our head down after a mistake. Later in the game I had an opportunity to make a play."

While Stephen has seen his playing time increase exponentially this year, Sean is working his way into playing time at Mass Maritime. He has five tackles and has played in five of the team's six games.

"It's a lot different than high school due to the fact you're a one-position specialist," Sean said. "That was a big transition. It was odd not getting any reps on the offensive side. I kind of enjoy it, though. It seems a little more laid back. You spend more time focusing on the mental aspects."

Sean's college choice, which originally included Holy Cross, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy, was whittled down to Mass Maritime thanks to its hands-on learning opportunities. He will also play lacrosse in the spring.

"I think the experience of learning is what brought me here," he said. "The regimented lifestyle keeps you in check and makes sure you're doing everything you're supposed to. I looked at good schools I would have the chance at playing at, but the whole time I knew I could come here and play football and lacrosse."

For now, they're on teams on opposite ends of the win-loss spectrum. Worcester State is 1-5, while Mass Maritime is 4-2.

But when they lined up on Sept. 24, with Stephen on the kick return personnel grouping and Sean playing on the kickoff team, their grandfather in the stands with his Worcester State cap, the records didn't matter.

It harkened to a backyard in Dartmouth, a decade ago, and two brothers running routes against each other.