Fairhaven Football Star Chooses Another Year of High School

One of the most frequently asked questions Justin Marques has had to answer over the past six months is where he will be going to college in the fall. That question has finally been answered.

The Decision

After graduating from Fairhaven High School this spring, Marques has decided to attend Portsmouth Abbey for a post-graduate year.

"I'll still walk across the stage with all of my friends that I grew up with in Fairhaven, then I'll get to do it all over again at Portsmouth Abbey. It's just a repeat of my senior year. All the senior nights, all the fun things about being a senior—I’ll get to experience them a second time. They just call it a post-graduate year."

Marques will play three sports for the Ravens: football, hockey, and lacrosse.

How the Portsmouth Decision Was Made

The Massachusetts all-time high school football touchdown leader had been considering several high schools to better showcase his talent against tougher competition. Marques says playing in a lower division hurt his chances with some college football programs.

"It definitely played a factor," Marques said. "There were so many games where we were leading by so much that I was sat down at halftime, which hurt my production. So I'm already done for the night at halftime, while other kids playing all four quarters are getting film against stronger competition."

Portsmouth Abbey reached out to Marques about a month ago. Marques and his family visited the campus about two weeks ago, and it was a done deal.

"I just really liked the campus. I really believe in their new coach and the program," he said.

Where Will Marques Apply to College?

Marques plans to use his post-grad year to prove he is capable of being the offensive threat he was on Huttleston Ave. He says his target list for colleges will remain similar but could expand due to the elevated level of competition.

With Marques moving to the private boarding school in Rhode Island, don't expect too many tears to be shed by Massachusetts high school football coaches.  "They'll still have to deal with Coach Almeida," said Marques.

Photo courtesy of SamuelJSimoes.com.