Meet the star-studded Tabor Academy football team

MARION — Tabor Academy enrolls football players from across the world, catching the attention of high-profile coaches from colleges like University of Michigan and University of California, Los Angeles. 

Head Coach Jeff Moore of Marion stated that he is proud of his team.

“We're fortunate where we have one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Peter Bourque. We also have one of the best offensive lines in the whole Northeast,” he said.

Moore emphasized the strength of the receivers, and noted that Tabor leads the league in passing yards.

“I think the most rewarding thing is seeing the growth of the kids from day one to the middle of the season to after the season. Then to year two to year three and to year four,” Moore said.

Moore was not surprised to see Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots coach and current University of North Carolina head coach, visit Tabor on Sept. 29, since he also visited in 2024. Moore explained that it was a testament to his athletes’ work and accomplishments. 

Meet the promising young athletes making an impact on the team, and what the future holds for them in college:

Peter Bourque is a junior committed to the University of Michigan for the 2027-28 season. Bourque is the quarterback, a team captain and has been on the team for two years.

“[Bourque] is super talented. He's got one of the best arms in the country,” Moore said. “He runs extremely well, does a great job of extending plays with his feet and keeping his eyes downfield.”

In two positions of leadership, Bourque feels extra pressure on himself. He tries to lead vocally and by example. 

Bourque's favorite part of being on the team is the brotherhood of it all.

“We have a really special team, and it's great to battle with those guys every Saturday,” he said.

Bourque aims to have an undefeated season, put up 300 yards of throwing per game and have the offense score over 30 points every game. As he transitions to university, Bourque wants to be prepared academically and physically for the next level. 

“After that, I want to do everything I can to make it to the NFL — like every kid's dream,” Bourque said. 

Carter Gooden is a senior defensive end committed to University of California, Los Angeles for the 2026-27 season. Gooden is from Stony Creek, Ontario, Canada and he has played on the team for two years. 

“[Gooden] is one of the strongest, most explosive kids in the country,” said Moore. “He's one of the best defensive ends in the country. He's super coachable and he's really good at the point of attack.” 

As the season winds down, Gooden will not be. He is preparing for the Navy All-American Bowl happening in January. The Navy All-American Bowl annually features the nation’s top 100 high school players for a bowl game in San Antonio, Texas. 

“I have to be ready for [the bowl game] and keep training,” he said. 

Marcus Almada is a senior defensive tackle who will be joining Gooden at University of California, Los Angeles next year for the 2026-27 season. 

“[Almada] has an elite change of direction for someone his size. He has really strong hands and he plays with a really high motor,” said Moore. 

From Cranston, Rhode Island, Almada has played on Tabor’s team for two years. 

Almada loves playing on a team with members that share his goal of playing in college. He also relies on them as his support system. 

“I think coming here and having to lean on others besides my family has been something that at first was hard, but now it's just been so much easier and it will only get me more prepared for that college level,” he said. 

Almada was excited that he and Gooden could announce their decision to UCLA together. 

“I'm really excited just knowing that I'm going across the country with somebody that I can lean on and have a really strong bond with, especially because we play on the line together,” he said.

Botond Varga from Hungary is a junior and a team captain, playing as right tackle. He is going on his third year playing for Tabor. 

“[Varga] is extremely long, which is very advantageous in pass blocking. He's super physical in the run game and he's just a really good leader,” said Moore. 

Varga loves the brotherhood of being on a close knit football team, but enjoys the physicality of football too. 

“Being on this team is getting to hit people and not getting in trouble,” he said jokingly. 

Varga has not committed to a university yet, and is willing to take his time trying to find the right fit. Varga wants to improve his mental and physical game as he prepares for this transition. 

“The goal is to really keep my head down and grind because I know what I have to do. I know how I have to do it. Now I just have to execute,” said Varga. 

Tabor’s record this season is 4-0 overall and 2-0 in league play. Moore looks to keep succeeding through the rest of the season. 

“We want to come together as a team and for our athletes to be consistent every single day and to have enthusiasm the way they play,” said Moore. 

Tabor’s next home game is Friday, Oct. 17 against Belmont Hill School at 7 p.m.