Biography

A two-year starter at offensive guard and defensive lineman, Bill Houde played an indispensable role in two Bristol County League Co-Championship teams in 1960 and 1961. A solid 5'9" 190 pounder, Houde was the classic unsung interior lineman who was strong, tough, and very efficient. A quiet, determined player, Bill was a powerful inside blocker who also had the speed to pull out and lead the high-scoring Bombardier outside running game. On defense, Houde repeatedly clogged up the opponent's running game with his excellent quickness and low, hard charging style that made him almost impossible to block. One admiring teammate said that "Houdie" always had the dirtiest jersey and was in on every play."

It should be no surprise that two championship teams would have Hall of Fame backfield mates who would benefit greatly from Houde's blocking skills and toughness. In 1960, the 7 and 2 Attleboro team was keyed by Hall of Fame fullback, Jim Gravel, Bristol County's leading scorer, who ran inside and outside following Houde's devastating trap blocks and outstanding down field blocking. As a senior, Houde provided the lead blocks for the Bombardier's high scoring outside running game led by Hall of Fame halfback, Tom Carpenter, also the county's top scorer, and the State's 100 and 220 sprint Champion, Earl Fielding. Even with this outstanding speed in the backfield, Bill Houde was always out front of his teammates to throw the key block.

Although he was a coach's dream- smart and very dependable - don't look for "Houdie's" name in the headlines or post-game write-ups. However, the powerful Houde, from a well-known athletic family, did not go unnoticed by teammates, league coaches, and sportswriters. Bill was a first team All Bristol County selection by the New Bedford Standard Times, Taunton Gazette, and the Fall River Herald. Also an All Sun District first team selection where it was stated "Houde performed with a minimum of show but his hard blocking was appreciated by the Attleboro backs for whom he cleared the holes."