The 1963 Football Team
The first perfect season in 65 years.
The 1963 football team had a perfect 7-0 record under the leadership of Coach Rick Francis and captains Dick Buckley ’64 and Bob Montgomery ’64. In the first undefeated (and untied) season since 1895, the Williston Academy team was the highest scoring prep team in New England. During their incredible run, Williston football players outscored their opponents 256 to 59. They were led in this effort by Dan Cain ’64, whose record as leading rusher was 1,007 yards on 148 carries. Mr. Cain had a 6.18-yard average, 16 touchdowns, and 10 bonus points for 116 points in seven games. For his effort, Mr. Cain was named honorary captain and starting left halfback on the New England All-Prep Team. In 2013, Mr. Cain along with the rest of the 1963 football team were inducted into the Williston Northampton School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Watch videos below, and read articles from The Willistonian about each Wildcat victory. See a full page celebrating their win from the 1964 yearbook here.
From the archives
Victory at last
For the first time in five years, Williston defeated Vermont Academy at the latter’s home field that October, with a score of 20-8.
Blue & Gold control the ball
On October 5, 1963, the Williston football team entertained the Hotchkiss football team, winning 50-12.
Gridiron Slate Remains Clean
At their third game of the season on October 12, 1963, the Williston football team defeated Loomis 58-12.
Pressing the attack
On Parents’ Day, October 19, 1963, the Williston Varsity football team played host to the Taft School football team and won 22-14.
A Sound Defeat
On October 26, 1963, the Blue and Gold Williston football team journeyed away to Suffield Academy where they soundly defeated Suffield 34-0.
Short plunges & long drives
On November 2, 1963, the Williston Varsity football team journeyed to Wilbraham for their sixth straight victory, defeating Wilbraham 36-13.
Striking pay dirt
The last game of the season, the Williston Varsity football team posted its second shutout of the season, defeating St. Paul’s 36-0. This final game marked the end of Williston’s first undefeated football season in over 60 years.
