Daily Item 2021 Thanksgiving Football Preview

2022 Daily item 

thanksgiving 

football

2 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2022 

LYNN CLASSICAL 

Another year another 

Classical/English showdown 

By Joey BaRRett 

Item sPoRts edItoR 

The Lynn Classical football team began 

its season 5-1, but have since dropped three 

straight. On Turkey Day, the Rams hope 

they can enjoy their Thanksgiving meals 

with another win under their belt. 

Against Lexington on opening night, 

the Rams sent the fans at Manning Field 

home happy, winning 36-0. John Nasky 

led his team with 29 receiving yards, while 

Matthew Carrillo led in the rushing category 

LYNN CLASSICAL (7-3) 

9/7............ St. Mary’s 30 Millis 12 

9/15.......... St. Mary’s 39 So. Boston 22 

9/21.......... St. Mary’s 14 Cath. Mem. 42 

9/29.......... St. Mary’s 40, Spellman 22 

10/6.......... St. Mary’s 28 Arl. Cath. 12 

10/13........ St. Mary’s 20 Williams 27 

10/19........ St. Mary’s 24 Mashpee 30 

10/26........ St. Mary’s 49 Georgetown 6 

11/2 .......... St. Mary’s 30 Gr. Lawrence 24 

11/9 .......... St. Mary’s 39 Nashoba Tech 14 

11/16 ........ vs. Cohasset (at Medford, 7) 

11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

with an impressive 157 yards. 

Then came the Peabody Tanners, a team 

that now stands at 9-1. That said, Classical’s 

35-8 loss at the hands of the Tanners didn’t 

alarm many, and began a small revenge tour 

for the 1-1 Rams. 

When a team racks up 50 points, chances 

are it’s an explosive offense throughout 

the year. Carrillo rushed for 148 yards and 

three touchdowns against Somerville the 

following week with freshman running back 

Tyler Hoeun racking up 81 yards and two 

touchdowns. Somerville had no answer for 

the Rams and Classical ran away with the 

50-0 win. 

Coming off a stellar performance 

against Somerville, Medford was Hoeun’s 

breakout performance that caught the eyes 

of everyone at Manning Field. He rushed for 

278 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 

nearly 13 yards per carry in Classical’s 30-6 

win over the not-so-fast Mustangs. 

The momentum didn’t stop there, 

however. The Rams picked up two more 

consecutive wins against Malden (22-6) and 

Revere (20-14) – both on the road. Against 

Malden, Hoeun continued to shine with 

183 rushing yards while senior Nick Costa 

rushed for 57 yards. And 

against Revere, Classical 

faced a third quarter deficit 

but clawed its way back to 

pull off a game-winning 

drive where Nasky 

hauled in a pass on 

a slant route in the 

endzone – silencing 

the crowd in Revere. 

Since the heroics, 

Classical has dropped 

three straight, but 

they stood strong against 

powerhouse Everett for the 

majority of the battle. The 

Rams were eliminated from 

the postseason at the hands 

of Andover, and dropped a 

matchup with St. John’s the 

next week. 

Lynn Classical’s Tyren Hoeun 

breaks away and carries the ball 

downfield. 

STAFF PHOTO | SPENSER HASAK 

Now, it’s Classical 

vs. English, aka 

Lynn rivals. After 

starting their season 

0-4, the Bulldogs 

won four in a 

row and five of 

their last six. 

The last two 

Thanksgiving 

games between 

the rivals have 

been decided by 

one possession, 

including last 

year’s Classical 

victory by a score 

of 17-14 in double 

overtime. English 

won the year before, 

14-6, so the Bulldogs 

are hoping the pattern can 

continue this Thanksgiving. All that said, it’s 

safe to say both fanbases are ready for the 

best tradition in Lynn. 

Happy thanksgiving! 

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THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2022 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3 

LYNN ENGLISH 

English eyes revenge after 

overtime defeat last season 



The Lynn English football team has 

spent the last year shaking its head after 

last season’s double overtime 

Thanksgiving loss at the hands 

of archrival Classical. Yet, 

the Rams have spent the 

latter half of this current 

season winning football 

games – five of its last 

six to be exact. This 

Thanksgiving, in front 

of the passionate 

fans at Manning 

Field, it’s time 

for revenge. 

One 

factor 

remains 

when 

putting 

last 

Lynn English’s Edwin Castro 

cuts back across the field as 

he tries to avoid a tackle from 

Malden’s John Lloyd. 


season’s game into consideration 

– first-year English Head Coach 

Anthony LaFratta wasn’t involved. 

And under his leadership, the 

Bulldogs have improved both their 

winning percentage and conference 

record (3-2 this season in GBL). 

LaFratta is a passionate, energetic 

coach who pushes his players to become 

the best versions of themselves every 

Friday night. Despite starting the 

season 0-4, and only reaching 

double digits once during that span, 

the time since then has been nearperfect. 

Chelsea made its way to Manning 

Field, and got kicked out right away after 

the Bulldogs handed them a 23-0 loss. 

The next week against Malden, English 

scored on the opening kickoff and 

never looked back. English’s Janathan 

Andrades returned the opening kickoff 

84 yards to the house, getting through a 

herd of players around midfield before 

racing past the last line of defense, and 

the Bulldogs held on the rest of the game 

for a low-scoring 8-6 win. 

The next week frankly wasn’t as 

stressful as the Bulldogs took care of 

Somerville 38-0. Traveling to face 

Medford the next week, English recorded 

its second straight shutout and extended 

the winning streak to four games. 

A loss against Salem, and a win 

against Boston Latin later, it’s time – time 

for the game everyone’s had marked 

on their calendar since even before the 

schedules dropped. English vs. Classical on 

Thanksgiving Day. 

Murmurs of who’s going to win have 

spread throughout the Lynn city streets for 

months, and at 10 a.m. in front of the fans at 

Manning Field on Thanksgiving, we finally 

find out. Each team has five wins, and last 

season’s Thanksgiving matchup was as close 

as can be in double overtime. All that taken 

into consideration – English and Classical 

fans, buckle up. 

LYNN ENGLISH (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

Address: 15 Johnson Street, Lynn, MA 01902 

Phone: (781) 592-5599 | LynnBEF@verizon.net 

Good luck to all teams! Happy Thanksgiving! 

From Columbia Insurance Agency, Inc. 

31 Central Square • Lynn MA 01901 • 781-598-5000 

www. columbi a i n s uranceag ency. net


ST. MARY’S 

Spartans look for back-to-back Thanksgiving 

wins against Austin Prep 



The St. Mary’s football team’s home 

faithful at Manning Field have been happy 

since early September where the Spartans 

defeated KIPP 41-0. Nine games and a deep 

playoff run later, St. Mary’s has delivered a 

near-perfect season. 

Starpower has been the name of the game 

for St. Mary’s. From quarterback Tyler Guy, 

to running backs David Brown and Derick 

Coulanges, and to receiver John Nasky, 

opposing teams surely have to worry about 

more than one opponent on Friday nights. 

St. Mary’s has scored 340 points this 

season as of 10 games into its schedule, and 

the Spartans have put up 40 or more points 

four times this season. Major wins for St. 

Mary’s this season include ones over Bishop 

Feehan in week 3 (12-10) and Lynnfield in 

the Division 6 quarterfinals (20-6). 

From Brown’s nine touchdowns over 

a two-game span, to back-to-back wins 

against the same Archbishop Williams team 

ST. MARY’S (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

that was above .500 before facing St. 

Mary’s, storylines have seemingly been 

falling in place for the Spartans. 

Now, the end of the story is 

here – a Thanksgiving week 

matchup against Austin Prep. 

Last season, it was no 

problem for the Spartans, 

winning 42-12 at Manning Field. 

That 

said, 

in 2019, 

things didn’t go as 

planned and Austin Prep 

won 32-14. 

There’s a little twist on this 

season’s action. The teams will play 

football at a baseball stadium – that stadium 

being the one and only Fenway Park on 

Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 1:30 p.m. 

St. Mary’s David Brown cuts 

up the sideline as he avoids a 

tackle. 


Happy Thanksgiving and Safe Holiday Season 

Tradition 

GO SPARTANS! 

Joan (McGovern) Regan 

617-529-1785 | Joan.regan17@gmail.com 

Proud Graduate of SMH


BISHOP FENWICK 

Fenwick aims to solidify 

splendid season 

By JeRRy dIsteFano 

Item sPoRts wRIteR 

The Bishop Fenwick football team 

will be taking on a team they haven’t 

encountered recently on Thanksgiving, 

Masconomet. Despite the Crusaders and 

Chieftains not being familiar with each other 

recently, both teams should put on a show 

for the fans in the stands next Thursday in 

Boxford at 10 a.m. 

Fenwick has plenty of momentum on 

their side, as it’s currently on a three-game 

winning streak with two of those wins 

coming in the Division 5 playoffs. The 

BISHOP FENWICK (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

Crusaders will be led by the senior duo 

of Costa Beechin (wide receiver/running 

back) and Troy Irizarry (running back/ 

defensive end). 

The Chieftains will be coming in 

with their spirits high, as they ended 

with a 3-1 record in their final four 

games with their only loss coming by 

the hands of undefeated Wakefield in the 

playoffs, 21-12. Fenwick does have the 

edge over Masconomet in two key stats, 

points per game and point differential. The 

Crusaders average 30.5 points per game, 

while the Chieftains average 21.5 points 

per game. In terms of differential, Fenwick 

has a scoring differential of 182 points over 

its opponents this season, Masconomet has 

outscored its opponents by a total of 20 

points. Even though these stats are very 

much in the Crusaders favor, they 

should not take the Chieftains lightly, 

or they may end up with a surprise 

they don’t want ahead of their 

Thanksgiving meal. 

Bishop Fenwick quarterback 

Bryce Leaman drops back for 

a pass. 


W E A R E F E N W I C K 

www.fenwick.org


LYNN TECH 

Tech seeks to put KIPP 

in the eye of the tiger 

By Ryan VeRmette 

Item news edItoR 

The fourth installment of the Lynn Tech 

Tigers and KIPP Panthers Thanksgiving Day 

matchup is shaping up to be a good one, and 

an important one for Tech. A 38-12 win by 

KIPP last year gave the Panthers a slim 2-1 

lead in the series, and the Tigers will try to 

pull out a victory to even things up in this 

battle of wildcats. 

Lynn Tech won the inaugural matchup in 

2018 by a score of 24-6. KIPP took the next 

two with ease, however. The Panthers shut 

out the Tigers in 2019, 25-0. In the Covid-2 

season in 2021, the annual matchup was put 

on pause before resuming in the fall of 2021, 

where KIPP ran right through Lynn Tech. 

Lynn Tech dropped its season opener to 

Essex Tech by a score of 28-14, but went 

on to win two in a row. The Tigers blew out 

Minuteman Regional 47-0 before beating the 

Whittier Wildcats 28-12 – the first time since 

2010. 

It was a promising 2-1 start for the Tigers, 

but the team has dropped five straight coming 

into this contest and finished with a record of 

2-6. After its second loss of the season against 

Nashoba Valley, Lynn Tech lost a highscoring 

affair against Tech Boston Academy, 

38-21. Two more losses to Manchester Essex 

and Greater Lowell Tech ensued, but the 

Tigers still wound up making the playoffs, 

but fell to Blue Hills by a score of 40-14. 

It was a disappointing end to a season 

that started very well for Head Coach James 

Runner’s squad, but a win 

against KIPP in this 

newly generated rivalry 

would lift the teams’ 

spirit significantly. 

The Panthers enter this 

game with a 6-4 record 

and are fresh off of a 

deep playoff run. There’s no 

question that KIPP will be 

ready, but Lynn Tech will 

have a little more rest than 

its opponent. 

In a rivalry matchup with 

as little sample size as this one, 

anything can happen, and both 

sides should expect the unexpected 

when they face off Wednesday night at 

7 p.m at the Manning Bowl. 

LYNN TECH (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

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Lynn Tech Head Coach James Runner 

surveys the field from the sideline. 


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Good luck to all the teams!


KIPP ACADEMY 

KIPP looks to remain 

explosive on Turkey Day 



KIPP began its season losing two straight, 

then three of its first four. But since then, the 

Panthers have lost just once and are currently 

winners of four straight to better their record to 

6-4. 

Early on, the Panthers struggled defensively 

and allowed 71 points in their first two games 

against St. Mary’s and Boston Latin Academy. 

Then, the KIPP faithful saw some improvement 

as the Panthers flip-flopped their next four 

games, defeating Georgetown and Manchester 

Essex, but falling to Lowell Catholic and Old 

KIPP ACADEMY (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

Rochester Regional. 

Then, a spark. KIPP defeated 

Whittier RVT in a game where 

everything went right for the 

Panthers. As a result, the Panthers 

kept the momentum pouring onto the 

turf for the next three weeks against 

Greater Lowell Tech, Lee, and Lowell 

Catholic. 

KIPP’s put up 233 total points this 

season, largely in part to star quarterback Juan 

Setalsingh. The quarterback is as accurate as 

they come in his division. No matter if it’s a 

short, medium, or deep pass, Setalsingh will 

lead his pass-catchers in stride and set them up 

for success downfield. He’s also dangerous with 

his feet, and Tech’s defenses will have to pay 

attention to Setalsingh from the opening kickoff 

until the final whistle. 

KIPP Head Coach James Rabbitt has 

spoken extensively this season about how much 

he loves his team’s versatility and ability to 

spread the ball around. From Setalsingh, to Vic 

Mafo, and to Morenel Castro among others, 

KIPP can beat a team in lots of different ways. 

A 38-12 win by KIPP last season gave the 

Panthers a 2-1 lead in the Thanksgiving series, 

and the Panthers look to claw the Tigers once 

again on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Manning 

Field. 

KIPP quarterback Juan Setalsingh throws 

a pass on the run from a swarm of Lee 

defenders. 


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WISHING ALL THE PLAYERS THE BEST OF LUCK 

AND A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! 

Charles Gaeta, Executive Director and the LHAND staff


Marblehead’s Connor Cronin lets out a yell as he scores a touchdown. 

STAFF PHOTO | SPENSER HASAK


KIPP’s Chanel Gutierrez holds the ball up in celebration after scoring a touchdown. 

STAFF PHOTO | SPENSER HASAK


SWAMPSCOTT 

Swampscott hopes to break 

Magicians’ Thanksgiving spell 



The past few Thanksgiving Day games 

against Marblehead have been unfortunate, to 

say the least, for the Big Blue. 

A last second field goal gave Marblehead 

the victory 31-28 in last year’s game. During 

the Covid-2 Season in 2021, the Big Blue 

got run out of their own stadium by the 

Magicians with the final score reading 34-7. 

In 2019, a touchdown with mere seconds on 

the clock lifted Marblehead to a 22-16 win. 

Marblehead will be going for its 10th 

consecutive win in the storied rivalry that 

spans over 100 years, which would be the 

longest win streak either team has had in 

the all-time series. Swampscott’s bid for 

defending its state title came to an end against 

Hudson, but there’s no question the Big Blue 

will leave it all on the field to try and best a 

Magicians team that has had their number 

recently. 

Swampscott dropped its season opener to 

Auburn, 19-7, but otherwise had a relatively 

promising start to the season after that. The 

Big Blue won three of their next four games 

against Lynn English, Saugus, and Northeast 

Metro Tech. The only loss in that span was a 

14-0 defensive battle against Bishop Fenwick 

in the elements. 

After starting 3-2, the turning point of 

the season came against Danvers. The game 

was close for a while with neither team being 

able to move the ball well. Two scores at the 

end and beginning of the first and second 

halves opened the game up for the Falcons, 

however, as they cruised to a 35-7 victory. 

The following week, the Big Blue dropped 

a home game to Beverly 28-23 to go under 

.500 for the first time this season. 

The regular season finale against 

Masconomet couldn’t have been more 

frustrating for Swampscott. The defense held 

the Chieftains to just one touchdown, but 

that’s all they would need as Masconomet 

won 7-0 in freezing conditions. 

Still, Swampscott snuck into the playoff 

bracket as the 16th seed, but were bounced by 

No. 1 Hudson. 

The Big Blue finished the season with 

a 3-7 record, although many will say that 

records don’t matter coming into rivalry 

games. Looks can often be deceiving, and 

Head Coach Bob Serino’s squad might be 

able to catch the Magicians off guard this 

year. In a rivalry as old as this one, any team 

can win in any given year, but the Big Blue 

have to rely heavily on their defense, and 

trust that the offense can pull together a few 

scores. 

The perennial rivals clash at Piper Field 

Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m. 

SWAMPSCOTT (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

Swampscott quarterback Zack Ryan 

throws a pass over the head of teammate 

Jason Codispoti. 


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Saturday, Nov. 26 • Town Hall, 334 Nahant Road • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.


MARBLEHEAD 

Marblehead attempts to extend 

leadin series over Swampscott 



A game-winning field goal by Marblehead 

on Swampscott’s home turf left a bitter 

taste in the mouths of Big Blue Nation last 

Thanksgiving. 

Now with Turkey Day on the horizon, 

Swampscott will have a turn to take out the 

Magicians in their house, but it won’t be easy. 

Marblehead holds a slight edge in the series 

56-50-6, hoping to make it three Thanksgiving 

day wins in a row over their perennial rival 

while Swampscott hopes to close the gap. 

The Magicians finished their regular 

season with a 6-1 record, good enough to 

earn them an 8 seed in the Division 3 state 

tournament. Marblehead had a new face under 

center this season in 6-5 junior Miles O’Neill. 

Marblehead entered this season riding a 20 

game win streak and set out to defend last 

year’s championship. They blew out Concord 

Carlisle (25-6) in the first game of the season. 

That was followed by an emotional 26-18 

victory over Lynnfield (26-18) and a razor thin 

win on the road against North Andover (12-7). 

In week 4 against Peabody, the magical 

ride came to a screeching halt as the Tanners’ 

pummeled the Magicians 40-7 on their home 

field, ending the win streak at 23. Marblehead 

immediately bounced back with wins in 

its final three games of the season against 

Masconomet (28-7), Beverly (41-0), and 

Danvers (27-7). The Magicians continued 

their strong end to the season with a 35-0 

blowout over No. 9 seeded Whitman-Hanson, 

qualifying them for the state quarterfinals. 

Swampscott’s season was a little more 

bumpy to say the least. Big Blue ended the 

regular season with a 3-5 record. They lost 

their season opener to Auburn (19-7), but came 

right back the following week with a 27-6 

drubbing over the Bulldogs of Lynn English. 

In week three, a defensive battle on a cold 

night saw Bishop Fenwick outlast Swampscott 

by a score of 14-0. Big Blue went on a two 

MARBLEHEAD (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

game win streak, beating Saugus (38-0), 

and Northeast Metro RVT (41-32). 

They would go on to lose three 

straight to end the season 

however, to the likes of 

Danvers (35-7), Beverly (28- 

23), and Masconomet (7-0). 

Swampscott qualified for 

the Division Five 

state tournament 

with the final 

spot, but lost to 

No. 1 ranked 

Hudson 41-17, 

ending its run at 

back-to-back 

titles. 

Even with 

the difference 

in records 

this year, a 

rivalry as old 

and as rich as 

this one will always 

find a way to keep 

things interesting. 

Marblehead has 

gotten the 

better of 

Swampscott 

with last 

second scores in the most recent contests, but 

Big Blue isn’t quite ready to end their 

season just yet. 

Swampscott hopes to flip the 

script this year with its defensive 

mentality (Three games this year 

with 7 points or fewer given up), 

while Marblehead looks to air it 

out with its playmakers on 

offense (201 total points 

scored, 25 points per 

game this season). 

It is the epitome 

of a storied rivalry, 

and the 113th edition 

between two of 

last years’ state 

champions is 

shaping up to be 

a great one. 

The 

Magicians and 

the Big Blue 

will battle it out 

at Piper Field Thanksgiving 

Day at 10 a.m. 

Marblehead quarterback Miles 

O’Neill drops back to pass. 


Food. Football. Family. 

That about covers it. 

Happy Thanksgiving.


SAUGUS 

Saugus eying upset 

against Peabody 



After finishing the season with a 1-10 

record, nothing should mean more to the 

Sachems than their Thanksgiving Day 

matchup against Peabody. 

The Tanners had a tremendous season, 

going 9-1 before losing to Bishop Feehan in 

the first round of the state tournament, but 

that’s what would make the upset that much 

sweeter for Saugus. Peabody is going for its 

ninth in a row against the Sachems, but as 

sports have shown us time and time again, 

anything is possible as Saugus will try to do 

the improbable Thanksgiving Morning. 

Saugus just recently picked up its first 

win of the season on November 10 against 

Whittier. It was a tight contest that resulted 

in the Sachems escaping with a 21-20 

victory over the Wildcats. 

This season was tough sledding for 

Saugus. The team didn’t score in its first 

two contests against Dracut and Lynnfield, 

and scored just 12 in a losing effort against 

Northeast Metro Tech in week 3. 

A few weeks later, the Sachems had one 

of their most promising offensive showings 

this season against Gloucester. The team 

scored 22, but the defense couldn’t hold 

the Fisherman and Saugus fell 48-22. 

After losses to Rockland and Winthrop, 

Saugus put together its second 20-plus point 

performance – this time against Greater 

Lowell Tech. The Sachems put up a season 

SAUGUS (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

high 28 points, but it still wasn’t enough to 

get past the Reggies as they fell 45-28. 

As the season went on, Saugus’ 

offense got significantly better. In 

their first six games, 

the Sachems 

managed to average 

just 4.3 points per 

game, but in their 

last five, they have 

averaged exactly 20. A 

16 point swing in point average 

is significant for any team. 

The offense continues to improve, 

and the Sachems now come in with a bit 

of momentum after pulling out their first 

win of the season. That offense will 

absolutely need to keep improving if it 

wants to keep up with Peabody’s aerial 

attack. It’s a tall order for the Sachems, 

but stranger things have happened on 

Turkey Day. 

The teams square off in Saugus at 10 

a.m on Thanksgiving Day. 

Saugus’ Tommy 

DeSimone sets his eyes 

on the ball as he attempts 

to make the catch. 


Wishing you and your families a 

safe and Happy Thanksgiving 

Good luck to all the teams 

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Item sPoRts edItoRs 

Nine wins, nearly 400 points scored, an 

undefeated record on the road, and 

countless 

memories made. The Peabody 

football team heads into its 

Thanksgiving Day 

matchup against 

Saugus with a 

9-1 record. 

If 

quarterback 

Shea Lynch had any 

doubters heading 

into this season, not 

many remain. Lynch 

established himself as 

a legitimate superstar 

through the air, and 

impressed spectators 

across the North Shore 

from game number 

one. 

That first game came against the Patriots 

of Revere, and Lynch tossed 174 yards and 

four touchdowns – just a taste of what he 

would show off in the following weeks. The 

love through the air was spread well, and three 

different receivers hauled in touchdowns. Down 

went the Patriots. 

Then, it was time for the Rams of Lynn 

Classical. The story of Peabody’s win over 

the Rams was its versatility. Lynch, Alex 

Silva, Alan Paulino, and Danny Barrett 

all found the endzone. 

What followed the Classical 

victory were three straight games 

where Peabody eclipsed 40 points. 

Against Beverly, Marblehead, and 

Leominster, the Tanners outscored 

the opposition 121-27 and 

extended their winning streak to 

five games. 

The Winthrop Vikings came to the city of 

Peabody the next week, but were immediately 

sent back out with a 28-7 loss. On the game’s 

first play, Alan Paulino raced for an 82-yard 

kick return touchdown while Lynch was 

incredibly efficient with two touchdowns, 

zero interceptions, and 14 completions 

out of 18 passes. The Vikings were .500 

PEABODY 

A near-perfect season for the 

Tanners; only Thanksgiving remains 

heading in, but weren’t when they hit the buses. 

A few more high-powered offensive 

showings highlighted the next two weeks. The 

Tanners handled Gloucester 37-7 on the road 

before scaring away the Salem Witches just 

days before Halloween, 48-13. 

Then, a bump in the road. Peabody’s perfect 

season bid came to an end with the Bishop 

Feehan Shamrocks containing the Tanners and 

exemplifying their starpower from the opening 

kickoff. 

A heartbreaking 49-28 loss, but one that set 

the tone for the following week. 

Good teams respond, but great teams 

respond while scoring more than 50 points – 

this time against Westford Academy. Lynch 

played his best game of the season, spreading 

the ball up and down the roster and registering 

seven touchdowns. The Tanners improved 

to 9-1 after the 53-32 demolition of the Grey 

Ghosts. 

That 9-1 record stays on hold as one game 

remains against an opponent they know very 

well: the Saugus Sachems. 

Saugus has just one win this season and are 

the clear underdogs heading into the highlyanticipated 

rivalry showdown. That said, 

Peabody Head Coach Mark Bettencourt said 

records are “thrown away” once Thanksgiving 

arrives, and anything can happen. 

The Sachems not only have a small roster, 

but also a young one. Head Coach Steve 

Cummings has led with pride this season, 

motivating his players to execute as best they 

can on Friday nights. 

Saugus’ first and only win came against 

Whittier RVT, 21-20. It was the last time 

the Sachems stepped on the turf, so expect a 

hungry, confident group ahead of their matchup 

with Peabody. 

Peabody travels to Saugus High School to 

take on the Sachems with kickoff set for 10 a.m. 

PEABODY (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving 

Good luck to all the teams! 

82 Lynn Street, Peabody • 978-531-0472 • ccbfuneral.com 

Happy Thanksgiving! Best Wishes to all the teams. 

DRS. ZICHERMAN, LAGO & ASSOCIATES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, 

ADULT DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS SINCE 1975 

1 Roosevelt Ave, Peabody 

978-535-2500 

225 Boston Street #305 Lynn 

781-581-7798 

w w w . mzld e n t a l . c o m


LYNNFIELD 

Lynnfield aims to end losing 

streak; travel to North Reading 

By Ryan Vermette 

Item News Editor 

The Pioneers must have wished they had 

a can of Raid coming into their Thanksgiving 

tilt against North Reading as the Hornets have 

won the past six rivalry games dating back to 

2016. Most of the games have been close, in 

fact four of the six were decided by one score. 

Nonetheless, Lynnfield is most certainly sick 

of falling to their arch nemesis, and this years’ 

team is certainly the one that can end the Turkey 

Day woes. 

Though the Pioneers lead the all-time series 

34-29, North Reading has had control recently. 

The Hornets won by a field goal last year with 

the final score reading 28-25. In 2020, the 

annual game was not played on Thanksgiving 

due to the pandemic, and instead was held 

during the COVID-2 spring season. Still, the 

Hornets got the better of Lynnfield, winning 

by only scoring 12 points in a 12-6 defensive 

battle. The margin was even closer in 2019, as 

North Reading escaped by two with a 21-19 

victory. 

History tells us that this year’s contest will 

be a low scoring, defensive battle. In the first 

game of the rivalry that took place in 1959, 

Lynnfield won by a score of 6-0. Since that 

game, there have been five other games where 

both teams failed to combine for more than 

seven points. Shutouts between both teams 

have also been plentiful. The Pioneers have 

shut out the Hornets in 13 games, while North 

Reading has successfully kept Lynnfield off the 

scoreboard four times. 

The Pioneers have dual-threat talent at 

nearly every skill position. Quarterback Tyler 

Adamo can efficiently push the ball downfield 

with his arm, but he can also take off and run 

at a moment’s notice. Wide receiver-turnedrunning 

back James Sharkey will carve up 

defenses whether he’s lined up in the backfield 

or out wide, and running back Robert Marley 

can pound the rock and advance to the second 

level of the defense quickly. Add all of that with 

sophomore receiver Madux Iovinelli’s ability to 

win 50/50 balls, and this offense’s ceiling can be 

as high as they want it to be. 

As mentioned above, defense will be king in 

this 67-year-old rivalry, especially if the teams’ 

get true, freezing cold Thanksgiving morning 

weather. The Pioneers had a great season, but 

are looking to end it by sending the Hornets into 

hibernation. 

Lynnfield vs. North Reading kicks off at 

10:30 a.m Thanksgiving Day at North Reading 

High School. 

LYNNFIELD (7-3) 









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11/9........... St. Mary’s 39 Nashoba Tech 14 

11/16......... vs. Cohasset (at Medford, 7) 

11/22......... at Fenwick (10) 

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ST. JOHN’S PREP 

Eagles hope to fly high 

on Thanksgiving Day 

By JeRRy dIsteFano 

Item sPoRts edItoRs 

Being left with a bad taste in your mouth 

seems unheard of on Thanksgiving. Well, 

that is what happened last year to St. John’s 

Prep as they fell to rival Xaverian 36-35. In 

six days, the Eagles will have their chance to 

avenge their loss to the Hawks. 

Prep currently holds an 8-2 record this 

season and should feel fairly strong about 

its changing fortune against the Xaverian 

this Turkey Day. The Eagles come into this 

game with a lot of confidence as they are 

currently on a four-game winning streak. 

Xaverian finished the regular season with 

a 7-3 overall record, including its playoff 

win over Wachusett and loss against the 

Central Golden Eagles. 

The Hawks last four games have not 

been as dominant as the Eagles, as Xaverian 

finished with a 2-2 record down the stretch. 

Despite the way Xaverian ended its 

season, St. John’s Prep and the Hawks have 

a lot in common. These two teams played 

four common opponents throughout the 

season, and in both of those games, each 

team held a 3-1 record before losing to 

Catholic Memorial. 

In terms of points per game, St. John’s 

averages 38.4 points while Xaverian 

averages 39 points per game. To fans of both 

Xaverian and the Prep, get your popcorn 

ready – this should be a heavyweight 

Thanksgiving matchup. 

The Prep serves as the home team at 

Glatz Field with kickoff set for 10:15 a.m. 

ST. JOHN’S PREP (7-3) 












11/22 ........ at Fenwick (10) 

Head Coach Brian St. Pierre watches from the sideline. 

ITEM FILE PHOTO 

WE’RE ALL ABOUT 

MAKING THE 

RIGHT MOVES. 

We believe in working hard, teamwork and having fun. 

Good luck to area teams this year! Stay safe. 

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Member FDIC


Watch for the 

2022 Item Football 

All-Stars 

in December. 

Who will join 

this list in 2022? 

The Item began giving the Player of the 

Year Award in 1950. 

Here is a list of winners since that year: 

1950 Doug Smith, Classical 

1951 Charlie Manuel, Beverly 

1952 Art Boland, English 

1953 Frank Destino, Gloucester 

1954 Dave Ball, Beverly 

1955 Bob Carlin, Swampscott 

Harry Ball, Beverly 

1956 Larry Harding, Gloucester 

1957 Jack Robarts, Marblehead 

1958 John Ryan, Beverly 

Jack Milo, Swampscott 

1959 Dan Connelly, Lynnfield 

1960 Jim Randell, Swampscott 

1961 Jim Driscoll, St. Mary’s 

1962 Bill Sjogren, Swampscott 

1963 Rich Benedetto, English 

1964 Jim DelGaizo, Revere 

1965 Don Kobos, Salem 

1966 John Dancewicz, Saugus 

1967 Dick Pollison, Swampscott 

1968 Dick Jauron, Swampscott 

1969 Sandy Tennant, Swampscott 

1970 Dan Heaney, Saugus 

1971 Dan Losano, Swampscott 

1972 Clark Crowley, English 

1973 Joe Festa, Revere 

1974 John Diefenbach, Peabody 

1975 John Nicolo, Saugus 

1976 Arthur Akers, Classical 

1977 Tom Dawley, St. Mary’s 

1978 Eric Hanson, Lynnfield 

1979 Tony Thurman, Classical 

1980 Tom Kulevich, Marblehead 

1981 Joe Giaquinto, Winthrop 

1982 Paul Sorrento, St. John’s Prep 

1983 Steve Staffier, Winthrop 

1984 Roger Baldacci, Swampscott 

1985 Tim Frager, Classical 

1986 Chris McGrath, Marblehead 

1987 Joe Barressi, Saugus 

1988 Steve Dembowski, Swampscott 

1989 Todd Gilbert, English 

1990 Mark Meltz, Peabody 

1991 Kevin Dwan, St. John’s Prep 

1992 Anthony Palmer, Winthrop 

1993 Anthony Palmer, Winthrop 

1994 Steve Lomasney, Peabody 

1995 Kenny Green, Classical 

1996 Peter Bush, Swampscott 

1997 Brian Lentz, St. John’s Prep 

1998 Raphael Zammit, Saugus 

1999 Matt Horgan, Salem 

2000 Jake Marsello, St. John’s Prep 

2001 Josh Takis, Bishop Fenwick 

2002 Matt Antonelli, St. John’s Prep 

2003 Alex Stone, Swampscott 

2004 Jon Studley, Peabody 

2005 Chris Carroll, Lynn English 

2006 James Fucillo, Winthrop 

2007 Bobby Tarr, Bishop Fenwick 

2008 Chris Cameron, Swampscott 

2009 Hayes Richardson, Marblehead 

2010 Tyler Coppola, St. John’s Prep 

2011 Todd Collier, St. Mary’s 

2012 Brendan Flaherty, Beverly 

2013 Nick Bona, Bishop Fenwick 

2014 Doug Santos, Peabody 

2015 Abraham Toe, St. Mary’s 

2016 Calvin Johnson, St. Mary’s 

2017 Calvin Johnson, St. Mary’s 

2018 Matt Severance, English 

2019 Joe Llanos, Revere 

2020 No winner-COVID

Daily Item 2021 Thanksgiving Football Preview

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