Daily Item Thanksgiving 2025

2025
thanksgiving
football

2 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
New coach, same GOALS
There was a new face on the
sideline for Lynn Classical this
fall as the Rams appointed
Brian Smith as their head
coach.
His first year in
charge, Smith guided
the Rams to a 3-7
record. While the
Classical faithful
hoped for more
wins, Smith is
working to build
a new culture and
early signs have been
promising.
The high point of the
season came during a
three-game winning
streak. Victories came
against Malden (13-8
final), Tech Boston
Academy (26-22) and
Revere (12-8).
Against Malden, the
offense delivered big plays
and the defense stood
tall. Already ahead 6-0
on a Doug Andrade
touchdown run, Angel
Ortega connected
with Kalu Nasky for
a 36-yard score to
make it 13-0.
After making
plays on offense,
Nasky proved he
was a two-way
player by
intercepting
Charles
Malden
Washington
quarterback
Billy Gavin.
“Defensively, we played
lights out the whole game,”
Smith said.
Classical’s Senior Night
was celebrated during a home
matchup against Revere, in
which the Rams sent the seniors
LYNN CLASSICAL
out with a victory.
Ortega and Dylan
Hoeun each scored
rushing touchdowns to
help Classical secure
the win. Smith said the
momentum began during
the week.
“It was a great way to
show out for our seniors
and we’re happy for
them. I thought, overall,
we played really well this
week,” he said. “I thought the
guys responded to a great week
of practice and it showed on the
field.”
The Rams then dropped
their next three games against
Somerville, Waltham, and
Newburyport. Against Somerville
and Waltham, the Rams stayed
within one score, but came up
short in both contests.
Classical’s defense impressed,
Lynn Classical (3-7)
9/6 Lawrence 16-14 L
9/12 at Everett 42-6 L
9/18 at Medford 20-0 L
9/27 Cathedral 43-14 L
10/4 Malden 13-8 W
10/11 Tech Boston Academy 26-22 W
10/18 Revere 12-8 W
10/24 at Somerville 12-6 L
11/8 Waltham 20-16 L
11/14 at Newburyport 40-6 L
Thursday, Nov.
27 at Manning
Field (10 a.m.)
too. The Rams allowed fewer than
22 points in seven games.
Now, heading in to a
Thanksgiving matchup against
high-powered Lynn English, the
Rams look to spoil their archrival’s
holiday before a well-earned feast.
COVER: Emilia Sun
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THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 3
LYNN English
Bulldogs look to pounce for ninth win
After making the Division 3
state tournament a year ago, Lynn
English fell just short of its goal
this season. Despite a 6-2 record
at the time the brackets were
announced, the Bulldogs didn’t
qualify.
Even without a postseason
berth, it was an eventful and
rewarding year behind secondyear
coach Tyllor McDonald
— a former gunslinger with the
Bulldogs. Lynn English won the
Greater Boston League outright
after sharing last season’s title
with Medford.
McDonald shifted star wide
receiver Shane Knowlton-Simard
to quarterback and — it’s safe
to say — the senior rose to the
challenge.
Knowlton-Simard had no issues
finding the end zone against
Division 1 opponent Peabody.
The speedster rushed for 139
yards on 11 carries and scored
five touchdowns. He added 182
yards passing and another score
through the air.
McDonald believes Knowlton-
Simard belongs among the state’s
elite.
“Shane is one of the best players
in the state — it’s not even a
question,” McDonald said. “His
size, speed, and athleticism . . . I’m
just not surprised at all.”
Although the offense flows
through Knowlton-Simard, the
Bulldogs have weapons elsewhere.
Running back Xavier Beauchamp
has the rare combination of
breakaway speed and
power to run through
defenders.
In a pivotal GBL
matchup against
Somerville, Beauchamp
rushed for 177 yards and
scored three touchdowns
to lead English to a 32-22
win — and the league title.
It wasn’t always smooth
sailing for the Bulldogs, however.
Opening the season against
Northeastern Conference
opponents Marblehead and
Swampscott, English battled, but
came up short in both matchups.
But from there, no one could
slow the Bulldogs down. They
rattled off eight straight wins
against Peabody, Revere, Malden,
Lynn English (8-2)
9/5 Marblehead 21-6 L
9/12 at Swampscott 20-18 L
9/26 at Peabody 54-32 W
10/3 Revere 43-19 W
10/9 at Malden 46-30 W
10/17 Medford 32-12 W
10/25 at Everett 50-35 W
10/31 at Somerville 32-22 W
11/7 at Acton-Boxborough 36-28 W
11/14 at Wakefield Memorial 36-27 W
Thursday, Nov.
27 at Manning
Field (10 a.m.)
Medford, Everett, Somerville,
Acton-Boxborough, and Wakefield
Memorial.
Now, the team wearing green
and gold awaits.
Good luck to all teams! Happy Thanksgiving!
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4 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
St. MAry’s
Spartans hope to power through on enemy turf
It was an up-and-down season
for St. Mary’s, which reached the
quarterfinals of the Division 5 state
tournament. The Spartans leaned
heavily on their power rushing
attack and tough-as-nails defense.
They opened the year in style
before a three-game losing
skid raised questions about a
program that is consistently in the
postseason mix.
St. Mary’s jumped out to a 2-0
start with shutout wins against
Swampscott (28-0 final) and KIPP
(34-0). Looking like a powerhouse
early, the Spartans then dropped
three straight to Gloucester, Bishop
Feehan, and Shawsheen Valley
Tech.
“I couldn’t tell you the last time
we lost three in a row,” said coach
Sean Driscoll. “We just need to
stick together and get back to it.”
The Spartans did just that,
winning their next three games
to qualify for the postseason.
The turning point? A trip to
Philadelphia to face Saints John
Neumann and Maria Goretti
Catholic.
“Then, we went down to
Philadelphia and spent some time
together as a unit for a couple
nights, and beat a very good
team that just won its district. To
come back with a win, I think that
brought us together,” Driscoll said.
With the three-headed tandem of
Rowan Merryman, Tyren Hoeun,
and Jimmy Jennings, the Spartans
played smash-mouth football.
Against a tough Swampscott
defense, Merryman rushed for
122 yards (surpassing 100 by
halftime). Hoeun showcased his
speed throughout the season. In a
regular-season matchup
with Shawsheen Tech, he
ran for 101 yards, including
two carries of more than 30
yards.
But Shawsheen Tech
spoiled two of St. Mary’s
biggest games this fall. The
Rams edged the Spartans
14-7 on Senior Night at
Manning Field, despite
multiple St. Mary’s chances late.
The teams met again in the state
quarterfinals, where Shawsheen
was too much and eliminated the
Spartans with a 28-7 win.
One goal remains for St. Mary’s:
earning a rivalry win against
Bishop Fenwick Thanksgiving
morning. Last season, the teams
met the Wednesday before
Thanksgiving with the Spartans
winning a high-scoring clash 46-32.
St. mary’s (6-4)
9/5 Swampscott 28-0 W
9/12 KIPP Academy 34-0 W
9/19 at Gloucester 26-14 L
9/26 Bishop Feehan 21-7 L
10/3 Shawsheen Tech 14-7 L
10/10 at Bishop Stang 35-8 W
10/18 at Neumann and Goretti 24-22 W
10/30 at Old Rochester 14-7 W
11/7 Greater Lawrence 48-13 W
11/14 No. 1 Shawsheen 28-7 L
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Bishop
Fenwick (10 a.m.)
Now, they’ll square off on
Turkey Day in Peabody.
“We have a big rivalry game
against Fenwick on Thanksgiving.
A lot of these kids haven’t played
on Thanksgiving morning yet, so
it’s a big deal. We have to get them
ready,” Driscoll said.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND
GOOD LUCK TO ALL ATHLETES
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THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 5
The Bishop Fenwick Crusaders
entered the season with a strong
contingent returning, albeit with
some holes to fill. Head coach
Dave Woods, in his 28th year,
clearly found the recipe for success
as the program reached the
Division 6 semifinals.
Despite a 1-3 start, Bishop
Fenwick had the experience to
overcome the early struggles.
“We have a very strong senior
class with a lot of experience,”
Woods said. “We lost some guys to
graduation who played big roles,
but we definitely have a lot of
key guys back, which is nice.”
Wide receiver has been
a position of strength
for the Crusaders,
who have six
players with
more than 200
receiving yards.
“There are a lot of
seniors who have played two,
three, sometimes four years,”
Woods said. “And (quarterback)
Andrew (Kiricoples) is just a
special kid who makes things
happen. He’s not always perfect
Bishop Fenwick
Quite the turnaround for Crusaders
Cody
Grundy
with his technique and all
that, but he makes things
happen. He puts balls in
places where you don’t
know how he got it there.”
History was made,
too, as the program had
a quarterback throw for
more than 2,000 yards
and running back, Dylan
Patturelli, rush for more than 1,000
yards in the same season. The
pair was difficult for opponents to
contain — to say the least.
One of Kiricoples’ favorite
targets is Jamie Dube, who topped
500 receiving yards.
Given the No. 7 seed, Fenwick
traveled to face No. 2 Abington
in the Round of 8. The Crusaders
showed their offense can hang with
any team, and their defense came
up with key plays when needed.
Bishop fenwick (5-5)
9/12 at Marblehead 26-20 L
9/19 at Bishop Stang 27-6 W
9/26 at Gloucester 34-33 L
10/4 Archbishop Williams 49-27 L
10/10 at Cardinal Spellman 49-0 W
10/17 at Bishop Feehan 35-30 L
10/24 Cathedral 58-22 W
11/1 at Arlington Catholic 34-6 L
11/7 Medway 27-14 W
11/14 Abington 24-14 W
Thursday, Nov. 27 at
Bishop Fenwick
(10 a.m.)
Fenwick secured a 24-14 upset.
The Crusaders host a
Th a n k s g i v i n g g a m e fi r f s o t r t h e
time in years as they welcome St.
Mary’s to Donaldson Stadium.
WE ARE FENWICK
fenwick.org

6 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
It’s been 12 Thanksgiving
games since Swampscott has
beaten Marblehead.
But the Big Blue enjoyed
another successful campaign
this fall and qualified
for the Division 5 state
tournament.
Coach
Peter Bush
and
company
fell to St.
Mary’s
28-0 in
Week
1, but
bounced back
with wins against
Lynn English
and Peabody.
Swampscott
returned to .500 after
John
von Barta
a loss in Melrose.
Then, everything changed
when Swampscott welcomed
previously-unbeaten Gloucester
to Blocksidge Field. The Big Blue
handed the Fishermen their first
loss — a 28-22 decision that stood
as Swampscott’s biggest win of the
season.
Will Bush rushed for two
touchdowns and John von Barta
hit Jack Duffy for another score.
Noah Bascon bolted for a 90-yard
kickoff return touchdown in the
statement win.
“It was a total team effort,” Peter
Bush said. “Our guys showed
incredible resiliency and did a
great job staying in the moment.
Everyone stepped up when it
mattered most and I’m proud of
the way we competed from start to
finish.”
Swampscott
Big Blue, big win needed to snap streak
Swampscott carried that
momentum to a key matchup
with Winthrop, winning 28-20
before posting back-to-back
shutout wins against Saugus
and Salem (combined score of
67-0). Against Winthrop,
Barta accounted for three
passing touchdowns —
one to Chase Groothuis
and two to Doyle Delano.
A constant for the Big
Blue offense has been
senior running back
Will Bush. He rushed
for 185 yards and three
touchdowns against
Saugus, continuing his
role as a hard-nosed force.
In the state tournament,
Swampscott was narrowly
defeated by Archbishop Williams
14-7 in the opening round.
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Marblehead
(10 a.m.)
SWAMPSCOTT (7-3)
9/5 at St. Mary’s 28-0 L
9/12 Lynn English 20-18 W
9/19 at Peabody 28-6 W
9/26 at Melrose 20-6 L
10/10 Gloucester 28-22 W
10/17 Winthrop 28-20 W
10/24 at Saugus 34-0 W
10/31 Salem 33-0 W
11/7 at Archbishop Williams 14-7 L
11/14 at Weston 35-15 W
Now, Swampscott turns its
attention to Marblehead as the Big
Blue look to end the drought.
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THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 7
Magic on display in Marblehead
The Marblehead Magicians, over
the last few seasons, have been
known as a slow-starting group,
but that was anything but the case
this fall.
The Magicians started the
year with six victories, including
impressive wins against Bishop
Fenwick (26-20 final) and
Shepherd Hill (35-22). Last season,
Marblehead started 0-2 with
losses against Fenwick and King
Philip before rattling off seven
consecutive wins.
Behind stellar and consistent
quarterback play from Finn Gallup,
he had his team putting up points
at will. Marblehead scored 48
points against North Andover as
well as 35 against Peabody and
Beverly — all while playing solid
defense, allowing two or less scores
fi v e t i m e s t h i s y e a r.
Coach Jim Rudloff said Gallup
has helped the young team settle.
“Having someone who can
explain everything to the guys in
the huddle or in a meeting helps so
much,” Rudloff said. “A returning
quarterback impacts your running
backs and receivers. He can tell a
running back if they’re lined up
wrong — that reduces the amount
of mistakes on the field.”
What helps Gallup is having
top-tier receivers like Tim Wales
and Rylan Golden — to name a
few. Against North Andover, each
caught receiving touchdowns. Not
only are they a pair of safe hands
for Gallup, but they’re hard to bring
down in the open field.
Pick your poison, as Marblehead
can also hurt you on the ground.
Against Beverly, Breydan Callahan
scored three rushing touchdowns.
Marblehead
Finn
Gallup
Entering the season, he had no
varsity experience as a running
back, but Rudloff knew he could
trust him.
Rudloff also spoke about the
team being balanced.
“We don’t really have a defensive
or offensive identity. I think Finn’s
ability to run and throw makes us
very versatile on offense. I don’t
MARBLEHEAD (7-3)
9/5 at Lynn English 21-6 W
9/12 Bishop Fenwick 26-20 W
9/19 at Shepard Hill Regional 35-22 W
9/26 North Andover 48-0 W
10/11 at Beverly 35-14 W
10/17 at Peabody 35-14 W
10/24 at Masconomet 45-42 L
10/31 Danvers 21-7 L
11/7 Shepard Hill Regional 42-14 W
11/14 at Canton 27-22 L
think we’re great at anything; I just
think we’ve been pretty good at
everything.”
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Marblehead
(10 a.m.)
With 12 consecutive
Thanksgiving wins, Marblehead
looks to extend its streak to 13 in
front of the Piper Field faithful.
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8 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
Saugus
Saugus eyes a STRONG finish this time around
Record-wise, it was a difficult
season for Saugus, which posted a
2-8 record. However, head coach
Steve Cummings stayed positive
throughout the year as the team
continued to improve each week.
The Sachems started the season
0-2, but picked up their first win
against Lynn Tech in Week 3 at
Manning Field. It was a total team
effort after trailing by six points at
halftime.
In the second half, Saugus tied
the game on a 24-yard touchdown
pass from Eli Fialho to Paxton
Ferraro in the third quarter. The
Sachems then scored the gamewinning
touchdown when Fialho
connected with Ryan Shea for a
4-yard score.
Although the offense found
a way to get it done, Cummings
praised the defense, including
linebacker Laith Haddad for
making a critical late stop.
“Laith is the next guy who’s
taking over that middle-linebacker
role. He made a couple of huge,
huge stops,” Cummings said.
“Defensively, coach Greg Bluestein
did a great job of scheming up
what Lynn Tech was doing. They
give you a lot of formations and so
much to look at.”
Unfortunately for Saugus, the
following week, against a big and
fast Winthrop team, the Sachems
struggled at home. There were
bright spots, however, including
the continued development of
sophomore quarterback Fialho. He
connected with Shea for a 50-yard
touchdown.
“Eli was throwing the ball really
well all night. He had time and was
making some throws,” Cummings
said. “We could have helped him
out a bit more as we had a few
drops early, but for the most part,
he’s really been playing better. His
feet are better, he’s delivering the
ball on time, and he’s making that
progression at quarterback.”
In a non-playoff game against
East Boston, Saugus put together a
complete performance, scoring 34
points on the road and returning to
town with a shutout victory.
The Sachems hope to carry
that momentum into Veterans
Memorial Stadium and take down
the Tanners on Thanksgiving.
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Peabody
(10 a.m.)
Ryan
Shea
SAUGUS (2-8)
9/12 Cambridge Rindge and latin 29-6 L
9/19 Wilmington 27-6 L
9/27 at Lynn Tech 12-6 W
10/2 Winthrop 40-6 L
10/10 at Salem 20-14 L
10/17 at Gloucester 33-8 L
10/24 Swampscott 34-0 L
10/30 at Medford 14-0 L
11/6 Lynnfield 28-0 L
11/14 at East Boston 34-0 W
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THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 9
It was an inconsistent season
for Peabody, which finished
1-9. After heavy turnover over
the last two years, it became a
season of lessons for coach Mark
Bettencourt’s squad.
Although the Tanners dropped
their opening two games against
Melrose and Winchester,
PEABODY (1-9)
9/5 at Melrose 21-0 L
9/12 at Winchester 42-7 L
9/19 Swampscott 28-6 L
9/26 Lynn English 54-32 L
10/3 at Masconomet 41-6 L
10/17 Marblehead 35-14 L
10/24 at Danvers 32-15 L
10/30 Beverly 22-0 L
11/6 at Essex Tech 40-13 L
11/13 at Waltham 19-14 W
several individuals stood out to
Bettencourt.
Cory Dooley, Max Silvia, Yadiel
Villanueva, and quarterback
Luke Maglione “have done a
good job trying to get our offense
going,” according to Bettencourt.
“Luke threw well and was more
composed and accurate. Matt
Dresser, kicker Jake
Marcotullio, and Drake
Dixon also played well,
and Mark Mendonca
and Dooley are our most
consistent players so far.”
With a young offensive
Thursday, Nov.
27 at Peabody
(10 a.m.)
Peabody
Tanners mean business despite record
line, Bettencourt saw encouraging
signs from some of his experienced players.
“Freshman right tackle
Zaiden Nazaire is showing great
improvement and sophomore
center Mark Bettencourt had a
more consistent game — they’ve
lessboth
done very well.”
The Tanners lost a shootout to
Lynn English. Despite Maglione
throwing for three touchdowns, it
wasn’t enough to take down the
high-powered Bulldogs. Maglione
showed off his arm by connecting
with Mendonca for a 33-yard
score, then hit Dooley for a 37-
yard touchdown before throwing
his third to Silvia. That last score
tied the game 32-32.
Peabody picked up its first win
of the season against Waltham in
a 19-14 non-playoff game. Trailing
14-13 with 40 seconds
to play, Dooley
caught a 6-yard
touchdown from
Maglione
to put the
Tanners
on top for
good.
Now, they
look to protect
home turf
against the
Sachems.
Mark
Mendonca
Happy Thanksgiving! Best Wishes to all the teams.
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10 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
Panthers claw their way to postseason after slow start
KIPP and head coach
Jim Rabbitt aren’t afraid to
schedule tough opponents,
believing it will help them
down the road in the state
tournament. Despite the
Panthers starting the season
0-3 with losses against
Salem, St. Mary’s, and
Manchester Essex, KIPP
rebounded with key wins to
secure another Division 8
playoff berth.
KIPP earned its first
victory of the season against
Greater Lowell Tech 18-13,
then followed up with a 40-
10 win against Hull.
Against Hull, Aavian Peña
couldn’t be stopped. He
carried the ball just 13 times,
but produced 148 yards and
a touchdown to power the
Panthers. Elai Machado did
a bit of everything, rushing
for two scores and throwing
a touchdown pass.
The Panthers dropped
their next two games against
Whittier Tech and Nashoba
Valley Tech, falling to 2-5
and finding themselves
on the outside looking
in regarding the state
tournament. However, KIPP
defeated Lowell Catholic
41-6 to help clinch a playoff
spot.
In the postseason,
despite being the lower
seed, the Panthers traveled
to Frontier Regional and
returned to Lynn with a
dominant 46-6 win.
Machado accounted
for five touchdowns, while
Peña logged three more.
Both players rushed for
more than 100 yards.
Despite the highpowered
scoring, Rabbitt
was just as pleased with his
defense.
“Defensively, it was
great,” he said. “We came
out and had an attitude we
hadn’t had all year. When
we’re playing fast and
physically, it’s hard to stay
with us. We scored every
time we had the
ball in the first
half.”
The Panthers
couldn’t keep up
with Nashoba
Valley Tech in
the next round, but
KIPP can end its season on
a high note with a victory
against city foe Lynn Tech.
Ryan
Reynoso
Wednesday, Nov.
26 at Manning
Field (4 p.m.)
KIPP Academy (4-6)
9/6 Salem
21-14 L
9/12 at St. Mary’s
34-0 L
9/19 Manchester Essex 34-12 L
9/26 Greater Lowell Tech 18-13 W
10/3 at Hull High
40-10 W
10/16 at Whittier Tech 28-20 L
10/24 at Nashoba Valley Tech 44-12 L
11/1 at Lowell Catholic 41-6 W
11/7 at Frontier Regional 46-6 W
11/14 Nashoba Valley Tech 20-8 L
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
From
North Shore Children’s Museum
10 Main St. Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 538-5765

THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 11
Another season, another postseason
berth for the Lynn Tech Tigers, who
posted a 4-5 record after a fast start.
Tech won four of its first five games,
including shutout victories against Lowell
Catholic (35-0 final) and Monomoy (24-
0). Against Lowell Catholic on Senior
Night, Colin McGough, Jacob Garcia (2
TDs), Eddie Lewis, and Jadiel Ortega all
recorded rushing touchdowns.
It had been several years since the
Tigers enjoyed a successful Senior Night.
Coach James Runner was pleased his
team could deliver a win for its veterans.
“It’s been five or six years since
we’ve had Senior Nights here and been
victorious,” he said. “I’m just really proud
of the guys for getting a win and letting
their families see them play well — it
makes me happy.”
When Tech wins, it’s often because
of strong play from the offensive and
defensive lines. Runner praised his group
in the trenches throughout the season.
“I want to give a lot of credit to my
defensive and offensive lines,” Runner said
after the season-opening tilt. “There was a
lot of group tackling by my linebackers.”
One player who certainly appreciates
the offensive line is McGough. In a win
against Monty Tech, he rushed for 165
yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries.
Despite dropping their last four
games, the Tigers will be eager for their
Thanksgiving Eve matchup against KIPP.
LYNN Tech
Tech turns it up, reaches state tournament
Coach James Runner and Jacob Garcia
Wednesday, Nov.
26 at Manning
Field (4 p.m.)
Lynn TECH (4-5)
9/12 Malden 27-14 W
9/20 Montachusett Tech 20-6 W
9/27 Saugus 12-6 L
10/10 Lowell Catholic 35-0 W
10/17 at Monomoy 24-0 W
10/25 Whittier Tech 30-21 L
11/1 at Nashoba Valley Tech 41-19 L
11/7 at Bourne 28-16 L
11/13 at Blue Hills Tech 60-36 L

12 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
It’s been an up-and-down
season for Lynnfield. Riddled
by a rash of injuries and lacking
experience, the Pioneers won
just three games.
Nevertheless, the team is
hoping to finish the year on a
high note with a win against
traditional archrival North
Reading on Thanksgiving Day.
To do so, however, will be an
uphill climb. The 9-1 Hornets
advanced to the semifinals of
the Division 5 state tournament
(results too late to print).
“North Reading will be a
challenge this year for sure,” said
Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta.
“They are well-equipped in all
phases of the game. We want to
get some consistent rhythm on
offense so we keep their offense
off the field.”
Turkey Day bragging rights for
three consecutive years.
“We’re eager to get a win
for our seniors,” Lamusta said.
“They have put a ton of time in
for this program over the years,
loved the ups and downs, and
we would like to get them one
on Thanksgiving Day.”
Tri-captains Luke DiSilvio,
Ben Gazit, and Matt Tracy are
part of a senior group that has
never lost a Thanksgiving Day
game. They know the season
hasn’t been what they’d hoped
for, but are confident they can
go out as winners.
“We’ve come a long way,”
Tracy said. “Every year, you
come out kind of slow, but we
should be able to pick it up by
the end of the year. So, I think
we are at a point where we can
Th e P i o n e e r s h a v e w o be n successful.”
LYNNField
Putting it all together key for Pioneers
Luke DiSilvio is
hoisted into the
air by Ben Gazit.
LYNNFIELD (3-7)
9/12 at Shawsheen Tech 41-6 L
9/19 Wakefield
28-0 L
9/26 Ipswich
34-14 W
10/3 at Amesbury
52-8 L
10/10 at Triton
37-14 L
10/17 Newburyport
29-19 L
10/2 Manchester-Essex 41-19 L
10/28 at Hamilton Wenham 35-14 W
11/6 at Saugus
28-0 W
11/14 Wayland
38-21 L
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Lynnfield
(10 a.m.)
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Call: (781) 631-2106 • Text: (978) 666-0125 • pmw2106@gmail.com
2 Barnard St., Marblehead, MA, 01945 • precisionmotorwerks.com

THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 13
St. John’s Prep, led by sophomore
sensation Chris Vargas, Maxwell
Parent, Jordan Toribio, and coach
Brian St. Pierre, again showed it’s
the team to beat in Division 1.
The Eagles had to be ready from
the jump as they faced Springfield
Central in Week 1. St. John’s Prep
defended Glatz Field with a 36-35
win.
Springfield Central led 35-21 with
just less than 12 minutes remaining.
Then, the Eagles turned up the
pressure. Vargas found Riley Selvais
for a 12-yard touchdown to cut the
deficit to seven. With 13 seconds
remaining and facing fourth-andgoal,
the Eagles snapped the ball to
Toribio, who powered his way into
the end zone. St. Pierre decided to
go for two and the win. Toribio got
the nod again and delivered the
game-winning conversion. Toribio
(185 yards) and Parent (139) were
unstoppable.
Speaking of, Parent and Toribio
each surpassed 1,000 yards rushing
this season — a credit to them and
an offensive line that consistently
created holes and running lanes.
The Eagles won six games
by 26 points or more,
showing once they gain
momentum, they
don’t take their
foots off the gas.
St. John’s Prep
averaged 43.8
points per game.
Against Central
Catholic, Vargas
threw for 287
yards and four
touchdowns
in a win.
When
ST. JOHN’S Prep
Explosive Eagles eye another victory
Maxwell
Parent
Vargas went down late in
the season, Parent, a St.
Mary’s transfer, stepped
up against Leominster
in the state tournament,
rushing for 354 yards
(school record) and five
touchdowns.
After defeating
Leominster, the Eagles
St. John’s Prep (10-0)
9/5 Springfield Central 36-35 W
9/12 at Marshfield 48-8 W
9/19 Central Catholic 47-21 W
9/27 at La Salle Academy 53-20 W
10/10 at BC High 35-0 W
10/17 Saint John’s Shrewsbury 53-19 W
10/24 at Malden Catholic 37-15 W
11/1 Catholic Memorial 43-28 W
11/7 Framingham 38-0 W
11/14 Leominster
48-32 W
Thursday, Nov. 27
at Xaverian
(10 a.m.)
earned a rematch with Central
Catholic in the Final Four, which
was played last Friday with results
too late to print.
After beating Xaverian 23-6 in
last year’s Thanksgiving game, St.
John’s Prep will look to repeat that
success — this time, on the road.
Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving
Good luck to all the teams!
82 Lynn Street, Peabody • 978-531-0472 • ccbfuneral.com

14 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
PREDICTIONS
JOEY BARRETT
ITEM SPORTS EDITOR
MARK ABOYOUN
ITEM SPORTS STAFF
ANNE MARIE TOBIN
ITEM SPORTS STAFF
STEVE KRAUSE
FOR THE ITEM
Lynn English 42
Lynn Classical 12
Lynn English 38
Lynn Classical 15
Lynn English 48
Lynn Classical 14
Lynn English 30
Lynn Classical 17
KIPP 36
Lynn Tech 18
KIPP 34
Lynn Tech 28
KIPP 24
Lynn Tech 20
KIPP 20
Lynn Tech 10
Marblehead 28
Swampscott 14
Marblehead 24
Swampscott 16
Marblehead 35
Swampscott 20
Marblehead 27
Swampscott 21
Peabody 18
Saugus 16
Peabody 21
Saugus 15
Peabody 24
Saugus 13
Saugus 6
Peabody 0
North Reading 42
Lynnfield 12
North Reading 28
Lynnfield 18
North Reading 30
Lynnfield 13
North Reading 18
Lynnfield 12
Bishop Fenwick 20
St. Mary’s 18
Bishop Fenwick 21
St. Mary’s 20
Bishop Fenwick 31
St. Mary’s 18
Bishop Fenwick 14
St. Mary’s 7
St. John’s Prep 24
Xaverian Brothers 21
Xaverian Brothers 30
St. John’s Prep 24
St. John’s Prep 35
Xaverian Brothers 30
St. John’s Prep 24
Xaverian Brothers 21
WE’RE ALL ABOUT
MAKING THE
RIGHT MOVES.
We believe in working hard, teamwork and having fun.
Good luck to area teams this year!
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Member FDIC

THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025 THE DAILY ITEM 15
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January 26 l February 16 l April 24
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decision by Christmas!
Gordon College | 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984 | Exit 48 off Rt. 128

16 THE DAILY ITEM THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL 2025
Thanksgiving football
is a time to
build memories.
We can appreciate that.
Have a great game.
Happy Thanksgiving.
BEVERLY | NORTH READING | PLAISTOW, NH
MOYNIHANLUMBER.COM