by Eli Davidow
Traditionally, Newton and Brookline look toward the Thanksgiving game as the one that can make or break the season.
Last year, Ben Kiley, now a junior, scored the game-winning touchdown on a 61-yard touchdown from Kyle Ross ’08. The Tigers edged the Warriors 13-6. It was the fourth consecutive Thanksgiving game victory over the Warriors.
Overall, the Tigers lead the series 55-52-6.
But with the Tigers’ 2-8 record so far this year, the real question is if they can they pull off a victory against the 3-7 Warriors at Northeastern’s Parsons Field in their 114th annual Thanksgiving match-up.
Explaining the significance of this year’s contest, coach Peter Capodilupo said it would be filled to the brim with memorable sights.
“The game has been going on for more than 100 years and it’s when all the grandparents, aunts and uncles come to watch,” he said. “It’s a timeless event.
“It’s also a symbolic moment when you see the young kids come home from college and connect with the older people on Thanksgiving for the game.”
For seniors playing in their final game, it brings out another, more competitive side in them, Capodilupo said.
“This game becomes even more important because it’s the last game for the seniors,” he said. “It has the feeling of something ending, which gives it the heightened sense of expectation and passion.
“Most of the seniors won’t go on to play football in college, so this will be their last chance.”
Brookline’s team this season is equipped with experience and “tremendous speed,” Capodilupo said.
“At both quarterback and wide receiver, Brookline’s loaded with experience,” he said. “They had a bitter loss in this game last year, so it would be a good time for them to get a win.
“We need to still work on being a little stronger and gain more skill and experience.
“I hope that we can finish this year strong, and I think that everyone else wants that too.
“Our goal now is to measure ourselves against ourselves.”
In Norwood Saturday, the Mustangs defeated the Tigers 18-7.
At the end of the first half, the Tigers had a 7-6 lead, but by then, senior EC Turner, playing quarterback, had sprained his ankle. The Tigers’ touchdown had come on a 47-yard connection between Turner and Kiley.
Assistant coach Mike Bower said last week he was not sure whether Turner would be ready to play Brookline.
“Right now, it looks promising, but we don’t really know the extent of what the injury is,” Bower said. “Bruises heal quickly when Turkey Day comes around.”
Fielding their best team in 20 years, according to Capodilupo, the Mustangs have been a dark horse in the Bay State Conference Herget Division.
The Mustangs, 8-2, have averaged 20.9 points per game, according to the Boston Globe.
“They have a punishing team,” Capodilupo said.
Over Dedham, the Tigers got their second victory of the season, beating the Marauders 28-13 Saturday, Nov. 8.
In Milton on Halloween the Wildcats defeated the Tigers 32-8.
“It was like being caught in an open field during a lightning storm,” Capodilupo said.
“Within 10 minutes of the game, we were already down by three touchdowns. We were helpless.”
Junior Troy Peterson scored the Tigers’ lone touchdown, taking the ball to the end-zone on a 34-yard run.
This post is tagged Eli Davidow