THE LYNNFIELD AND NORTH READING varsity football captains enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Rotary Football Luncheon on Nov. 17. From left, Lynnfield captain James Sharkey, Lynnfield captain Steve Dreher, Lynnfield captain Chase Goldberg, Lynnfield captain Charles Capachietti, NR captain Matt Guidebeck, NR captain Alex Carucci, NR captain Craig Rubino, NR captain Owen Delano, NR captain Sam Morelli and NR captain Anthony Pino. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

PEABODY — The 63rd annual Thanksgiving Day showdown between the Lynnfield and North Reading football teams has become a rite of passage for both schools and a highly anticipated event in both towns.

The same is true for the annual pre-Thanksgiving Day luncheon, which was hosted by the Lynnfield Rotary Club at Salem Country Club on Nov. 17. While the Hornets are hosting the Pioneers on Thanksgiving Day, Lynnfield Rotary hosted the luncheon at a neutral site because North Reading Rotary has disbanded. Lynnfield Rotary President Christine Travers served as the master of ceremonies and organized the luncheon.

North Reading High School Athletic Director Dave Johnson noted there is a trophy at NRHS that has the score of every football game that has been played since 1959.

“There are games that your brothers and fathers might have played in,” said Johnson. “Senior captain Alex Carucci’s grandfather, Chuck, played in the first game in 1959.”

Johnson said the football rivalry between Lynnfield and North Reading is “one of the best in the state.”

“It’s a true rivalry,” said Johnson. “Both teams have had success over the last 50 years. We have that scenario right now. We have two fantastic coaches and some terrific scholar-athletes out there playing. We are looking forward to the Thanksgiving game. I want to wish both teams good luck. I hope everyone is happy and safe at the end of the game.”

Pioneers head coach Patrick Lamusta said the Rotary Luncheon is a “very cool tradition” that doesn’t happen in most communities. He thanked Travers for organizing the luncheon and Salem Country Club for hosting it.

“I was able to be part of the 2007 Rotary Luncheon when I was a player,” said Lamusta. “It’s great that we are still doing this. The Rotary Club’s devoted members are involved in a variety of volunteer and humanitarian work in our communities. It’s now great to see our high school students getting involved with this work too with the Interact Club. It’s great seeing them helping others around the world beyond our school walls.”

 

THE NORTH READING AND LYNNFIELD cheerleading captains had a great time at the Rotary Football Luncheon on Nov. 17. From left, NR captain Ashley Brogan, NR captain Mary Bonzagni, NR captain Bronwyn Pinto, Lynnfield captain Katie Buonopane, Lynnfield captain Emily Palumbo and Lynnfield captain Hannah Corkhum. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

 

Lamusta thanked Lynnfield Superintendent Kristen Vogel and Lynnfield High Athletic Director Mia Muzio for supporting the student-athletes at LHS. He also said the luncheon is bittersweet because it is the final one for LHS Principal Bob Cleary, who is retiring at the end of June.

“Bob gave me the opportunity to teach and coach at LHS,” said Lamusta. “I am extremely grateful for that. I have learned a lot from Bob over the years, and I appreciate his steady leadership and problem-solving mindset. Thank you Principal Cleary for supporting sports at the high school, and I wish you the best this school year and in your retirement.”

The luncheon’s attendees gave Cleary a round of applause.

Lamusta thanked LHS cheerleading co-head coaches Tiffany Petruzzella and Caroline Brewer, and captains Kate Buonopane, Hannah Corkhum and Emily Palumbo for a great season. He noted the cheerleading team placed first in the regional competition and has qualified for states.

“Nice job ladies,” said Lamusta.

Lamusta said football senior captains Charles Capachietti, Steven Dreher, Chase Goldberg, Robert Marley III and James Sharkey have done a great job leading the Pioneers this season.

“This is a particularly impressive group of captains,” said Lamusta. “Our captains set the bar high. They prioritize training for the season and demonstrated what year-round commitment looks like for our younger players.”

Lamusta said all four captains are leaders at LHS.

“They all have high GPAs and if you looked at their transcripts, you would see several Advanced Placement classes across the board,” said Lamusta. “This year has been an improvement over last year with the return of the playoffs, and a lot of that can be attributed to these gentlemen. We have competed against some strong teams this season. It has been fun. I am proud of our captains’ leadership and performance this year. They have been fun to spend time with, and they all have great personalities. They also have a willingness to hold their teammates accountable.”

Lamusta said the Pioneers were lucky to have all four captains leading the football team this fall.

“Steve, Chase, James, Charlie and Robert, thank you for all of your work over the past four years,” said Lamusta. “I wish you the best of luck in your final game as a Pioneer football player.”

The luncheon’s attendees gave the four Lynnfield captains a round of applause.

Lamusta also wished North Reading head coach Ed Blum and the Hornets good luck on Thanksgiving and against Bishop Fenwick in the Division 5 state semifinals.

In closing, Lamusta said football is about family.

“My family grew when Lynnfield football came back into my life,” said Lamusta. “Our football players and coaches have become my family, and it grows every year. I am very thankful for that. I encourage the players on both sides to cherish this time, cherish this game and enjoy every last minute of practice. Enjoy it, play hard and good luck. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.”

The luncheon’s attendees gave Lamusta a round of applause.

Coach Blum said he had a “tough act to follow.” He noted that the NRHS Marching Band, under the direction of Director Ben Owens, now has 62 members.

“The Marching Band has just gotten better and better each year,” said Blum. “They earned a Silver Medal at the MICCA State Championship, and came in fifth in their division with a score of 90.8 at the NESBA State Championship. I want to thank them for their supporting and adding to a great Friday night environment.”

Blum also thanked NRHS cheerleading head coach Katie Roy and captains Ashley Brogan, Mary Bonzagni and Bronwyn Pinto for a “tremendous season.”

“They placed second at the Billerica Invitational and first at the Shepherd Hill Invitational,” said Blum. “It was really awesome to see you perform at the Cape Ann League Championship, where you placed first. You could tell how much heart, focus and attention to detail that you put in. It was great to see all of that hard work pay off. I want to wish you luck in states, and I want to thank you for everything that you do to help support football and the environment. Congratulations on your accomplishments this year.”

Blum thanked North Reading Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly, NRHS Principal Anthony J. Loprete and Athletic Director Dave Johnson for the support they have provided him and the program.

“They provide an environment that allows me to take chances to improve the program,” said Blum.

Blum also thanked North Reading football senior captains Alex Carucci, Owen Delano, Matt Guidebeck, Sam Morelli, Anthony Pino and Craig Rubino for having an outstanding season.

“These six players, along with the rest of the senior class, have meant so much to me over the last four years,” said Blum. “I not only appreciate their impact on and off the field, but I appreciate their impact on me as a person. They have been a group that has been willing to be held to high expectations, and they have embraced what it means to be true role models and big brothers to the underclassmen. They have shown a constant desire to improve as leaders. They are a group that does things the right way. They have earned my ultimate respect over the last four years and they have earned my trust. I am so proud of them. I love this group.”

While Blum said he is incredibly proud of the six senior captains and the entire senior class, he said this point of the season is “bittersweet” because it is drawing to a close.

“I watched them play youth football five years ago,” said Blum. “They came into the program, and really set the tone. It’s tough for me because I am going to miss them, but I am excited for what the future holds for all of them. I appreciate what the captains have done for this program and myself.”

The luncheon’s attendees gave the six North Reading captains a round of applause.

Blum said the Pioneers had a “great run” this season.

“In your game against St. Mary’s, you played with a lot of heart, determination and fight,” said Blum. “It was fun to see. I am excited for our teams to battle on Thanksgiving. I wish you nothing but the best.”

Blum said the football, cheerleading and band students from both towns can learn a lot from Rotary International’s mission.

“These individuals look for ways to help their respective communities in a selfless manner,” said Blum. “To the students in this room, you are here because the people in your lives — teammates, classmates, teachers and coaches — view you as leaders. I challenge you all to reflect on how you use that influence and power. I challenge you to hold yourself to a high standard, lead by example, and show others how to be selfless, how to trust and how to respect others. Be empathetic and bring others together to achieve more. Don’t use lose sight that the true value of sports and extracurricular activities in a person’s life is much more than wins, losses and awards. It comes from learning the important values and life lessons from the commitment and day-to-day grind that you all have made in your respective event. Creating that foundation of values will guide you through challenges, adventures and decisions that are still to come in your lives.”

In closing, Blum said Thanksgiving football is “one of the best traditions” in Massachusetts.

“It’s a game with decades with tradition,” said Blum. “It is always a game that is bigger than any other game that you play or yourself. Why? It’s about the communities. You see that when everyone comes back and watches the game. Embrace and cherish every moment along the way. One of the hardest things you seniors will miss is the interaction with your teammates. Make the most of it.”

After Blum concluded his remarks, he was given a round of applause.