Published November 26, 2020

The following is a preview of the 2nd annual North Reading-Lynnfield Thanksgiving Day Game printed in the Nov. 23, 1960 edition of the North Reading Transcript. The game featured an 8-0 Pioneer team averaging 48.5 points per game against a 7-0 Hornet team who shut out their opponent in six of seven regular season games. Be sure to tune in next week for the recap.

7,000 fans expected to watch Lynnfield-North Reading game tomorrow

By WALTER BAKOIAN

When coach Bill Driscoll lost starters Chuck Carucci, John Puglia, Bill Strickland, John Hatch, John Doucette and Ed Murray by graduation last year, the outlook for the 1960 season didn’t seem too bright; but they left behind a determined group of replacements who have surprised everyone by their tremendous desire to erase a mark left on their pride last year by Lynnfield on Thanksgiving Day. 

They have not only gone undefeated and untied this year, but have rung up the most unusual defensive record ever seen in high school football. Along with winning seven straight and running up 176 points, they have allowed the opposition a mere six points. 

In four years of close association with North Reading football, and all its players and coaches, I must admit this year’s squad is the most spirited and determined, not only at game time but on the practice field. For this, credit must go to the two co-captains Billy Cotter and Ken Puglia. Their leadership qualities in keeping the squad in line during practice has been a vital factor in molding the team into the wellknit power that it has become after four short years. 

Special commendation should go to coach Driscoll whose methods and teachings have been a credit to North Reading, along with his capable assistant Dave Castine. 

In talking with coach Driscoll about the condition of his team and the prospects of Thanksgiving Day, he had this to say — “Physically we’re in great shape, no injuries. Mentally, I’d say the boys’ spirits are extremely high. They have been waiting for this all year, and they.’re not afraid of all the big score run up by Lynnfield this year. We’ll be in there all the time. I figure we’ve got a good shot at beating them, but we’ve got to contain and stop their power to the outside because of their speed. We’ve got to stop them at the line of scrimmage. The key to our success will rest with our middle, Ken Puglia and Porky Carucci, stopping DeBella, Lynnfield’s hard-hitting FB. Don’t be surprised if you see Forest Parker in there changing off with Carl Puglia. He’s shown great improvement.”

Asked what the coach thought about running up a score if the opportunity avails itself–coach Driscoll answered, “Never! You only defeat your purpose when you rub it in, not only for the school and the team in the future, but for what it does to the other team when you shame them unnecessarily. No, not me! I’ve never done it before, you know that. It’ll be a good game, and we’re ready for it.”

A phone call to the colorful and always friendly coach of Lynnfield, Steve Sobieck, who had this to say–”It won’t be a high scoring game. The team up the most should win it. Of course, the breaks of the game will play a major role.”

When asked if he thought at the beginning of the year that North Reading would be as good defensively as they turned out to be, he replied, “No, I never would have predicted that. It only makes the game that much tougher for us. We are in good shape. Dick Spillane, my left tackle, was hurt in the second play of the Wilmington game, but will be okay for the Thanksgiving game; and Herm Mason, my defensive fullback hurt in the Bedford game, is now ready for action. He’s terrific on pass defense.

“It’ll be a great ball game and I’ll be glad come Thursday, because I get a headache thinking about it.”

Good luck, Steve, and I hope we beat you!

Having seen both teams play, I predict that the Hornets, if they win the toss, will score first; and then they will go on to win by a 16-8 score. The difference will be the tremendous Hornet line, the likes of which the Pioneers haven’t seen all year. North Reading’s line is around 166 lbs. The two Hornet ends and two tackles are all 6 feet and over, and weigh 190 lbs. and up. The two guards are the lightweights, but of the watch charm variety. The center, George Sullivan, is a linebacker plus, with excellent pass defense reflexes. A good big line will always prevail over a good little line. 

I also predict that Charlie Meeker (76 pts.) and Joe DeBella (90 pts.) will be the danger in the Lynnfield backfield, not the high scoring (118 pts.) Frank Berardino. 

Toss a coin and you’ll be better off! See you at the game.