With muddy cleats and hungry bellies, the Masconomet football began their new Thanksgiving rivalry nicely with a win over the Northeast Metro Tech Knights, 40-20.
Despite being an underdog, the Knights turned some heads when they forcefully marched downfield, courtesy of running back Isaiah Robles, and quarterback Ryan Beede barreled in for an opening-drive touchdown.
Masconomet (8-3) quickly responded with their own points when junior quarterback Drew Gustafson tossed up an 18-yard fade to junior receiver Cal Weidman. That was a sign of things to come as the connection was at its finest with Gustafson and Weidman hooking up for three scores of 18, 38, and 20 yards.
“The ball was up in the air and I went up and grabbed it. Gus threw a lot of great balls and played great,” said Weidman, who had four grabs for 84 yards.
Weidman’s second touchdown was designed as a hook-and-ladder to junior tight end Lucas Magnifico. When the pitch was covered, though, Weidman made the high IQ play by taking it himself for a 38-yard touchdown.
Going into this week, Weidman was tied for 1st among receivers in the North Shore with nine touchdown catches but after this electrifying performance, he leads all North Shore receivers.
“That touchdown wasn’t meant for me, it was for Mags, but I made the instinctual decision to not pitch it,” said Weidman, whose Chieftains led 27-14 at halftime. “It was an awesome game and such a great experience for the seniors to get a win in their final high school football game.”
Junior superstar Jack Fabiano didn’t skip a beat in his return from injury, taking 13 carries for 94 yards and a 27-yard fourth-quarter score Fabiano has been the Chieftains’ best player all season and boasts a phenomenal case for the Northeast Conference (NEC) MVP.
Gustafson caught fire in the first half with four touchdown passes, then finished the game completing 11-of-14 passes for 181 yards and five touchdowns. This is the second straight elite game he has strung together, boosting his confidence and now has the whole Masco football program excited to see what he’s got in store for next season.
On the grass field at Northeast, however, the muddy trenchmen are the true unsung heroes. Gustafson often had so much time to throw that he felt like he was playing 7-on-7.
“The offensive line play today was simple, we stuck to the basics and that’s all it was. We gave Gus a lot of time and got a good win. I loved being in the mud, it was one of the most fun games I’ve had, and of course, after we all had to slide in the mud,” said junior captain and offensive lineman Nino Stefanelli.
Gustafson’s fifth and final touchdown of the season came on a screen pass to their steamroller sophomore running back Davis DeLuties.
“Getting that touchdown felt great. Evan Velardo made an amazing block right on the guy in front of me to set up basically what was a walk-in,” said DeLuties.
The defensive front was dominant for the Chieftains and the linebackers filled holes nicely. Masconomet’s dynamic defensive end duo of Magnifico and senior captain Cash Kornusky were battering rams to the running backs or anyone else that got in their path.
“That was an absolute blast. We played dominant football all day, hardnosed in the mud with everyone getting their hands dirty. It capped it off that it is Thanksgiving and we all get to go home to a big ol’ feast and sliding around in the mud at the end with the boys was awesome,” said Kornusky.
Senior receiver Devin O’Brien hauled in three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Senior linemen Jackson Magee, Michael McNamee, and Kaden Mason have been indispensable for the Chieftain line this season and will be missed next year.
Junior receivers Ryan Richardson and Liam Ginley kept the Knights’ defense on their toes, each taking sweeps for big gains.
“A lot of people played Masco football this morning. The offensive line, receivers, running backs, and Gustafson were clicking today and defensively coach Heres does a heck of a job over there making them a tough offense to stop,” said Chieftains’ head coach Patrick Sheehan. “I need like a month to tell you my reflections on this season. It was the most rewarding season I’ve ever experienced as a coach. There was a lot of help from the school, community, fans, and coaches, and just made it as rewarding as I could’ve dreamed of for my first year here.”
This was the final game for both teams and Masco looks to work in the off-season to sit atop the NEC come next fall.