Revere looking for redemption after a tough defeat last year

Throughout Massachusetts on Thanksgiving there will be a focus on gridirons and the traditional battles that take place each year. These contests are of the fabric of each community, where generations are concerned with the outcome of the game. For some schools there are playoff implications and others it is simply a matter of bragging rights.On Thursday, Revere will be taking on Winthrop in the 77th meeting of these teams on Thanksgiving. For the Patriots, there is not only the matter of pride but a feeling of redemption and revenge for last years last second loss to the Vikings.”Last year we played a great game with Winthrop,” said Revere coach Lou Cicatelli. “It came down to the last play and we came up a little short. But that is what Thanksgiving and this game is about.””We played a solid game against Revere last year, and won it at the end,” said Winthrop coach Sean Driscoll. “I’m sure they’re thinking about that and gearing up for us this year.”Whether it is one team trying to exact revenge for a last minute loss, or another trying to prove again they can win on Thanksgiving, the game is bound to be entertaining.Revere heads into Turkey Day with a 3-7 record which does not reflect how they have played during the season. Despite some key injuries and some losses by a few points, the Patriots have managed to develop some momentum during the season. Pointing to a surprise victory over Peabody and a comeback bid against Classical, Cicatelli is expecting a game on Thursday.”This is a great rivalry. I’ve been around this game as a player and a coach,” said Cicatelli. “It is going to be intense and it is going to come down to the end of the game.”The Patriots are expected to rely heavily on the senior running back captains of Paul DiPlatzi and Matt Gasparini.DiPlatzi has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and scored eight touchdowns. He has also been featured this season as the teams starting safety, punter, and kicker for extra points.Gasparini has rushed for 560 yards this year and matched his backfield counterpart with eight touchdowns. He has also played strong safety for Revere and been solid for the Patriot defense.Both backs will be running behind two senior captain offensive linemen in Manny Velez and John D’Eramo. Both will also be playing roles for the Revere defense as well.No matter what the record, the outcome on Thanksgiving can make or break a season.”For us, Thanksgiving is a big game,” said Cicatelli. “If we can win on Thanksgiving, it makes it a successful season in my eyes.”