Winthrop hoping to continue its dominance over the Patriots

There are many different athletic symbols and traditions across Massachusetts. From Pesky Pole in Fenway Park to Heartbreak Hill during the final leg of the Boston Marathon, locals and visitors know about the passion and intensity represented. Still, the annual Thanksgiving football game morning ranks as one of the best traditions in the Commonwealth.When Winthrop visits Revere on Turkey Day at Harry Della Russo stadium, the 77th meeting of these two teams will again bring out the best in the players, fans, families and the tradition itself.Coming off of a last second win over their rival Revere, the Vikings are looking to continue to winning ways on cold Thursday mornings.”This is the biggest game of the year,” said Winthrop coach Sean Driscoll. “It is always a one game championship which is very important to the community. In some ways, this game is bigger than a playoff game.”Winthrop has had a back and forth season while putting together a 5-5 record. A win on Thanksgiving will give Winthrop another winning record on the season, while a loss could put the Vikings in a position of having to accept a losing record for the first time since 2000.”It’s been a while since we’ve had a losing record,” said Driscoll. “We’ve had an up and down year, losing some games I though we could win or losing some games in a strange way. It’s a big game on Thanksgiving.”Expect Winthrop to rely on running back and 2007 Northeastern Conference MVP Chris Beranger to try and punish the Revere defense. Beranger, a senior captain, has accumulated 1,054 yards rushing and an additional 680 yards receiving. He has 13 rushing touchdowns, six receiving touchdowns, and rounded out his season total to 20 with a end zone celebration on a special teams play.The man who will be running the Vikings offense is Will Milano. The junior quarterback has thrown from 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns this season and is looking to add to his season totals.Milano will be looking for receivers Matt Moore and Dan Ramos. Ramos could be the x-factor in this game. He has caught 13 passes this year for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ramos is average almost 27 yards a catch on the season, making him a big play threat.Senior captain Steven Keough is expected to lead at linebacker and on the offensive line, while senior captain Kenny Quist will continue to play a solid role at linebacker.Driscoll is not expecting an easy game this season.”Last year this game came down to the last plays,” said Driscoll. “They have good ball players like (Paul) DiPlatzi who are solid athletes.”No matter if you are coming up 1A to Revere or just headed across town, the annual game figures to be a good contest for some early morning entertainment.Said Driscoll of Thursday’s game: “Throw the records out the door when these teams get together.”