Peabody seeking a happy ending to a very tough fall

Thanksgiving Day has come to represent many different aspects of both high school and life in general. High School Football on Thanksgiving Day has also absorbed many representations of a moment; from traditions and triumphs to memories.For Peabody, the Thanksgiving Day Game against Saugus represents the opportunity for redemption.After starting the season 3-0, the Tanners (4-5) lost five straight games. Peabody’s rough stretch included the suspension of key players; a shocking loss to Revere as a result of an unusual series of plays (Revere recovered two consecutive onside kicks); and a comeback attempt against English that fell short in the final minutes of the game.”We fought back in that game,” said Peabody coach Scott Wlasuk. “That was the game where, even though we lost, I thought we showed character and heart. Fighting back in that game showed what kind of character this team has.”That character was on display when Peabody came back from a 21-point deficit against Classical to break the five game losing streak and put another tally in the win column.”That same character we showed with English came back in the game against Classical,” said Wlasuk. “I couldn’t have been more proud of our team after that win.”This Thursday represents an opportunity for this Tanner squad to complete a circle they started. Two wins in a row counts as a winning streak, and it would be the second streak for Peabody this season.”We’ve told our guys that we have an opportunity to finish at .500” said Wlasuk. “Our team has responded to this opportunity, our team has shown it can be resilient.”Heading into the game, expect for the seniors on Peabody’s team to lead their squad. Headlining the team is quarterback Jason Hiou.In addition to Hiou, the Peabody offense will go to both Nick Ingham and Nat Gaye. Ingham has been Hiou’s favorite target this season, while Gaye has carried the bulk of the duties from halfback.Gaye will also be featured on the defensive side of the ball, roaming the field from linebacker and racking up a ton of tackles.It will also be impossible not to notice the work of DJ Henrick. On offense, Henrick will be operating from the fullback position, dishing out tough blocks and channeling the spirit of Mike Alstot in both running for tough inside yards and receiving check down passes from Hiou in the flat.”I have been with these seniors for four years,” said Wlasuk. “Some of these guys I have known since they were young and I’ve seen them grow and mature as a team.”Peabody will be taking on a Saugus squad that has seen its share of tough moments this season. The Sachems (2-8) have seen a few games where victory seemed so close, but still eluded a team.”(Saugus) is not a team that their record represents what kind of team they are,” said Wlasuk. “They are a young team, but they have speed on the outside and their quarterback (Ryan Henehan) runs the offense well.””They also have a tough runner in AJ Guthro, and he plays very well on both sides of the ball. They have some good athletes on that team and our guys realize they are better than their record shows,” added Wlasuk.As always, Thanksgiving represents the final time many players will ever suit up in padding and take to the field in a full contact game. While this is true again this season on both sides of the ball, for the Wlasuk family Thursday’s game will represent the last time Wlasuk will have the chance to coach his son Sean on the gridiron.”When I was a kid, I had two dreams. To play football for Peabody High School and to coach football at Peabody High School,” said Wlasuk. “I am lucky to have been able to live both of those dreams. On Thanksgiving I will also be able to coach my two sons, Sean and Cody, and that is a very special thing for me.”