Thanksgiving preview: Beverly, Salem have their own goals in mind

Despite a glaring difference in their records, the Beverly and Salem football teams will have the same mindset heading into their Thanksgiving Day rivalry game. The visiting Panthers will be looking to cap off the season with their seventh win while the Witches (2-8) are hoping to snap a two-year, Turkey Day drought.View season’s photos from throughout the fall season on the North Shore?This game is totally different from the rest,” said Salem coach Scott Connolly, whose team won in 2008 and 2010. “The atmosphere that comes with the rivalry is great. Anything can happen really and both team?s records go out the window.”Beverly coach Dan Bauer agreed with his counterpart, while explaining the added importance for both teams? seniors.?It will be the last game for many of our seniors, many of which have some personal connection to this rivalry whether their father or a relative played in the game,” Bauer explained. “These guys know how important this game is to the community and are looking forward to having the opportunity to play in one of the oldest rivalry games in the state, which has been played for 115 years now.”The Panthers, winners of their last two games after a first round playoff exit at the hands of Gloucester, have had a successful (and perhaps surprising) campaign. Bauer reflected on the season as a whole.?I think we?ve been successful in many ways,” Bauer said. “Nobody thought we would have success after losing 27 seniors but we managed a winning record and a share of conference title while making the playoffs. I think we?ve improved a lot since our first game and have really come together as a team.”Running back Isaiah White leads the Beverly offense into the finale with 23 rushing touchdowns to his credit as well as two kickoff returns for scores. White stands just 30 yards away from the program?s single season rushing record.The Witches will counter with a fantastic runner of their own in the form of Aaron Palmer. The senior tailback has eclipsed the 1,00 yard mark and rushed for 12 touchdowns.On the other side of the ball, Beverly leaned on leading tackler Sean Winston and Sam Mulumba who led the team in interceptions. White pitched in with two defensive touchdowns as well.The Witches will look for one last stellar game on defense from inside linebacker Josh McRae who stepped his play up big time this season. Genrri Rosario, who sees snaps at running back and linebacker, has been a pleasant surprise as well.Salem was met with a daunting task to begin the season as they played their first eight games on the road while their own field underwent renovations. The Witches dropped their first four contests before beating Revere, who was also their second win.Not one to make excuses, Connolly made a point of pointing out the positives of a season that might not look great on paper.?The kids have stayed committed and haven?t given up despite the record,” Connolly explained. “We have some young talent that should blossom next year. As long as they hit the weights in the off-season and stay focused on improving, I think we will manage to do just that”Beverly also started slow, dropping tight contests with Haverhill and Danvers before a win over North Andover. The highlight of the season to this point however was a victory over previously undefeated Marblehead who would go on to play in the Division 3 Northeast Championship game.Bauer also pointed to a victory over Danvers to earn a split in the season series as well as bounce back win over Somerville after being eliminated from the postseason?That was big for us, the way we responded after our second loss to Gloucester,” said Bauer. “The kids stuck together after being knocked out of the playoffs and now they have the chance to finish off the season on a high note.”