Thanksgiving preview: Danvers, Gloucester have much motivation

Danvers? fourth season under coach Sean Rogers yielded the Falcons? first NEC South title in eight years and a post-season playoff berth. A holiday win against Gloucester would put the finishing touches on a turnaround campaign.View season’s photos from throughout the fall season on the North ShoreAttaining that goal will be no small feat when the Falcons (7-3) head north on Rte. 128 to square off against the NEC North co-champion Fishermen (6-4) and fellow Division 3 Northeast playoff participant at New Balance Track and Field at Newell Stadium (10).?They (Gloucester) are going to play physical football for four quarters. They will wear you down and slow you down with their style if you?re not ready for it. We know that,” said Rogers, recently selected as NEC South Coach of the Year.While Danvers didn?t perform as well as it had hoped for in the playoffs, losing two of three games, Rogers said there is little need for motivational techniques when gearing up for Gloucester.?Thanksgiving doesn?t require rebuilding anyone?s egos ? the kids started talking about Thanksgiving as soon as our last game was over. Our guys are a very self-motivated group,” Rogers noted.Gloucester?s Wing-T offense showcases behemoth All-League senior tackle Drew Shairs (6-3, 290) and bullish All-League senior back Jordan Pallazola (5-11, 220), who has eclipsed 1,200 yards rushing to go along with 21 touchdowns.The Fishermen also possess a complementary contingent of productive backs in senior fullback Jon Goode (4 TDs) and senior wings John Curcuru (4 TDs) and Conor Harris. Senior quarterback Ian Kennedy doesn?t air it out much but is a capable passer when called upon.?That line is physical and hard-nosed and their execution is impressive to watch. Pallazola is a big, strong kid who can cover up mistakes in the line. We have to have a gang mentality on defense and get hats to the football,” Rogers assessed. “They?ve been moving Pallazola around and mixing it up lately and have pretty good speed.”For the Falcons to experience defensive success, the line must eat up blocks, allowing the linebackers to play downhill. A young secondary that includes sophomore Danny Lynch and freshmen Matt Andreas and Quinn Hollands will be counted on to provide strong run support.On the flip side, senior captains and running backs Alex Valles (14 TDs, 1,070 yards) and Anthony Cordoba (5 TDs) and tackle Tom Quinn team up to drive the Falcons? offense. Valles and Quinn were both accorded all-NEC accolades while Chris Behen (6 TDs) and junior wide receiver Cris Valles add to a diverse attack ably directed by junior quarterback Nick Andreas.The play of Danvers? senior-heavy line will determine the extent of its offensive success. That unit includes the seniors Quinn, guard Brian Daly, center Adam Tibbetts and tight end Lucas Lentine.?We have to be creative, break tendencies and have favorable time of possession. Long drives by our offense will limit Pallazola?s touches and will be the key. Our offensive line has to play well,” Rogers said.Rogers holds a special place for this senior class, led by the leadership of the captains Mike Favreau, Valles and Cordoba.?They came in a freshmen in my first year and each year things have gotten better. They?ve shown that rebuilding can lead to success. Nobody left for private school. They stayed home and stayed together and showed what can be accomplished playing for their hometown,” Rogers said.