The Peabody football team?s annual Thanksgiving Day game has always had a special place in Mark Bettencourt?s heart, but Thursday morning?s clash with Saugus will have added meaning for the second-year head coach.As a senior in 1990, Bettencourt quarterbacked the undefeated Tanners to a 39-8 victory over the 8-1 Sachems, to earn a spot in the Division 1 Super Bowl in Foxborough, where they defeated Tewksbury, 20-14.That kind of feat didn?t go unnoticed, culminating in Bettencourt?s upcoming Peabody High Hall of Fame induction 24 years later on the holiday.?For the ceremony to take place on the same morning as my first Thanksgiving game at home as a coach is a special feeling,” he said.?It?s the program?s first holiday at our new field so it would be a perfect end to the season if we could christen it with a victory.”Senior Michael Raymond needs just 51 passing yards to become the first quarterback in Peabody history to reach the 1,000-yard passing mark in consecutive seasons.Much of Peabody?s success will hinge on the play of junior running back Doug Santos, who will wrap up what has been a breakout season in which he?s piled up 1,834 yards and 27 touchdowns.?He showed signs during his sophomore year of being the hard-nosed runner that he?s turned into,” said Bettencourt.?This season was all about Doug becoming a smarter runner and he?s certainly succeeded in that. He has excelled in the blocking and passing games which has made him a very well-rounded player.”The seniors? experiences over the last few seasons has paid off this year.?These are kids that have been through a true grind these last few years, going winless in 2012 before just three victories last season,” he said.?They?ve become much more focused on doing their jobs and have played with major chips on their shoulders.”The Tanners defensive front will have a stiff challenge in the forms of Sachems quarterback Justin Winn and feature back, Dan Cacciola.?We?re certainly going to have our hands full,” said Betterncourt.?They?ve both been phenomenal runners for their program. If Saugus is able to get the triple-option going, then it could be a very frustrating day.”Peabody (7-3) enters Thursday after consecutive losses to Super Bowl-bound Everett and powerhouse Central Catholic.?That loss to Everett in the (Division 1) playoffs was a great experience for the team and coaching staff,” Bettencourt said. “Our win over Lexington the week before was as emotional a moment I?ve had as a coach in any sport.”