SAUGUS — First-year Saugus football coach Steve Cummings is new to his team’s Thanksgiving rivalry with Peabody but he got a good impression about the weight of the big game as soon as he took the job.
“I have a few friends from college that are Peabody graduates,” Cummings said. “So as soon as I took the coaching job here they texted me with some disparaging and joking remarks.”
Cummings and his seniors got to see the weight of the game first-hand last Wednesday at their annual pre-game dinner with the Tanners, giving them some extra motivation as they gear up for Thursday.
“It holds a lot of weight,” Cummings said. “We had a great turnout at the dinner. For these kids to see what goes into this game, we wouldn’t get 100 people in that room if it wasn’t important. Since the NEC got split, this isn’t a league game and the two schools are in different divisions for playoffs, so you want to be able to get this one. It sets up the next season and sends the seniors off the right way.”
The Sachems have taken their lumps this year, with a 3-7 record and a handful of injuries.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with injuries,” Cummings said. “I feel like every week we have a guy making his first varsity start. Players like Chase Ledbury, starts at defensive back and picks off a ball the first drive of the game to set up a touchdown. That’s a tough thing to do. The thing we’ve been very fortunate with is these kids coming in, not letting the moment get to them and executing.”
The Sachems’ experienced core makes it easier to adapt on both sides of the ball. A handful of linebackers double their duties on the offensive side including Christian Correia at quarterback, running backs Marvens Jean and Sal Franco and tight end Bruno Auzec. Guard Doug Clark and tackle Kyle Surette lead the way up front.
Also playing key roles on defense are Justin Fajardo, Donovan Clark and Javier Martinez.
“Justin started at linebacker,” Cummings said. “But a few injuries made us bump him down to defensive line. He’s undersized but has done a great job. A real tough kid. Donovan is a sophomore safety and another kid who stepped up. Javier is one of our corners and he really anchors that back end.”
This year’s game also has added significance . With a new field currently being constructed, this will be the last Thanksgiving football game played at Stackpole Field.
“These guys have been coming to this field to watch Thanksgiving games their whole lives,” Cummings said. “It will have a real different feel in the future somewhere else. There’s a lot of great games that have been played here. I think knowing that, a few more people might show up than we expected. We’re expecting a great atmosphere. To be part of something like that, it’s real special.”
Kickoff for Thursday’s game is scheduled for 10 a.m.
