Big-time players rise to the occasion — no matter how big the stage.
From Wednesday night’s game between Lynn Tech and KIPP Academy to Thursday’s slate of six local contests, there were plenty of hungry performers ahead of Turkey Day meals.
Here are the top five local performers from Thanksgiving football games:
- Rowan Merryman – St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s backfield powered through opponents all season long — archrival Bishop Fenwick included.
During Thursday’s 38-6 win against the Crusaders, Merryman did a little bit of everything. He finished with 114 yards rushing and a touchdown, plus 83 yards receiving and a 66-yard receiving score.
You knew it was going to be a big day when he racked up 53 yards rushing on St. Mary’s opening drive.
“The opening drive, they came out with an attitude which we asked for all week,” said St. Mary’s coach Sean Driscoll. “That was a good way to start the game, obviously.”
- Aavian Peña – KIPP
Some players just have an extra gear, and Peña proved it Wednesday night in KIPP’s 34-12 win against Lynn Tech.
The junior accounted for three touchdowns — two rushing, one receiving — and rushed for 141 yards. He scored on runs of 7 and 18 yards and added a 6-yard touchdown reception.
Head coach Jim Rabbitt praised Peña all season long.
“He’s been the guy that’s carried us,” Rabbitt said. “He’s the kid — if you could create a player in high school — he’s the kid you create.”
- Chase Groothuis – Swampscott
Every time Groothuis touched the ball in Thursday’s 29-22 win against Marblehead, he delivered. The basketball standout tried football this year and made an immediate impact. In his first Thanksgiving game, he caught seven passes for 163 yards and scored all three Big Blue touchdowns.
Groothuis hauled in touchdowns of 64, 49, and 11 yards. Whether slipping tackles on a screen or racing through the secondary on a crossing route, he consistently created big plays.
Despite the loss, his performance will be remembered in rivalry history.
- Luke Maglione – Peabody
Peabody fell behind 20 points against Saugus, but rallied behind Maglione, who used his arm to pull the Tanners back in to the game — and, ultimately, to a win.
Maglione completed 19 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. His top target was Mark Mendonca, who caught six passes for 151 yards and two scores.
Perhaps Maglione’s biggest play came when he threw Peabody’s first touchdown toward the end of the first half.
“That was important,” said Peabody coach Mark Bettencourt. “We wanted to get on the board going in to halftime and make it a two-possession game.”
- Shane Knowlton-Simard – Lynn English
You might run out of superlatives describing Knowlton-Simard. The quarterback finished his senior season with more than 2,700 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns.
Against Lynn Classical, it was more of the same as he delivered once more for the Bulldogs’ faithful.
Knowlton-Simard totaled 343 yards (212 rushing, 131 passing) and scored five touchdowns. He broke free for 76- and 93-yard touchdown runs and threw a 77-yarder to Jason McDonald.
A lot of stars showed up for their teams this holiday, but Knowlton-Simard shined just a tad brighter.
“The kid’s just a great football player and he earned it,” said English coach Tyllor McDonald. “He showed up every day . . . grinded for what he got this year.”
