Raiders hope momentum will help on Devils' home turf
By Chad Garner, Staff Writer
FITCHBURG - The Fitchburg High football team couldn't have picked a better time of the season to be playing its best football. When the Red Raiders travel to Doyle Field to clash with archrival Leominster on Thanksgiving Day - the 118th meeting overall and 96th on Thanksgiving - Fitchburg has a bit of momentum on its side. The Red Raiders (4-6) have defeated the Blue Devils (8-2) three straight times on Thanksgiving, and most importantly, they have won three of their last four games after starting the season with only one win in their first six games. "Our kids know what has happened in the past, but this is a new year. We bring a little confidence in because of that, but now it's a new game," said Fitchburg coach Ray Cosenza. "I think if we had dropped three out of four there would be a lot more concern. But I think the bottom line is, is that we're playing a great team who has had a great season, who have a lot of weapons. It should be an outstanding football game." Cosenza knows exactly what the Fitchburg/Leominster Turkey Day rivalry game means. "It's really an honor to be involved in this. It's a pleasure to have coached in this for the last (13) years," he said. "There's nothing that compares to it in terms of the intensity, in terms of the tradition, in terms of the whole rivalry ... it's tremendous." Unlike last year, this year the Red Raiders have the label of underdogs, but Cosenza has no problem with it. "I think they are clear favorites, but that's fine because I think we've been the underdogs most of the year," he said. "It's nice to be on the other side of that." Entering the showdown, the Red Raiders will look to keep their offense in high gear via the extraordinary running of freshman tailback William Earley. Earley leads the offense with 1,071 yards rushing on 169 carries and 7 TDs. "He's been a key. Any back that goes over a 1,000 yards has had a great year. But to do it as a freshman and to do it with the schedule we've played, I think it's really something special," said Cosenza. "He's been consistent for us all year. He doesn't back down. He's not intimidated by anything he's seen. He's not intimidated by being the tailback in our offense. He likes the challenge." The Red Raiders aren't a one-man show, however. Senior fullback Norman Cole and senior quarterback Brian Bouvier are also key weapons in the Red Raiders arsenal. "We need (Earley) to play well, as we do with Norman and Brian. I think all three are going to have to play well for us to be successful." While the Blue Devils may elect to shut down Earley, Cosenza warns that it could be dangerous due to Cole's big-play capabilities. "Norman is a legitimate threat blocking, running or catching the ball out of the backfield," said Cosenza. "Teams just can't concentrate on William because they have to be aware of Norman in the backfield as well." When Bouvier drops back to pass, he will have wide receivers Ryan Davenport, Ryan Logan and Frank Sienkiewicz at his disposal, as well as junior tight end Aaron Storm. "Aaron Storm has had a great season for us," said Cosenza. "He's been a weapon for us all year and he's made some big catches for us. He gives us an added dimension." The offensive line of Anthony Murray, Mark Thomas, Steve Marella, Joe Rouse, Jon Lewis and Joe Golden each have received high praise from Cosenza. "Our biggest improvement as a team is what we've been able to do up front," he said. "We've definitely gotten better there. They are going to have to play big on Thanksgiving." Cosenza feels the Leominster defense is one of its strengths, keyed by linebackers Pat Moran and Jamie Giadone. "We need to work on sustaining blocks. The key to moving the ball on them is keeping (Moran and Giadone) in check," said Cosenza. "We have to get on them and stay on them. They have great team speed on defense. We're going to have to mix up our offense and we're going to have to throw more. I don't see this as a high scoring game because I think their defense is so good and I hope our defense plays well." Fitchburg's base 5-2 defense is also anchored by its two linebackers Marella and Storm. "They've been our leaders all year. They are 1-2 in tackles," said Cosenza. "They have to play well, but in order for them to play well the three guys in front of them have to do their jobs." Fitchburg's linemen include: Mike Pompeo, Nathan Glenny, Murray, Matt Lamey, Cole and Andy Swett. Earley and Ryan Logan will start at the corners, while B.J. Fitz is the strong safety and Davenport will serve as the free safety. Surrendering big plays to the Leominster offense is what concerns the Fitchburg coaching staff. "In order to stop a kid like (Kevin) L'Ecuyer and the Leominster offense, all 11 guys have to do their job," said Cosenza. "If one doesn't, they have the ability to beat you with a big play from L'Ecuyer, their quarterback (Kevin Barnaby), their fullback (Bill Gabriel) or (Blake Curry). We've got to prevent them from making big plays for us to be successful. We've got to play great team defense " that's the only way we're going to be able to stop them." With wins over Milford, Oakmont and North Middlesex, and a lost to St. John's in Fitchburg's last four games, Cosenza knows his team has peaked at the right time in the biggest and most important game of the season. "I was really pleased with our progression until our last game," he said. "But we have made progress. Our kids have worked very hard. This game should bring out the best in both teams, and I hope it brings out the best in our kids. Our kids are going to come to play, I'm confident of that, and give a great effort." ================================ SEASON RECORDS Fitchburg 4-6 Xaverian 28, Fitchburg 0 Fitchburg 19, Gardner 14 St. Peter-Marian 13, Fitchburg 0 Nashoba 38, Fitchburg 12 Brockton 15, Fitchburg 14 Shrewsbury 32, Fitchburg 31 Fitchburg 19, Milford 8 Fitchburg 21, Oakmont 9 Fitchburg 37, North Middlesex 6 St. John's 42, Fitchburg 20 ================================= Leominster 8-2 Leominster 20, Marlboro 6 Leominster 28, Doherty 6 Leominster 40, Nashoba 19 Leominster 31, St.Peter-Marian 26 Leominster 28, Wachusett 0 Leominster 25, Milford 0 Leominster 47, North Middlesex 25 Brockton 24, Leominster 22 St. John's 21, Leominster 13 Leominster 15, Shrewsbury 8
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