Local bragging rights on line
By Ross Edwards
FITCHBURG -- There's something missing from tonight's
contest between Gardner and Fitchburg.

Despite the fact that both football teams suffered losses
last week -- not to mention how much a win would mean to
either squad -- there doesn't seem to be any desperation in
the air.

Instead, both sides have been exuding a kind of quiet
confidence as they went about practice this week, sprinkled
with plenty of respect for the opposition.

"(This) team has been getting better," said Fitchburg (1-4,
1-1 Division 1) coach Ray Cosenza. "Their resilience has
been really amazing. We're 1-4 and if you come to our
practices it would be like watching a 5-0 team. The
intensity's great ... From that standpoint, I couldn't be
happier with this group."

Despite the fact that Nashoba Regional had lost three
straight coming into Week 5, Gardner (3-2, 2-1 Division 1A)
coach Walt Dubzinski Jr. isn't willing to refer to last
week's defeat at the hands of the Chieftains, 21-10, as an
upset. Dubzinski also made it clear that neither he nor his
players are taking the Red Raiders lightly, no matter where
they are in the standings.  "We had an opportunity with
Nashoba but they made the plays and we didn't," said
Dubzinski. "I try to explain to people: Nashoba is a very
good team ... We lost to a very good Nashoba team and I
would put Fitchburg in the same category. I don't think you
can judge by their record at all."

Although the contest marks another chapter in a
long-standing rivalry, the two teams may as well be mirror
images of one another. Both sides boast quick, hard-hitting
running backs and agile, accurate passers. Likewise, both
teams are known and respected for their formidable defenses.

"It's Fitchburg-Gardner, it's one of the biggest rivalries
besides us and Leominster," explained Fitchburg linebacker
Jon Berthiaume. "They probably want it as badly as we do."

What the Red Raiders' record doesn't show is that three of
Fitchburg's four losses have come at the hands of some of
the most powerful teams in Eastern Mass. -- Xaverian,
Everett and Brockton.

Inside of Central Mass., Fitchburg's only defeat was to
Wachusett Regional, 20-19, when a last-minute extra-point
attempt fell just short. The Red Raiders are likely hoping
kicking doesn't prove to be a factor again this week, as
it's the one aspect of the game where Gardner clearly holds
an edge, thanks to kicker/quarterback Donny Lemieux.

When he's not splitting the uprights, Lemieux is part of a
potent Gardner attack that includes standout running back
Jake Hochard. So far this season, Hochard has piled up 559
yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Throw in the fact
that tonight's game is also Gardner's Homecoming, and it
becomes clear just how much the Red Raiders have to defend.

"They have four excellent runners, at least, and their
quarterback is a threat too, so we've got to stop their
ground game and not let them have big plays when they do go
to the air because he can throw the ball too," said
Cosenza. "I think they have a huge advantage in their
kicking game. We've got to be aware that if they get to the
30-yard-line (Lemieux) will be able to put points on the
board. It's going to be a big challenge for us."

Fitchburg has plenty of offensive weapons of its own,
though.

Running back Jon Gomez stands one solid carry away from 400
yards on the season, and already has five rushing
touchdowns.

Quarterback Jeremy Kimber is also a threat as he has thrown
for 374 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target, Josh
Less, has 10 catches for 165 yards and two scores.

But as impressive as the passing game is on both sides,
tonight's contest is likely to come down to the
fundamentals: Which side will be able to run the ball and
control the clock?

That puts an awful lot of pressure on the defenses. 

"It's a huge game for us," said Fitchburg defensive end Mike
Ledger. "We need to start turning this season around. We
need a big 'W' here and I think if we work hard and come out
flying it's going to happen."

That same confidence was echoed in the voice of Dubzinski.

"We're looking at a very challenging game," he said. "We're
set and ready to go."

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