Feast of victory for Old Rochester football at Thanksgiving rivalry
Henry Berry, right, and Quinn Chisholm, center, jump for the ball. Photos by Mari Huglin
James Devoll punts the ball.
The offensive line waits for a play to begin.
Connor Nelson passes the ball to Benjimin Baptiste for a run.
Connor Nelson looks for a pocket.
Tucker Roy blocks for Connor Nelson.
Connor Nelson sees the pocket.
Connor Nelson and Benjimin Baptiste wait for the snap.
Connor Nelson heads into the pocket for a touchdown.
Connor Nelson gets some yards.
Cameron Pepin scores a touchdown.
Both teams head for a fumbled ball.
Connor Nelson looks for an open pass.
Henry Berry, right, and Quinn Chisholm, center, jump for the ball. Photos by Mari Huglin
James Devoll punts the ball.
The offensive line waits for a play to begin.
Connor Nelson passes the ball to Benjimin Baptiste for a run.
Connor Nelson looks for a pocket.
Tucker Roy blocks for Connor Nelson.
Connor Nelson sees the pocket.
Connor Nelson and Benjimin Baptiste wait for the snap.
Connor Nelson heads into the pocket for a touchdown.
Connor Nelson gets some yards.
Cameron Pepin scores a touchdown.
Both teams head for a fumbled ball.
Connor Nelson looks for an open pass.
LAKEVILLE — Old Rochester Regional High School closed their season with a win at the annual Thanksgiving rivalry game against Apponequet Regional High School.
The Bulldogs took the field Thursday, Nov. 27 at Apponequet High School, scoring early in the first quarter. The Bulldogs managed 5 turnovers and ended the game with a score of 47-8.
Senior Captain Tucker Roy said he was grateful for the win in one of the most important games of the season. “It's probably the biggest game of the year, even with the playoffs. It means a lot to everyone,” said Roy.
Old Rochester was ranked 13 in the Division 6 MIAA tournament this year and lost to Hudson High School Nov. 14 in the Elite 8.
Going into the rivalry, Old Rochester had a record of 19 wins. However, Apponequet has the record of rivalry victories on Thanksgiving with 24 wins.
Head Coach Bryce Guilbeault said he was proud of his team coming together, even after losing in the playoffs.
“We struggled early in the first quarter on offense and then as we settled in,” said Guilbeaut. “I felt like we decided to dominate them up front and…made a lot of plays out there.”
Guilbeault is happy his seniors were able to lead the team to victory seeing as it's their last game.
“When you lose [on Thanksgiving], it leaves a sour taste in your mouth for nine months. It's been three years in a row that we haven't won, so it's nice to get back and win,” said Guilbeault.
Hoping for next season to be even stronger, Guilbeault reflected on his seniors, saying he was sad to see them go, but that he was proud of what they accomplished and how well the younger athletes have stepped up.
“[The seniors] have left the program better than when they found it as freshmen and that's always a goal in life, for things to be better than how you get them,” he stated.
Roy explained the team stayed together and was more physical, out hitting Apponequet, leading them to victory.
“We were just playing great defense and putting pressure on them, so they made mistakes and we capitalized,” said Roy.
Roy said he was not just playing for himself or the team, but wanted to win for Coach Guilbeault and his father, an assistant coach on the team.
“We did it for our coach Paul Guilbeault, our head coach's dad. He's been in the hospital all season. This is what he wanted, so we did it for him,” said Roy.
