Holidays are rolling in once again in late November. Many traditions are still being upheld within Hingham, including the holiday fair and the annual Turkey Trot. However, another wholesome tradition that many schools in the MIAA participate in every year is the Thanksgiving football game. In this final sendoff of the season, towns each partake in a non-conference game, seniors get to play one last time, families gather for a final game of the season, and a winner is announced before everyone sets their table to give thanks. This year, Hingham High School is going toe to toe with Scituate on their home turf. While Scituate has displayed strong defensive and offensive fronts, the Harbormen have some key assets in their back pocket as well.
Scituate Threats
The Sailors, led by Head Coach Herb Devine, have had an impressive season so far and will continue their onward push to the Division 4 state championship during the semifinals on November 22 against Grafton Memorial. Scituate has made a statement this year, going 11-0 on the season and being ranked number 2 in their division. They have had countless blow out games with 4 of them being shut outs. They even beat the team who knocked them out of the state championship last year, Hanover, a whopping 52-0. Now this does not just show a powerful offense that can break through any team, but it also displays a united defensive stand that will do everything in its power to give their offense the time it needs to get in the back of the end zone. On the defensive front, senior captain Wyllys Ames leads the pack as their middle linebacker. Number 66 is a steady presence for the sailors and is a reliable player that the team can turn to. The captain shows his leadership on the field as he and his defense hold off their opponents. While their defense poses a threat, it is their offense that teams are afraid of. Leading the players in the quarterback position is junior Jonny Donovan (#2). As a first year starting quarterback, Donavan has not disappointed his team in the slightest. He has great IQ on the field and loves to find his receivers whenever he can. Number 2 connects with senior Lawson Foley more than anyone else. Each game Lawson is a leader in stats which is not surprising considering how he plays. Many other Scituate players have contributed to their achievements this season and will continue to do so as they face the Hingham Harbormen.
Harbormen Assets
The Hingham Harbormen, led by Head Coach T.J. Byrne went 6-4 in their season and though the record does not look like it, the team played effectively together. The Harbormen did not let any opponent get an easy game as they fought to the very end. Hingham’s team has threats on both sides of the field showing their diversity and flexibility in their players. On the defensive side of the field two players stand out as great contributors. Junior Teddy Anderson (#14) is an outside linebacker, but he can also play in the defensive end position as well. Junior Charlie Shape (#24) is another strong defensive player who can be found in the defensive end position. These two juniors and countless others help the Harbormen hold their opponents off. A two-way player who makes ripples on both ends is junior Chase Beighley (#16). He has been stellar in helping the Harbormen defense make key stops. However, Beighley is also a go to player on offense. Beighley’s ability to be on the field the entire game has helped Hingham get wins under their belt. Countless other players besides number 16 help the offense including junior Jake Varholak (#6) in the QB position. Varholak is one of, if not the most versatile players that the Harbormen have. Number 6 is not just the quarterback; he is also the team’s punter and occasionally kicks for the team as well. When he is in the QB spot, he does everything. He can run it, if necessary, but he also has an arm and keen eyesight when it comes to finding his open players. His two most notable receivers in which he likes going to are junior Cavan Nicholas (#19) and sophomore JT Reale (#3). Both players are found in the wide receiver slots. When a large gain or a key touchdown is needed, these two players are where all eyes go to. Nicholas and Reale hold many of this season’s passing touchdowns and have given the Harbormen an advantage in the passing game. During those moments when passing the ball off is easier, senior Fin O’Brien (#1) is the man. O’Brien has shifty feet and excels in dodging anyone who is guarding him. The Harbormen have players up their sleeve in every position just waiting for the right moment to come out. Though Hingham is coming in as severe underdogs, their will to fight until the final time is unmatchable.
Player Insight
It is hard to say if the players are more nervous than excited for the upcoming game, so a couple of them were asked how they are going against a team like Scituate and what it means considering it is the last game of the season. Jake Varholak, an 11th grader at HHS, who plays for the football team responded with, “We’re excited to finish off our season and play one last time with the seniors. It would be nice to end with a win against Scituate.” Another football player for Hingham, Chase Beighley said, “We know Scituate is a tough team, but Thanksgiving football is all about pride, tradition, and leaving it all on the field. We are ready to bring our best no matter the odds, it’s going to be an exciting game.” Playing with the team and with the current seniors means a lot to the players of Hingham, and despite the outcome of it, they will put their best foot forward and give Scituate a run for their money.
