Tyngsboro High School’s senior football players are eager to build on their recent success as they prepare to face Ayer Shirley this Friday at home. The Tigers are coming off a strong 24-13 victory over Oxford, and the seniors are determined to secure a second consecutive win in their Mid-Wach E matchup, scheduled for 19:00.
The team’s head coach, Rob Beaudette, highlighted the growth of his players over the years. “When the seniors played at the youth level, they did not win many games and were trying to learn how to win,” he said. The current senior class, which includes captains TJ Bradford, Nico Fareta, Cole Latour, and Jaden Merwin, has shown resilience. Many have contributed to the team’s recent playoff appearances, having learned physical play while competing against junior varsity teams in middle school.
With the emergence of talented underclassmen, the senior players, including Nick Palumbo, Jacob Dorant, Shamus Mulligan, Jeremy Sanzo, Adrian Otieno, and Dawson Vosburg, are expected to lead the Tigers to victory. Beaudette noted, “We have veteran players on both sides of the ball that have been starting for two or three years. They are going to be expected to rely on their experience but also improve off of the last game individually in order to ensure a winning outcome.”
Ayer Shirley comes into this game off a 22-8 win against Littleton, bolstered by a formidable trio of running backs: Manny Gabino with 139 yards and one touchdown, Dylan Bergen with 68 yards and a touchdown, and Anthony Carpentier with 46 yards and another touchdown.
Beaudette acknowledged the challenge posed by Ayer Shirley, remarking, “They are a well-coached team that has a ton of pride and tradition in their program. They are low on numbers, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in effort and team chemistry.” He emphasized that Ayer Shirley’s offensive versatility, coupled with a mobile quarterback, could create tactical advantages.
On the defensive side, Ayer Shirley is led by defensive end Mathias Pallaird and linebacker Jake Pitsios, who recently showcased his skills with ten tackles in their opening game. Ayer Shirley’s head coach, Billy Naylor, addressed the challenges his team faces, stating, “As a squad, we have faced adversity with some injuries to an already short roster. For us to have a chance to win against Tyngsboro, we must eat the clock and get first downs. Defensively, we must tackle and not give up any big plays.”
As the season progresses, Tyngsboro’s upcoming match is part of a busy weekend for local teams, with several other games scheduled. On Thursday, Lowell Catholic will seek an upset against Whittier Tech. Friday’s highlights include Nashoba Tech facing Stoneham and Tewksbury taking on a strong Methuen team.
In other notable games, Chelmsford will visit Andover, while Westford Academy faces Billerica. The weekend will conclude with Lowell hosting New Bedford on Saturday.
In case you missed it, Wilmington recently secured a 26-6 win over Essex Tech, with standout performances from senior captain and linebacker Timmy Watson, who recorded two sacks. The offensive line, comprising Noah Matton, Adam Veliz, Josue Rivera, Watson, Gabe Borges, Nelvin Panackeel, and Pat DeLucia, effectively opened lanes for their running backs.
As the season unfolds, players such as Nashoba Tech’s sophomore running back Zack Deschenes, who has made headlines with five rushing touchdowns and two defensive touchdowns, will continue to be key players to watch. Shawsheen Tech’s James Banda also made a significant impact with three touchdowns in a recent win.
With the stakes high and competitive spirit in the air, Tyngsboro’s seniors are determined to maintain their momentum and secure another victory as they face Ayer Shirley.
