HOLDEN — Ask any player, coach or supporter of the Wachusett Regional High football program what could be better than defeating rival Shrewsbury High on Thanksgiving Day, and the results might surprise. Yes, victory is plenty satisfactory, but coming from behind to win when dark clouds are about to be set upon is a turkey-day treat that’s hard to equivocate.
The Mountaineers treated their fans to a win, 31-22, on Thanksgiving with a nail-biter to close out the 2023 season at 5-6. The team now sets its sights on regrouping for next fall, with a cast of motivated players looking to make the campaign a successful one.
“This was very satisfying, especially on Thanksgiving Day. It’s great to win these kinds of games,” said WR/DE Grayson Baker, who is West Point-bound following graduation. “There’s no place I’d rather be than here on the field battling with my teammates.”
“The rivalry between us goes really deep,” added RB/DE Mitchell Donkor. “This meeting was the 80th between the teams. We wanted this win, and we had to go and get it. They weren’t going to give it to us, so we had to work for it.”
The Mountaineers took advantage of visiting Colonials mistakes early on, including a fumble recovery on the second play from scrimmage that set up a touchdown. Nate Roy took it in from 2 yards out to put the Mountaineers on the board.
Another gaffe for Shrewsbury came in the second quarter, when a punt attempt snap from center sailed past the punter, allowing Wachusett’s Stone Lane to pounce on the loose ball in the Colonials’ end zone for the score.
What would prove to be the game-clinching score came on a 4-yard toss from QB Dillon Harper that carried junior receiver Alex Zeco into the end zone to put his team up 24-22. RB/LB Logan Dennett added insurance with a 2-yard touchdown run that advanced the lead to 31-22 as time ran down in the final quarter.
“I couldn’t believe I caught it,” said Zeco. “I got hit mid-play, bobbled it, and I was on the ground and it was in my hands.”
“I’m thankful to be part of this program,” said WR/LB Ethan Blomquist of his team’s come-from-behind victory. “This was a great team win. It was tough and gritty. We never quit, and we all look to bring positive energy.”
“This season was kind of a roller-coaster season, not exactly what we wanted, but the end goal is to beat Shrewsbury on Thanksgiving, and we did that, so that’s a success,” added Donkor.
Another standout for Wachusett was sophomore Jack Hehir, who converted a 27-yard field goal and three extra points.
Other awards presented included game MVP named in honor of Dr. Thomas Pandiscio, retired WRSD school superintendent and WRHS principal, to Grayson Baker; the Wally Massey Offensive MVP named in honor of longtime Wachusett Assistant Football Coach and Pop Warner Executive Director Wally Massey to Ethan Blomquist; and the Mark D. Wilde Defensive MVP Award named in honor of longtime WRHS Assistant Football Coach and Pop Warner Coach Mark Wilde to Mahkye Anthony. The game ball was presented to Brian Pupecki.
Sachs Jewelers once again this year sponsored the game-day trophy and presented to Wachusett.
Members of the 2023 Wachusett Regional High varsity football team included seniors Mitchell Donkor, Ben Domineck, Dillon Harper, Grayson Baker, Stone Lane, Ethan Blomquist, Brian Pupecki, Chris Smith, Brady Westerlind, Mahkye Anthony, Blaise Zsidisin, Sam Kostantin, Logan Quirk and Matthew Vigeant.
