Tewksbury Redmen (4-6) MVC Small

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Wilmington Wildcats (8-2) Cape Ann League

Thursday, November 25, 2010 10 a.m.

 The Tewksbury Redmen (4-6) enter Thursday's annual Thanksgiving Day game against the Wilmington Wildcats (8-2) on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Chelmsford Lions last Saturday 28-7 in their biggest win of the season.

The Tewksbury and Wilmington Thanksgiving rivalry dates back over 75 years and Tewksbury holds the lead in the games played with a 42-29-7 all-time record.

The Redmen, who have battled key injuries all season, are  healthy, hungry and playing their best football of their season.

"We are pretty confident even though we lost to them last year," said senior Co-captain Anthony Arcari. "We have a lot of momentum and are hungry.

As the Redmen prepare for the Wildcats (8-2), they know they have a challenge on their hands.

"We've got to practice this week like this is our Super Bowl coming up against Wilmington," said Tewksbury Coach Brian Aylward.

Tewksbury's win over Chelmsford last week was special, as they received a spectacular effort from senior co-captain quarterback Sean Connolly (three touchdowns). Connolly, along with Arcari, David Gallato and Sean McCarthy make up the Tewksbury senior captains who will play in their final game for the Redmen.

Senior Ryan Vibber and juniors Chris Bettano and Kevin Saunders have also played key roles in the success of the Redmen this year.

"We got our work cut out for us," said Aylward. "This Wilmington team is tough as nails. They don't make mistakes on either side of the ball."

Wilmington defeated the Redmen, 34-22, in Tewksbury last year.

Wilmington, led by Coach Mike Barry, has a strong running game this year led by senior running back Kevin Moriarty and junior running back John Parsons. The Wildcat offensive line has also been playing well all season.

The Redmen should be familiar with Moriarty, as the senior ran for three touchdowns against them last year in the Wildcat's Thanksgiving Day victory.

Quarterback Sean Hanley had his best performance of the season last week when the Wildcats defeated Triton 49-14.  Hanley threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns last week and also had a 45 yard touchdown run in the win.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Wilmington.