About to put their undefeated record on the line for the Eastern Massachusetts Division III championship, the Blue Raiders football team was given a loud sendoff at the end of the school day Friday.
The team marched into the gym chanting, “We are Raiders,” which the whole school-full of students later echoed through the gym. Against Beverly at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, the 12-0 Blue Raiders have “an opportunity most people only dream about,” athletic director Kim Sousa said: becoming champions.
The pep rally was about the supporting cast — the band and the cheerleaders — as it was the football team.
Stars of the football team were introduced by coach Nick Freitas, and the cheerleaders were introduced one-by-one, with each performing a move after their name was called. The whole gym clapped along as the band played, and gym teacher Ann Mollicone tried her best to get the wave started.
It’s already been a memorable football season, Sousa said. “Let’s do a little recap,” she said, listing the highlights of all 12 wins, from the first victory over Dighton-Rehoboth in September to the second victory over D-R this week to advance to the Super Bowl. “This brings us to the championship at Gillette Stadium,” Sousa said, eliciting a roar from the crowd.
Principal R.W. Pineault marveled at how the chance of an undefeated season had brought the whole school together. “Win one for the Raiders!” he yelled.
The football team caught the attention of town officials this week.
Selectmen Chairman William Meehan called out to the team and said “Go Raiders” at Wednesday’s meeting, and on Thursday School Committee member Donald Rebello commended the team for its sportsmanship, which has earned it a reputation in the league.
It’s “extremely impressive” to be in the Super Bowl, Rebello said, but “even more impressive” to be recognized for its sportsmanship.
Source:wickedlocal.com
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