Football Pats gear up for Thanksgiving showdown against rival Winthrop

By Dom Nicastro

Revere High School’s football team closes its season with one of Massachusetts’ oldest and fiercest rivalries: the Thanksgiving Day matchup against Winthrop. The Patriots (5-5) will travel to Miller Field on Thursday, Nov. 28, to face a surging Vikings squad (6-4) in what promises to be an exciting chapter in the rivalry’s storied history. Kickoff is at 10 a.m.

  The rivalry between Revere and Winthrop began in 1913 and has spanned over a century, with only brief interruptions. Winthrop leads the all-time series, having dominated several decades, including a stretch from the 1970s to the early 2000s.

However, Revere has turned the tide in recent years, winning several Thanksgiving contests in the 2010s. Last year, Winthrop came out on top, blanking Revere 22-0.

“This is the biggest game of the year, no matter what,” said Revere Head Coach Lou Cicatelli. “You throw the records out when it’s Revere and Winthrop. It’s the Super Bowl for both towns.”

  The Vikings are coming off a 42-24 win over KIPP Academy and have won three of their last four games. Their 5-3 regular season earned them a spot in the Division 6 playoffs as the No. 12 seed, though they were eliminated in the opening round by Abington.

Winthrop’s offense is led by junior running back Seth Sacco, who has consistently impressed with his speed and elusiveness. Sacco has had multiple standout performances this season, including a 200-yard, three-touchdown game against Gloucester. Senior captain Will Murphy has also been a game-changer, contributing both on offense and defense. He amassed more than 200 all-purpose yards and a critical interception in a win over Salem earlier this year.

“Sacco is their go-to guy,” Cicatelli said. “He’s shifty, strong, and tough to bring down. Their quarterback throws a good ball, and their offensive and defensive lines are very fast. They’re a well-balanced team.”

  Revere is looking to bounce back after a 41-6 loss to Wakefield ended its five-game winning streak. The Patriots’ strong midseason surge included victories over Boston Latin and Everett, the latter marking their first win over the Crimson Tide in 33 years.

Despite the loss to Wakefield, Cicatelli sees an opportunity for redemption and a chance to end the season on a high note. A win on Thanksgiving would give the Patriots a winning record and add to the momentum they’ve built this year. “The kids have worked hard and stayed resilient,” Cicatelli said. “If we can finish with a win, especially against a rival like Winthrop, it would be a special ending to the year.”

It certainly would. It would mean five out of six wins to close out the season.

Revere will once again lean on its standout players to deliver a strong performance. Senior Geovani Woodard has been a powerhouse all season, rushing for over 1,200 yards and adding several receiving touchdowns. Quarterback Danny Hou has provided leadership and dynamic play, including key touchdowns on both offense and defense. Running back Yousef Benhamou has also been a reliable contributor, consistently racking up rushing yards and finding the end zone.

“Our offense has been effective because everyone knows their role,” Cicatelli said. “We’ve got a lot of talent, and we’ll need every bit of it against Winthrop.”

  Both teams are playing some of their best football of the season, setting the stage for a competitive and emotional game. For the seniors on both sides, it’s a chance to leave a lasting mark on one of Massachusetts’ great high school football rivalries.

“It’s always a tough game in their neck of the woods,” Cicatelli said. “But I can promise you, we’ll be ready.”

Turkey Day Post-COVID

2023: Winthrop 22, Revere 0.

2022: Winthrop 25, Revere 6.

2021: Revere 16, Winthrop 13.