Saugus football team closes season with loss to Peabody, reflects on seniors’ lasting impact

By Dom Nicastro

The Saugus High School football team wrapped up its 2024 season with a 33-7 loss to Peabody in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Despite the defeat, the day was a testament to the resiliency and leadership of the Sachems’ senior class, whose efforts have set the stage for a brighter future.

Peabody entered the game as a formidable opponent, showcasing its trademark size and physicality on both sides of the line. Saugus struggled to find an offensive rhythm against a Tanner defense that forced four interceptions, including two pick-sixes. The Sachems’ lone bright spot came in the second quarter when Ryan Shea reversed the field on a 9-yard touchdown run, capitalizing on a key block from Jordan Rodriguez. The score trimmed Peabody’s lead to 13-7, offering hope to the Saugus sideline.

However, the momentum shifted back to Peabody after a turnover led to another score, leaving Saugus trailing 20-7 at the half. The Tanners’ relentless defense and punishing ground game sealed the 33-7 victory.

This loss marked the Sachems’ 10th consecutive Thanksgiving Day defeat to Peabody, extending a series that has tilted heavily in the Tanners’ favor in recent years. The all-time series now stands at 50-28, with Peabody leading the Thanksgiving Day series 48-26 since its inception in 1947.

  The 2024 Sachems were anchored by a small but impactful senior class that included Cody Munafo, Connor Bloom, Wilderson Lafortune, Samy Chahid and Kiki Raymond. Head Coach Steve Cummings praised their leadership and influence on a team brimming with underclassmen. “We asked a lot of these kids,” Cummings said. “We had more freshmen and sophomores on the field than juniors and seniors. These seniors took on the enormous task of showing the younger players how to handle the rigors of varsity football.”

Spotlight on the seniors

• Cody Munafo: A two-way standout at middle linebacker and running back, Munafo was described by Cummings as the “heart and soul” of the team. “Pound for pound, you won’t find a tougher player,” Cummings said. His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball will leave a big void in 2025.
• Connor Bloom: Transitioning from a special teams role to a defensive leader, Bloom became a cornerstone for the Sachems. Known for his commitment, Bloom was often seen supporting teammates at JV games, embodying a true team-first mentality.
• Wilderson Lafortune: The lone senior on the offensive line, Lafortune shouldered the responsibility of guiding an inexperienced unit. “It was him and a bunch of underclassmen, and he did an outstanding job showing them the ropes,” Cummings said.
• Samy Chahid: A latecomer to the sport, Chahid made meaningful contributions on defense, stepping up when the team needed him most.
• Kiki Raymond: Another player who joined the team later in his high school career, Raymond’s growth and dedication symbolized the spirit of the senior class.

Cummings emphasized that the seniors’ influence would resonate in the years to come. “Their fingerprints are all over this program,” he said. “Everything the younger players accomplish in the next few years will be a direct reflection of this senior class.”

  Despite finishing the season at 3-8, the Sachems have a solid foundation to build upon. With key players like quarterback Eli Fialho, receiver/quarterback Jordan Rodriguez and dynamic playmaker Ryan Shea set to return, the team’s future looks promising. “Our younger players gained invaluable experience this year,” Cummings said. “We’re coming into next season with a lot of guys who’ve played significant snaps, and we’re already ahead of where we were last year at this time.”

  While the Thanksgiving Day loss stung, it was a day to celebrate the journey of the seniors and the potential of the program. As Saugus looks to 2025, the lessons learned this season and the groundwork laid by this senior class will be the foundation for a new chapter. “Our focus now is on getting into the weight room, improving and coming back stronger,” Cummings said. “This year’s seniors have shown us what it means to lead, and now it’s time for the next group to pick up the torch.”