The outcome of Wednesday’s game between North Shore Tech and Northeast Metro RVT will determine Chelsea High’s football team’s path on Thanksgiving morning. Should North Shore Tech upset the heavily favored Northeast Metro RVT, Chelsea could claim a share of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference title by beating Charlestown. Without that upset, the Red Devils will finish their season at 8-2 and secure victory in the inaugural Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Townies. Regardless of the conference implications, Thursday’s game represents a significant opportunity for Chelsea’s fourteen seniors to take the field in what may be the most memorable game of their high school football careers. Unless a Northeast loss sends the Red Devils to the playoffs, the game will mark the final appearance for captains Daniel Martinez, Nelson Molina, David Cortez, Felix Torres and Justin Saez, along with Paco Silva, Darius Carchado, Roberto Flores, Andrew Colon, Vanessa Alfaro, Priscilla Gonzale, Richard Martinez, David Romero and Abe Slitni.
Recent speculation suggested that Charlestown, mired in a winless season, might forfeit the contest. Such a decision would have left the seniors’ last memory as Chelsea’s disappointing 14-12 loss to Northeast on November 13. Head coach Mike Stellato expressed relief that the game would proceed, giving his team the opportunity to earn a victory rather than receive one by default. “It’s great for our seniors, and we’re happy that they’re going to get this opportunity,” said Stellato. “The kids have been working hard this week preparing for the game and they’re excited to get back on the field and finish on a good note. This is their day and we’re going to get as many of them in there as possible and get them the opportunity to suit up, one last time, as a Chelsea Red Devil.”
While Thanksgiving football games are known for their potential for surprises and upsets, Thursday’s matchup appears heavily tilted toward Chelsea. Charlestown has been shutout in all but one game this season and has surrendered a combined 118 points across their last three losses. Though close contests are always preferable for spectators, any victory would be welcome for the Red Devils, who have endured lopsided Thanksgiving defeats to Saugus High in each of the previous two years. “We haven’t had a good tasting turkey in the last two years,” Stellato joked. “We’ve been eating chicken instead.” A Red Devils victory would also represent Chelsea’s best win total since the 1995 Super Bowl championship season.