The 66th annual Thanksgiving rivalry game between Lynnfield and North Reading took place at Pioneer Stadium Thursday, but the hosts came up short as North Reading earned bragging rights with a dominant 49-0 win.
“We knew it was going to be a tough one. At the end of the day, we got some younger guys in to see what they could do. They played tough right until the end,” said Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta. “North Reading was in pretty good shape. They were a pretty impressive team this year. To play the last game of the season against a very good North Reading team is what we needed for our returners to calibrate what they need to do in the offseason to compete at that level.”
The Hornets outgained the Pioneers 237-100 through the air and 135-58 on the ground, finishing with a 365-158 edge in total net yards.
Despite the heavy loss, Lamusta used the game to give younger players some varsity experience. Lessons were learned Thursday and throughout the 3-8 season, according to Lamusta.
“Whenever you can get a chance to get young guys opportunities during an up-year, do it — it’s worth doing. In the push and pull of a season, it’s sometimes harder to train multiple guys for the same position,” Lamusta said. “If anything, if there are younger guys out there who are close, we try to find ways to get them opportunities earlier so they’re a little bit more seasoned for their junior years.
“I think the offensive line did a nice job with pass protection in the game, which gave us some opportunities down the stretch. Three sophomores and two juniors against an experienced North Reading line with their blitzing linebackers and our guys held their own: Dillon McKeough, Alex Amico, Anthony Fiore, Jackson Tranfaglia (sack), and Joe Rosa (sack) all did a great job in the game and improving over the course of the season.”
Lamusta highlighted his senior class and praised its work ethic across the years.
“It was great to see our seniors who were able to play in the game hustle and make plays one last time,” Lamusta said. “Spencer Liu had a couple nice runs and tackles. He went from barely knowing the game of football to a two-way starter.
“Matt Tracy did a solid job against a bigger offensive tackle. The North Reading defense was very stout, but any time we were able to break an explosive play, it was Dan Lemieux (4 catches, 57 yards) or Luke DiSilvio (2 catches, 35 yards) out there being competitive football players. Will Mandile stepped up on defense, offense, and special teams, and was a consistent player we could go to all year regardless of where we needed him. With a unique situation of injuries, these seniors were up to the task and willing to move positions to compete with North Reading. We are grateful for their team-first attitude.
“Tobin Ventolieri at outside linebacker, Alexander Morales, Will Mandile, and Kevin Keyes all played well for us all year. All of the seniors put in great efforts over the past four years and I’m proud of them for that.”
Lamusta also had special praise for his senior captains — Tracy, DiSilvio and Ben Gazit — for their leadership over the course of the 2025 season.
“Matt (1-for-4, 21 yards) played quarterback, tight end, and defensive end for us. He was an important vocal leader. He and Ben both battled injuries throughout the season. Ben was an anchor for the O- and D- lines all year and truly helped shape this young group, but couldn’t play in the game. Regardless of the ups and downs, they all just kept fighting.
“Luke showed some spark for us throughout the season. On a lot of our big plays, he was the one able to make them pop.”
Sophomore Spencer Brown completed 9-of-20 passes for 79 yards and also ran for 30 yards on three carries. Liu picked up 17 yards on six carries and Nolan Luong picked up 13 yards on five carries.
