CHICOPEE — South Hadley finished off the football season with a 21-14 loss at Chicopee Comp on Thanksgiving.
Jack Dawson returned the opening kickoff 43 yards, but the Tigers weren’t able to capitalize on the good starting field position.
The Colts shut out South Hadley in the first three quarters, but the Tigers came roaring back in the fourth quarter to pull within one possession, ultimately falling short.
South Hadley coach Scott Taylor was proud of the way the Tigers played against a larger opponent in Comp.
“I thought our kids played hard,” Taylor said. “We’re two divisions below them. They’re twice or three times as big as us, but I couldn’t be more proud of our kids. They fought to the end.”
South Hadley (6-5) almost broke into the scoring column late in the first half but fumbled on the Chicopee Comp 4-yard line.
A few plays later, South Hadley senior Jason Fernandez grabbed an interception to stop the Colts’ drive and give the Tigers the ball back with under two minutes in the half. The Tigers’ defense fought hard, forcing four turnovers in the game.
South Hadley senior Chance Almonte led the Tigers in receiving, picking up 114 yards on five receptions. He also ran for a touchdown and picked up an interception.
The Thanksgiving game was the last game for 15 South Hadley seniors, including Almonte.
“We have a lot of great seniors,” Almonte said. “It’s like a brotherhood. Unfortunately, we couldn’t pull out a win, but I thought the seniors especially played well.”
Senior quarterback Ryan Mooney led the Tigers in rushing, racking up 94 yards on 19 attempts, including a converted 2-point attempt with 3 minutes, 1 seconds left in the 4th quarter.
He enjoyed the support from the community and alumni on the Thanksgiving game.
“It’s a tradition for all of us,” Mooney said. “Everyone comes out and watches us and supports us from each side, which makes the game important.”
Even though the Thanksgiving game may not have as much at stake as it used to, the teams still look forward to playing on the holiday.
Taylor recalled games in previous years and their importance to the teams in the past.
“It used to mean league standings, or decide championships, or who would get to the playoffs,” Taylor said. “Now it’s a great game. I enjoy playing Comp. They’re always well coached and a very good team. They went to state finals for a reason last year. It’s just a chance to play a local team, and we certainly look forward to it.”
This game marks the last game for the seniors.
“I’m going to miss them,” Taylor said. “They made up almost 50 percent of our roster, so it’s going to be tough to see them go. They laid a great foundation, and now it’s up to the younger kids to carry it forward.”