VALLEY TECH LED BY A DYNAMIC DUO

Heading into this year's Thanksgiving bout with Nipmuc, its rival from not merely across town but across the street, the Valley Tech football team is in an unfamiliar position. For the first time since 2008, the Beavers are the underdogs. Valley Tech and Nipmuc first started their rivalry, with a game in 2007 which the Beavers won 22-21. The Thanksgiving series then started in 2008. Nipmuc won the first showdown 8-0, but Valley Tech won the ensuing six games. That changed in 2015. Much like the first game between the teams, things were close last year with Nipmuc prevailing 22-20. The loss to Nipmuc on Thanksgiving was the last game of a four-game losing streak that capped off the Beavers’ 2015 season. "It was kind of an issue last year," said coach Jim Archibald. "We just didn't have that locker-room presence that kept everyone in line." Archibald is hoping his coaching staff was able to correct what he perceived as the problem with last year's finish by naming senior quarterback Hector Petri and senior running back and special teams maven Kevin Barthelmes as captains for the 2016 season. "They've both been extremely important to our success this year, both on and off the field," said Archibald. "They lead by example and are our main producers on offense." For an example of just how important those two players are to the Beavers, one only need to look at their performances in Valley Tech's 34-33 Division 4A Central playoff loss to St. Bernard's on Nov. 5. Petri went 19-of-34 for 294 passing yards and three touchdowns while Barthelmes did almost everything — he scored touchdowns on a run, reception, and kickoff return, made seven tackles on defense, kicked three extra points, and had multiple kickoff returns of 30 yards. "Everything we do runs through them," said Archibald. "Hector is our field general. We run a zone read option offense with run-pass options with a lot of formations and plays. He's the one who has to get us in the right checks and get is in the right plays. If Hector isn't getting the ball then Kevin is." With such a clear impact on the field, it's just as important for Archibald that his two "partners in crime" have the same impact when the team isn't lacing up the cleats. "Those guys make sure everyone is ready to go day in and day out," said Archibald. "I very rarely have to address any issues." Another important factor has been that Archibald isn't involved with the Valley Tech school system, so he isn't always available to tackle any problems that might arise when he isn't present. "They kind of police themselves in the locker room," said Archibald. "For me, I don't work at the school so I rely on our captains to be an extension of the coaching staff. If someone can't make a practice, they go to the captains and Kevin and Hector then come to me. Those guys take their jobs as leaders very seriously." Even though Valley Tech will be trying to avenge its first loss to Nipmuc since 2008, Archibald hasn't changed his preparation when it comes to the Thanksgiving rivalry. "For us, we approach it the same every year," said Archibald. "It's our Super Bowl. It's a must-win for us and it's a great way to end your season." The game is certainly important for the graduating seniors, but it is just as important for the rest of the players and coaches. "(The game) is a culmination of a career for the seniors," said Archibald. "Our seniors have had a pretty good run and we want to send them off with a win. It's also a great way to build momentum for the offseason for the kids coming back." Since the shoe is on Valley Tech's other foot this year coming off its first Thanksgiving loss in six years, in this game, whether they are 10-0 or 0-10, the mission remains the same. "Thanksgiving is always a big game for us," said Archibald. "It's a game we take a lot of pride in playing. We lost last year and that hadn't happened in quite a while. “We want to try and reverse that this year. It won't be easy as Nipmuc is a great team, but we're excited for the challenge." Nipmuc hosts Valley Tech at Miscoe Hill Elementary School at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24.

VALLEY TECH LED BY A DYNAMIC DUO

Photo Credit: Jeff Porter

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