Walpole’s Varsity Football closed out their season with their annual Thanksgiving game against the Weymouth Wildcats. This game resulted in a win for Walpole’s home team, however, they fell short to the Mansfield Hornets the week prior. This final four game was a face off between the number 2 and 10 seeds in an attempt to secure a spot in the Division III Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. Despite the team’s remarkable efforts during the postseason, the game resulted in a tough loss with a score of 42-28. Even with the loss, the season gave players and coaches the time to reflect on what they have accomplished.
“I am most proud of the players and how they battled all year through injuries, losing tight games, but always showing up each week with a goal in mind to get back to Gillette,” Head Coach Chris Sullivan said.
Sullivan has been a part of the Walpole football program since 2018 and led the team to compete in the Division III Super Bowl last year. He expressed his gratitude for his team and how proud he was of how much this team has put into the season. Starting the year off with a 1-3 losing record, the team turned around their season by challenging themselves in crucial moments, winning games against Milton, Hingham and Billerica.
“My favorite part of this season was winning against Milton and Billericca. Winning against Milton was awesome because they beat us in the superbowl last year and winning against Billericca was huge because we beat the number two seed as a 10 seed which nobody thought we could do,” senior Captain Aiden Abate said.
Defying expectations two years in a row, the Walpole Football program is setting themselves up for success in the future. With their freshman team having a record of 8-2, and consistently playing a select group of sophomores on the varsity field, giving the program talent to utilize in the coming season
“I hope that in the near future the young guys can go on and win a Super Bowl. We are long overdue and I can see it happening soon,” Abate said.
Despite the unwanted outcome, this season ultimately had a lasting effect not only on the program, but its players too. The program has taught students how to work hard, achieve mental toughness and taught lessons that will last a lifetime.
“Being a part of Walpole football has made me who I am today. I have made many great friends throughout the years and I have been taught hard work and discipline,” Abate said.
Walpole football will return near the end of August 2025. But with all being said, congratulations to the football team for an accomplished season, and fans should be ready to show their support next season.
