Thanksgiving Game Preview: D-S vs Medfield

Thursday’s Turkey Day tilt between Dover-Sherborn and Medfield will feature all of the above as both teams meet for the 46th time Thursday at 10 a.m. at Medfield’s Calvin George Fisher Memorial Field.

With nothing left to play for beyond pride and the final score, game 13 on the schedule is the biggest of the season for both schools.

“Thanksgiving week is a special week in Massachusetts,” said Medfield head coach Erik Ormberg. “The games this week are a culmination for many teams. “A lot happens on Thanksgiving and I think the Medfield/D-S rivalry has been special because of the community and competition surrounding the teams.”

Here’s a closer look into Thursday’s game:

Rivalry:

Prior to Thursday’s game, Medfield and Dover-Sherborn have met 45 times on Thanksgiving. The towns border each other and carry a sense of community and school pride whenever these two schools meet on the field, ice rink or basketball court.

Familiarity, as they say, breeds contempt, which ultimately forms rivals. After 45 football games against one another, it’s obvious these teams know one another.

Bragging Rights:

Medfield currently leads its Thanksgiving Day series with D-S, 24-17-4 but D-S has won the last two meetings, including last year’s 14-9 victory over the Warriors in Dover. Here’s a look at the last seven meetings between the two schools:

• 2010-D-S, 14-9
• 2009-D-S, 28-12
• 2008-Medfield, 28-12
• 2007-Medfield, 21-0
• 2006-Medfield, 34-0
• 2005-Medfield, 28-13
• 2004-D-S, 35-34

Game Day Preview:

Medfield and Dover-Sherborn endured similar seasons in terms of overall records and results against common opponents. As a result, neither team will be advancing to the playoffs this year, putting even more emphasis on Thursday’s season finale in Medfield.

“We do match-up well [against Dover-Sherborn],” Ormberg said. “We've been throwing the ball a lot more lately given Alex Opiela's success finding receivers on the run. We feel as though we have three big threats at wide receiver in Jake Mintz, TJ Valente and Tim Bernard.  The offensive line has stabilized as of late and we hope to control the line of scrimmage and stay disciplined when D-S blitzes and to
tackle well for four quarters. The efforts of Ife Adebayo, Doug Nelson, Greg Rose and Conor Davis have allowed Alex to connect with receivers.”

Despite a 3-7 record (2-2 in Tri-Valley League Small Division), D-S has made significant improvements on the field over the last three weeks.

“D-S has been playing great lately,” Ormberg said. “They hung with Westwood, losing 7-0 (Nov. 4). Their offensive coordinator is a former Westwood coordinator and their head coach is a former assistant at Westwood. The D-S staff put together a great game plan and limited Westwood in all phases of the game."

The Raiders’ progress over the last three weeks culminated in a 48-19 victory over Ashland on Nov. 11.

“D-S handed it to Ashland even though they had a few kids out with injuries,” Ormberg said. “With an extra week to prepare, I imagine D-S will come at us with a double tight and spread formation. They will play an aggressive 44 defense similar to Medway.”

As for the players Medfield will be looking to contain, D-S’ Billy Polk tops the list.

“Billy Polk is a hardnosed running back,” Ormberg said. “Their success is relative to his success. Their quarterback, [Will Scatchard], makes great decisions with their zone read and throws a good ball. D-S is a balanced threat to run and pass. Aaron Oberst is a formidable two-way lineman.”

To counter Dover-Sherborn’s offense, Ormberg stressed the importance of doing something his defense has not been able to do much of this season – force turnovers.

“We need to take the ball away defensively,” Ormberg said. “We haven't had as many takeaways as we'd like this year. That will be a point of emphasis.”

Predictions:

Dover-Sherborn 24, Medfield 21

The Raiders have struggled mightily on offense at times this season. However, in their last game, they put up 48 points in a, 48-19, victory over Ashland. Quarterback Will Scatchard had his best game of the season and D-S added six rushing touchdowns in the game. That game may have given them the confidence booster they need to keep their offense clicking. The Raiders defense has been highly susceptible to giving up the "home run" play all season long. So don't be surprised if Medfield scores on a quick strike or a big run play. My prediction is that the Raiders offense carries over from their last game and their defense gives up one fewer big play than usual in order to get the Turkey Day win. – Ben Paulin, Dover-Sherborn Patch local editor.

Medfield 28, Dover-Sherborn 21

Look for Medfield to turn in its best effort of the season in an emotional and exciting game that will honor 15 seniors in the program, including captains Alex Opiela and Ife Adebayo. Expect Opiela to have a big day connecting with receivers and fellow seniors TJ Valente, Jake Mintz and Tim Bernard. Sam Tawa has returned to the Medfield backfield and will look to get the Warriors’ running game going behind the blocking of Greg Rose and Adebayo. On defense, a forced turnover by the Warriors may prove to be the difference. This game will be close as D-S will provide plenty of challenges on both sides of the ball but simply put, the Warriors win when they score over 20 points and on Thanksgiving, I expect that to happen. ­­– Jeremie Smith, Medfield Patch local editor

Dover-Sherborn 2011 Results:

Record: 3-7, 2-2

Sept. 9 @ Nauset, 41-7, L

Sept. 16 vs. Northeast,

Sept. 23 @ Holliston,

Sept. 30 @ Bellingham,

Oct. 6 @ Hopkinton,

Oct. 14 @ Medway,

Oct. 21 vs. Millis/Hopedale,

Oct. 28 vs. Norton,

Nov. 4 vs. Westwood, 7-0, L

Nov. 11 vs. Ashland,

Medfield 2011 Results:

Record: 2-8, 0-4

Sept. 9 vs. Oliver Ames,

Sept. 16 @ King Philip,

Sept. 23 @ Ashland,

Sept. 30 vs. Holliston,

Oct. 6 vs. Westwood,

Oct. 15 vs. Bellingham,

Oct. 21 @ Norton,

Oct. 28 @ Medway,

Nov. 4 vs. Hopkinton, 27-7, L

Nov. 11 @ Millis/Hopedale,