Tensions have been high ever since Scituate took the win in last year’s Division 4 Superbowl bowl over the Duxbury Dragons. These tensions were visible during Scituate’s home opener on Friday, September 16th–on and off the field. Fans packed the stands to watch the highly anticipated matchup. The Duxbury Dragons fans had no fear of the SHS student section when they decided to crowd the stands next to the SHS student section. 

The agitation increased, with “13, 14” and “Where’s your ring?” chants booming from Scituate students throughout the game. This even escalated to some choice words being exchanged by Duxbury and Scituate students post-match.

According to senior captain, Colin Morley, “The team was pumped up and ready to defend their Super Bowl title and put on a show for the fans.” But things took a turn for the worse when Duxbury capitalized on scoring touchdowns early in the game, leaving the Sailors trailing behind. 

Scituate Athletic Director, Scott Paine, revealed that “Duxbury had a countdown in their locker room,” pertaining solely to the rematch of their rivals, your very own, Scituate Sailors. Their exigence has been brewing since the dismal end of their season last year. Unlike Duxbury, Scituate has been on cloud nine since their 2021 Super Bowl victory. Going into Friday’s matchup, senior Devin Mankewich expressed that “they thought they were going to kill them but still knew it was going to be a tough game.”

This year, Scituate lost some star players, leaving the returning team very young and inexperienced compared to Duxbury, who maintained an experienced and disciplined squad. According to Morley, “Duxbury has a very good quarterback and many returning starters. We have a very young team with a lot of guys starting for the first time, so we are still trying to find our rhythm.” 

The September 16th game concluded with Duxbury coming out on top with a score of 44-22. Despite the loss, Scituate is looking forward to utilizing their team spirit and sense of community to finish the season strong. 

Mankewich and Morley have high hopes for their team moving forward. Scituate football is looking forward to their game against Quincy this Saturday, October 22nd, at 7:00 PM.