By ALEX SPONSELLER

The Pilgrim and Toll Gate football teams are set for another Beacon Bowl showdown on Thanksgiving morning and each will be plenty motivated to get a win in the final game of the season.
The Pats have won the past four meetings between the teams, with Toll Gate’s last Beacon Bowl win coming in 2017. The game was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and Johnston replaced Toll Gate in the 2021 game.
Toll Gate finished the season with one win in Division IV while Pilgrim reached the DIII semifinals. Pilgrim is not only looking to extend its Thanksgiving win streak, but it’s also looking to bounce back after falling in the playoffs to eventual champion Ponaganset.
“It’s always a big game for us, it’s different this year as seniors. It’s important because we want some closure after the way things ended,” said Pilgrim running back Jacob Soulliere.
The Titans are not focused on the underdog label and are hoping to stick to their game plan on Thursday.
“As a team, you think about that stuff but it doesn’t really affect you. Of course you want to break the streak, but you have to just play your game,” said Toll Gate’s Stephen Amargo.
On the flip side, Pilgrim quarterback Carter Clifton expects the Titans to be hungry and to come out swinging.
“They’re going to come in with nothing to lose, so we’ve got to remember that we’re all human and a blind squirrel will find the nut once in awhile,” Clifton said.
Shutting down Toll Gate’s stable of running backs will be key, according to Pilgrim’s defensive captain Chris Maniatakos.
“Their running game, we’re looking to shut down the run game. They’ve got a few backs that can really run well, guys like Shane Moro,” said Maniatakos.
The game will also carry some significance outside of the rivalry, as it is the last game to be played at Pilgrim’s historic Morry Field.
“There’s always pressure, but we’re comfortable, especially with it being at home. We’ll be ready to play,” said Maniatakos.
Pilgrim’s Hunter Schobel added: “We’re going to open up the playbook and have some fun. The biggest thing is that this is our last game on the Morry. This is our home, we’ve grown to love it and I’m glad that I don’t have to play without it.”
The Toll Gate seniors are looking forward to playing one more game with one another and to hopefully see their hard work this season pay off.
“This is everything we’ve worked for and this is important for us especially, to have one more chance to leave it out on the field one last time. It’s emotional, you put so much time into it but so much good comes from it. It’s definitely going to be emotional looking back on those memories,” said Toll Gate’s Jack Colvin.
“We’ve been through a lot together. Coaching changes, injuries, losses, some great wins. Well remember a lot and I hope we stay in touch,” said Toll Gate’s John Ricci.