The Tanners’ football and cheer teams celebrated the 2024 season with their annual awards banquet at Spinelli’s Function Facility on Dec. 9.
At 4-4, the Tanners were the No. 11 seed in the Division 2 state tournament, where they lost to No. 6 Winchester, 35-27, on the road.
The Tanners finished the season 5-6, polishing off the year with a 33-7 win over Thanksgiving Day rival Saugus at Christy Serino Jr. Memorial Athletic Complex. Luke Maglione threw two touchdown passes, one to Anthony Silva (2 yards) and the other to Jayce Jean-Pierre (7 yards). Defense played a key role in the win as both Tyler Rappold (60 yards) and Jean-Pierre (67 yards) snagged pick sixes.Gabe Santos also scored (26-yard rush).
As is the custom at the annual banquet, several players received awards for achievements both on and off the field.
Cheer coach Angela O’Brien kicked off the festivities by handing out several awards recognizing the cheerleaders’ contributions and accomplishments. Michelle Norman received the Most Valuable Cheerleader Award. The Coaches Award went to Myah Nolan and the Unsung Hero Award went to Fallon Foley. Kate Kukas received the Most Dedicated Award and Paisley Cogliano received the Most Improved Award. Avani Ingham received the Rookie of the Year Award.
Next up, it was time for Tanners’ football coach Mark Bettencourt to take center-stage and recognize his players for their achievements.
Jimmy Festa received the team’s Most Valuable Player award. His season included being named to the Northeastern Conference All-Conference Team and a Daily Item All-Star nod. He and fellow Item All-Star Jayce Jean-Pierre were recognized at an awards ceremony at the Lynn Museum on Dec. 11.
Maglione and Caio Santos received Offensive Player of the Year Awards, while Silva and Jean-Pierre received Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
Jackson O’Brien and Dylan Annese received Top Offensive Lineman Awards and Matt Mastrocola received the Top Defensive Lineman Award. Former PVMHS Athletic Director Bob Bua received the Tanner of the Year Award.
The 12th Player Award went to Gabryel Santos. Jayden Betts and Mark Mendonca received co-Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards and Rappold and Matt Dresser received co-Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards.
Kyle Marron and Doryln Morel received Bruce A. Dick Unsung Hero Awards. Nathaniel Otor and Kaleb Corner received Coach’s Awards.
Corey Dooley received the William Dexter Award for the Best Junior. Jayden Cautillo and Angelo Bordonaro received Most Improved Player Awards.
The Peabody Lions Club Dedication Award went to Jordan Fuenzalida. Joey Smith received the Harrington Scholar-Athlete Award. Jacob Dermondy and Christos Wilkins received Al Craigen Team Spirit Awards. William Hyde and Karl Ndugnu received Scout Warrior Awards. Joaquim Chaves received the JV Most Valuable Player Award, while Joey Fagundes received the Freshman Most Valuable Player Award.
The Northeastern Conference All-Stars were announced. Dylan Annese, Festa, Maglione, Mastrocola and Jean-Pierre were named to the NEC All-Conference All-Star team, while Rappold and Silva received NEC League All-Star nods.
The captains of next year’s squad are Maglione, Corey Dooley, and Matt Dresser.
