’Berry big game on tap

November 5, 2001

By John Connolly, Boston Herald

BOURNE - Big-time football may feature trophy games such as the Old Oaken Bucket (Indiana-Purdue) and the Little Brown Jug (Michigan-Minnesota). But when it gets down to Division 3, it’s hard to top the Cranberry Bowl rivalry between Bridgewater State and Mass. Maritime Academy.

It’s why Bridgewater State ace running back Justin Fuller (hamstring) and safety John Farroba (left knee), both out with season-ending injuries, have attended every practice, handing out water and dispensing helpful hints to Bears teammates.

It’s why Mass. Maritime linebacker Mike Bois, the Buccaneers leading tackler (81), will seek permission from doctors today to be cleared to play despite the 12 screws that were inserted in his broken right hand as a result of an injury he suffered at Maine Maritime two weeks ago.

“For most of us, it’s going to be our last football game,” said Garrett Dyer, one of four Bears captains. “The season has gone by very fast, especially this last week. We just want to really enjoy it and make this a moment that I remember for the rest of my life.”

Added Mass. Maritime tri-captain Andy Hirko: “Every game is like a little battle, but it’s leading up to the Cranberry Bowl. It’s the biggest game of the year, and we, obviously, circle it. It’s the game we want to play every year. . . . We’re hoping this year to bring the scoop home.”

It was back in 1979 when legendary Bridgewater State coach Pete Mazzaferro concocted the idea for the Cranberry Bowl, enticing the Edaville Railroad to donate a cranberry scoop as the official trophy. Tomorrow (noon, Clean Harbors Stadium) will mark the 32nd Ocean Spray Cranberry Bowl.

The visiting Bears (5-4, 3-3 NEFC) are led by freshman quarterback Mike McCarthy, who has rushed for 485 yards and thrown for 737. Freshman Chris Constantine leads the receivers with 20 catches, including four for touchdowns. Junior linebacker Chris Chamberlin is the top tackler with 60.

The Buccaneers (4-5, 3-3 NEFC) are paced by junior back Matt White (611 yards, nine TDs) and freshman quarterback Mike Stanton (81-of-158, eight TDs, 11 INTs). A potential game-breaker is junior Nathan Sherr, who has battled injuries but has rushed for 1,046 yards.

“You go to practice and see guys click. Things we’ve been teaching for weeks, not just the basics, are starting to show up,” Bucs coach Jeremy Cameron said. “This game is our last hurrah. . . . We’ve been knocking on the door for a while. But I think Mass. Maritime’s time is coming.”

Bears center Chris Grande disagreed and pledged to return the scoop to Bridgewater. Farroba likened it to a sibling rivalry.

“It’s like the brother that you hate, always competing, always playing tough against each other,” Farroba said. ‘We’ve never had an easy game down here. It’s always memorable, too.”