ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Brian Billingsley puts pads on the goal posts at Manning Field in preperation for Saturday’s game.
By HAROLD RIVERA
LYNN — Marcus Rivera’s improbable 83-yard kickoff return to lead Classical to stunning 21-20 victory over English on Thanksgiving Day would have been a great way to cap off the fall season at Manning Field.
His highlight went viral within hours and garnered attention from ESPN’S SportsCenter.
However, Manning Field’s season did not end with Classical’s stunner. With eight football state championship games scheduled for Saturday, six of those Super Bowls will be played at Gillette Stadium. That includes the battles for the crowns in Division 1A, 2, 2A, 3, 3A and 4. A pair of local teams will take the field at Gillette as Marblehead competes for the Division 2A state championship against Falmouth (3:30 p.m.), and St. Mary’s will play East Bridgewater (9 a.m.) for the Division 3A crown.
However, the marquee matchup in Saturday’s slate of games is the clash between Everett and Xaverian for the Division 1 state championship.
That’s the game that will take place at Manning.
Rich Avery, field facilities manager at Manning and Fraser fields, said that although Rivera’s kick return would have been a nice way to finish the season, he hopes Everett and Xaverian can bring another great game to Lynn.
“Hopefully there’s a little more magic to come this weekend,” said Avery. “It’s two of the best teams in the state, on one of the best fields in the state, so hopefully the game brings magic.”
Avery said Manning’s accommodations attracted the state athletic association to the field.
“We have the seating, for one,” Avery said. “We can seat about 4,500, not counting standing room areas. Parking is a premium but we do have some parking lots. The press box is an amenity for the press we’ll have that day. The flow at the front of the stadium allows people to be dropped off and picked up easily.”
Thus far, Avery said that the preparations for Saturday’s game are going well. He has worked with a number of local organizations, including the Department of Public Works and Lynn’s fire and police departments, all in hopes of ensuring a safe event.
“Preparations are going great,” Avery said. “I’m working with the DPW. Lisa Nerich and Jeff Stowell are helping me with everything I need.”
Avery said he is working with the police department to organize a traffic plan for the day. He’s also in close contact with the fire department, and both will be highly visible Saturday.
“I’m working with both schools (Everett and Xaverian) and the MIAA to make sure we’re ready for a great game on Saturday.”
Avery said 5,000 fans are expected to attend the game, so safety is a top priority.
“We’ve talked to Lynn Police many times,” Avery said. “A host of them will be here that day. I myself have a security staff that’ll be here that day. We have a policy of no backpacks to enforce that it’s a safe game.”
Avery has also worked with the police department to address traffic concerns. The two sides came together to map out a plan to ease traffic in the area. One of the measures include turning Locust Street into a one-way for the duration of the game.
Avery said the objective is to keep the local residents from being unduly inconvenienced.
He also spoke highly of the contributions from the organizations he’s worked with. Over time, he said, he’s built a close relationship with the MIAA in preparing for the Super Bowl.
“I’m new to this job and the MIAA has been great,” Avery said. “When I have questions they answer me right away. They invited me to meetings with both schools. Both teams have been great. We’re all trying to make this a great event.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. “I would advise people to get here early for parking purposes,” Avery said.
He also advised fans to consider purchasing tickets online to avoid waiting in line outside the stadium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.
Tickets can be purchased at www.gofan.co/app/schools/Miaa.
As for the game itself, Avery said “I know (Everett, and Xaverian are) two of the premier programs in the state. Both teams have a huge following of fans. It’s going to make for a great day, we’ll have great weather. I expect to see a great amount of people here that day.”
Harold Rivera can be reached at [email protected].