Tanners Erase 21-Point Deficit to Stun Classical

In a comeback for the ages, the football team rallied from a 21-point first half deficit to defeat Lynn Classical Friday night, 30-27, at the new Manning Field. (It was almost the in the "Football Friday" column this week on Peabody Patch.)

Sean Wlasuk's 26-yard field goal with 4:54 to play proved to be the game-winner, but there was plenty of drama after that boot. The Rams drove all the way to the Peabody seven-yard-line with 37 seconds to play, but Peabody senior Joey Brennan scooped up a fumble out of the air from Classical QB John Finnigan to end it.

"It's right on the top of the list of all the great victories that I have been involved with," said Peabody coach Scott Wlasuk afterward. "To win a game like this, to come back like this, and to then make a stand like that it's one of the greatest victories I have ever been involved in both as a coach and a player at Peabody High School."

The loss ended a five-game losing skid for the Tanners (1-4, 4-5) and represented their first win in the conference.

Jason Hiou had a career day for the Tanners rushing for a pair of scores (8 and 14 yards), while connecting with his favorite receiver, Nick Ingham, for the other two scores on passes of 34 and 51 yards.

With the win Peabody can now salvage a .500 season with a win at Saugus on Thanksgiving.