ROCHESTER — “When you are thinking about what you are thankful for tomorrow, make sure you let your families know that you appreciate them,” said Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Head Football Coach Brandon Mendez to his team after a 43-8 victory on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The Cougars defeated Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School to win the “Cougar Cup” on a frigid Thanksgiving Eve night.

Old Colony scored four touchdowns in the first quarter alone to take a commanding 30-0 lead and never looked back.

With the win, the Cougars finish their successful season with a strong 9-2 record and a Mayflower Athletic Conference small division title.

Following the game, the two teams met at midfield and players of the game were named. Old Colony’s defensive player of the game was Matt Pitts. Stu Burnham took home the offensive player of the game award after rushing for over 100 yards while wearing a cast on his arm.

As they have all season, Old Colony featured an explosive rushing attack on offense that proved to be too big of a challenge for Tri-County.

The cold, wet conditions also played a factor. Tri-County continuously struggled with the exchange of the football between their center and quarterback.

Seven seniors put on an Old Colony football jersey for the final time. “Look at these seniors and realize what Old Colony football looks like. This is your last chance — take a nice hard look and think about it,” said Mendez to his team. “Embrace them and thank them for what they’ve done and for what our future is going to look like because of them.”

The Cougars reached the div. six Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association quarterfinals before suffering a 24-14 loss to Hoosac Valley on Nov. 11.

“I’ve told you internally but now all these people get to hear it; I can’t be more proud of the way you have handled yourselves all season long. No team could have done what you did with the amount of adversity you went through this season,” said Mendez.