The Hopkinton High School football team will look for a win against Ashland on Thursday to close out the season. PHOTO/TRICIA LACASCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

After the Hopkinton High School football team suffered a 28-13 setback against Oliver Ames on Nov. 15, coach Mark Sanborn had a message for his team leading into the final game of the season: Forget about everything that’s happened through the first 10 games.

“We told them to forget the records, put the injuries aside, it’s one game and two towns that know each other really well,” Sanborn said ahead of the annual Thanksgiving Day showdown with Ashland.

This year’s tilt marks the 100th meeting between the two border towns. Hopkinton has 54 wins in the series, but the Clockers got the better of the matchup in 2023. Sanborn said he is impressed with what he has seen from Ashland.

“They are really well coached, very physical, very aggressive,” he said. “We are going to have to be prepared and be organized and put our best players in positions to help them succeed.”

Sanborn said that Hopkinton will have to be disciplined on both sides of the ball and get stops on defense while controlling the time of possession on offense.

The Hillers will look to finish the season on a high note after posting a 2-8 record through the first 10 games. Sanborn said the team has seen its share of struggles, including having a small senior class, a number of season-ending injuries and a challenging schedule. But the players have not lost their spirit even amid the losses.

“I tell the guys every day that they are a great group to coach and to be around,” Sanborn said, praising the squad’s senior leadership.

“It’s a small class, but we knew coming into this season it was a quality group of kids,” he added. “They have set the tone, and we have never questioned their effort. Even though we haven’t seen the results we wanted, going out to the football field every day is my favorite part of the day.”

Hopkinton has had a number of bright spots this fall, including offensive standout Nick Pedroli. Due to injuries throughout the lineup, the senior has played wide receiver and running back and has even taken snaps at quarterback in recent weeks. He is leading the team in touchdowns and overall yards.

“He has grown into himself this year,” Sanborn said. “He has gotten more physical and more confident.”

Josh Buentello is another top weapon who has seen time at both wide receiver and running back.

“Those two have driven the offense,” Sanborn said.

On defense, senior Evan Fitzpatrick is leading in both tackles and sacks, and Sanborn said he also has seen more time on offense in recent weeks. The coach is hoping the team’s leadership and steady improvement will pay off in a much different environment than Hopkinton’s typical games. Instead of playing on a Friday night, the Hillers and Clockers will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday and, this season, Hopkinton will be the host. Sanborn said a win on Thanksgiving would “mean the world” to the team’s seniors.

“They have worked so hard and given it everything they have,” Sanborn said. “They would love to go out with a win on Thanksgiving, and I know they are going to prepare as hard as they can.”