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Peabody has tons of motivation

Tuesday, September, 04 By Bill Kipouras
Staff writer

It has been nearly 50 years | yes, a half century | since Peabody High's football program suffered three consecutive losing years.

"Is that right?" asked junior quarterback Tom Ciulla. "I don't think anyone (on the team) is aware of that. It definitely gives us more motivation."

Two nightmarish seasons (4-6 and 1-9) the past two years have the Tanners hungering for a return to respectability as they approach a new chapter in their 107-year grid history: a long overdue marriage with the Northeastern Conference. Ciulla, brother of Peabody West Little League home run king Genaro Ciulla, isn't predicting a grand slam comeback for the Tanners this fall. That wouldn't make sense, given the fact that last fall's one-win campaign was such a downer, including the program's first loss to former holiday foe Saugus since 1988.

Peabody folks at that final game left early, totally frustrated and not sure if their once-beloved Tanners would cross the 50-yard line. Change was inevitable. The Tanners scored 11 TDs in a 10-game season, only seven via the rush. Things can only improve under new head coach Dick Woodbury, a 62-year-old Peabody High math teacher and fisherman who has already hooked a batch of fans | especially his players. They asked him to apply when former coach Paul Uva stepped down after two seasons.

Woodbury believes in his players, and they've totally embraced him and his program. Never mind the last time Peabody had three straight losing seasons (1956-58, going 3-6, 1-6-1 and 0-8, respectively). It's a clean slate for the 18 Tanner lettermen, including 13 returning starters. The coach feels strongly he'll have a competitive football team.

"The kids will be mentally and physically tougher, a trademark of Peabody football," he said. "I have confidence in this team; it's a great group. They thank you after practice. There's a different attitude. These kids want to succeed.

"The kids and the coaches are serious about bringing back old time Peabody High football," Woodbury said. Make that hard-nosed, smashmouth football.

"Our summer work is going to pay off," Ciulla said. "The whole team is excited. It's a new beginning, like a rebirth of Peabody football. Nobody is yelling at each other. The coaches push you, and we will be better physically.

"For two years it was hit and wrap in practice, and they'd blow the whistle," Ciulla added. "We didn't have any (consequential) contact. Now we have tackling drills."

Ciulla became the number one quarterback, and former QB Scott Diefenbach got his wish to become a running back. Kevin Skop, Luke Moran, Dulu Gaye and Josh Green are others to watch on offense.

Linebackers Paul Hardigan and Paul Bettencourt can make a difference defensively. Anthony Panopoulos is a top two-way lineman, while guard Joe Moroney is an all-star and tackles Chris Nicosia (240) and Matt Shattuck (275) will be tough to move.

Last year's record: 1-9

Head coach: Dick Woodbury (1st year)

Captains: Scott Diefenbach and Joe Moroney

Style of offense: Multiple

Style of defense: 4-4

Last winning season: 2002

Last league title: 2000 (9-1, won Greater Boston League)

Did you know?: Peabody will play its first-ever league game as a member of the Northeastern Conference on Friday, Sept. 28 when it plays visiting Danvers High for the first time since 1934.