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Drew Bledsoe Addresses MIAA Super Bowl Teams at Gillette Stadium

By Logan Jakubajtys

Sep 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; A general view of Gillette Stadium prior to the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Massachusetts Minutemen. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; A general view of Gillette Stadium prior to the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Massachusetts Minutemen. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Tuesday morning, Gillette Stadium hosted representatives from  12 Eastern Massachusetts Super Bowl teams for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) state championship breakfast with special guest Drew Bledsoe.

The Super Bowl games kick off this Saturday, with six games being played at Gillette Stadium. The Division 1 matchup between Xaverian and Everett will be played at Manning Field in Lynn, while the Division 4A state final between Millis-Hopedale and Maynard  will be at Worcester State University. Tuesday’s breakfast was a way to congratulate each team, and to familiarize them with the Gillette Stadium script for Saturday. Patriots Hall of Famer Drew Bledsoe was the guest speaker for the event.

"“These games on Saturday, it’s not going to go perfect for any of you. I know it hasn’t gone perfect for any of you all year. Even getting to this point hasn’t gone perfect,” said Bledsoe. “You’re going to have to persevere – you’re going to have to rise above, you’re going to have to meet every challenge in order to be successful.”"

Before wishing them luck, Bledsoe wanted to emphasize a final point.

"“Guys, you’ve earned this. Nobody gets to play in a state championship game by accident.”"

After speaking, Drew Bledsoe moved around to speak individually with the teams and coaches. No one had expected Bledsoe to be the guest speaker and all were pleasantly surprised.

"“Then he came over and was talking with some of our guys, I had to run over and jump in with him,” said East Bridgewater coach Shawn Tarpey. “He was just an incredible player, so that was a really nice surprise for all of us.”"

After the breakfast, players had the opportunity to walk onto the field. For many, this was a first and an incredible experience.

"“This is the ultimate pay day, here at Gillette,” said Duxbury senior quarterback Bobby Maimaron. “It’s what we’ve been working towards since the beginning of the season, and hopefully we can go out on top with a win.”"

Paul Macrina, a senior captain from King Philip was in awe with his teammates at midfield.

"“It’s just kind of surreal. We’ve had this dream from the beginning of the year,” said Macrina."

Next: Thanksgiving High School Football Round-Up

The MIAA Eastern Massachusetts Super Bowl Lineup

Division 1: Xaverian vs. Everett, Dec. 3 at Manning Field, Lynn, 1 p.m.

Division 1A: King Philip vs. Reading, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 8 p.m.

Division 2: Duxbury vs. Shrewsbury, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 6 p.m.

Division 2A: Marblehead vs. Falmouth, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

Division 3: Hanover vs. Grafton, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 11 a.m.

Division 3A: St. Mary’s vs. East Bridgewater, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 9 a.m.

Division 4: Mashpee vs. Wahconah, Dec. 3 at Gillette Stadium, 1:30 p.m.

Division 4A: Millis vs. Maynard/Turner Falls, Dec. 3, at Worcester State, noon

Note: Gillette game times are approximate. Games will start 15 minutes after previous game.

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