WALPOLE – Doug Cantrell and Chris Mackenzie had their time as a part of the famend Walpole soccer program.
More than three many years later, they’re relishing within the success of their sons.
Noah Mackenzie has blossomed into one of many premier quarterbacks within the state. Cash Cantrell has adopted in his father’s footsteps and change into one of many higher receivers for a Timberwolves’ group competing within the Div. 3 state championship recreation Thursday night time at Gillette Stadium towards Milton.
For Doug Cantrell, seeing his son make it to the championship recreation helps erase a number of the disappointment he confronted. A large receiver below the legendary John Lee, Cantrell graduated in 1988, one yr earlier than Walpole shocked Brockton 6-2 to win the 1989 Super Bowl.
“Part of me was pissed at the time, I was so jealous of those guys,” Cantrell says with fun. “Now I’m so blissful that that is occurring for these youngsters. It’s nice to see these youngsters holding the custom alive.
“I’m really happy for Cash, especially since he missed last year with an injury. It was tough for me seeing him out.”
Mackenzie isn’t stunned that Walpole seemingly got here out nowhere to emerge as one of many two finalists for the grand prize in Div. 3. In a tightly-knit neighborhood like Walpole, many children develop up taking part in soccer and Mackenzie was nicely conscious of what sort of expertise was there.
“Doug and I coached them in youth football and you could see that they had the ability,” stated Mackenzie, who performed in two Super Bowls and was a part of the 1989 championship squad. “As a parent, you are always proud of your kid. Noah has had a good year, but he’s fortunate to have receivers with the ability to turn a 15-yard catch into a 70-yard touchdown.”
Like any fathers and sons who play the identical sport, individuals love to check the 2 and see who was higher. Since Mackenzie performed linebacker and freely admits he may by no means throw the ball, there have been comparisons there.
As for Cantrell and his son? There was a bit of goodnatured banter as to who’s the higher receiver.
“My father told me he was the type of receiver who could go up and catch anything,” Cash Cantrell stated with a smile. “But I haven’t seen any evidence of that yet.”
The response from Doug? “Oh, I’m sure there is an eight-track or something like that around somewhere. If anyone would know, it’s probably my father.”
Cash Cantrell attended a preseason recreation at Gillette Stadium and couldn’t assist however surprise that there was an opportunity he could possibly be taking part in on that very same discipline in December if issues went nicely.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, the season didn’t begin as they meant. Season-opening losses to King Philip (31-0) and Natick (14-7), adopted by a slim setback to Needham (21-19) two weeks later left Walpole gazing a 1-3 document and dwindling hopes.
“My father told me about the tradition of the program and the high expectations that go along with it,” Cantrell stated. “I remember after the Needham game, my father hugged me and told me it was coming. Everything seemed to happen after that game.”
Walpole coach Chris Sullivan by no means misplaced the religion, adamant that his group was prepared to show the nook at any time. Mackenzie was one among many gamers on the group who believed the Timberwolves had been on the cusp.
“I knew we had the talent, but we were making too many mistakes,” Mackenzie stated. “Once we stopped making the mistakes, we started winning games.”
The streak began with a win over Shrewsbury and proceed into the postseason, the place the Timberwolves rallied within the remaining minute to defeat Mansfield, 39-31. In the state semifinal towards one other high quality Hockomock League opponent in Milford, Mackenzie threw for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns, whereas Cantrell contributed a TD reception which put Walpole forward for good they usually went on win, 45-35.
“Beating Milford and knowing we were going to Gillette was an awesome feeling,” Mackenzie stated. “It was next level of happiness for me and my teammates.”
Not to say their fathers.
Source: www.bostonherald.com