Bobby Souma was named the LHS Athlete of the Month of November in 1953. He made approximately70% of the team’s tackles as a middle linebacker and played center on offense. He was also used as a fullback on offense. Bob was a graduate of the Tarbox School and along with his teammates they were readying for the big Turkey Day game against up city rivals Lowell HS. The meeting of these teams ranks with the longest rivalries throughout the State of Mass.
The following lists some outstanding games by the blue and white and features some former athletes that now teach at the local school. In 1902 Walter (pop) Sidley was the star of the game with the final score 6/5 Lawrence. Touchdowns counted for 5 points in those days. Sidley was the 1954 chief of staff of the Civics Department.
Leo Higgins the 1954 head of the German Department, scored the winning TD. Higgins played in 3 Thanksgiving games and was the winner twice and tied once. The late Bill Higgins a phys ed teacher played 4 years against Lowell and he also never lost to them.
Ernie Perry an icon in LHS sports was a 3 year starter and scored a TD; his team shut out Lowell 20/0. The track at the Lawrence Stadium bears his name and his son Ernie Jr. still coaches track in the area. The Perry family name is still alive and well in this area as John and EJ are coaches. EJ has a son who is following the Perry string of players; one mustn’t forget the Perry girls that carried on with their fine talents.
John Kennedy head of the History Department, Clarence Labonte a Cregg Medal winner whose son won the same award in 1952, Jimmy Jordan, Dennis O’Sullivan in 54was the schools printing instructor, and The Great Ralph Wolfendale all performed for the blue and white in these Turkey Day classics. Ralph’s team handed Lowell its worst defeat of the series as they romped to a 53/0 win.
In an interview on the eve of the big game the great coach and now the athletic director Mark Devlin who by the way was a teammate of the great Jim Thorpe and who led his college team Holy Cross to an 11/0 over rival Boston College and won many of these Thanksgiving games while a coach. Devy gave this answer: “Seeing Henry Quelette run 50 yards for the winning TD against Malden giving Lawrence the mythical State Championship was one of my greatest sport thrills.”
School happenings on this exciting week, at the barn dance the students had a great time. In attendance were, Billy Peters and Fran Stott, Nan Chamberlain and Franny Franks, Aimie Reming and Sally Young, Billy Hickey and Carol Hulme, Elaine Habib and Bob Dion, George Habib and Judy Hassey.
The huge football rally held at the gym featured a speech by Norm Salem one of Coach Doherty’s “Watch charm guards,” Dom Mazocco was the other. Salem’s speech was applauded by the crowd and here are some of those attending. Dot Rudiger, Nan Chamberlain, Franny Franks, Nancy Jordan, Ellie Daher, Billy Soper, and Ed Robichaud.
There was much excitement and school spirit as the holiday season approaches.
This was the 1953/54 year at LHS.
