Football

CM Marks Forty Years of Varsity Football
by Jim O'Connor, former CM Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, and Teacher

For those of you listed in the "grey beard" section of our alumni it might seem like yesterday that I came to CM to build a Football Program. The year was 1961. That first year with a predominantly underclassman squad, CM finished its inaugural varsity season with a 4-5 record. We lost on Thanksgiving Day to state power house ArchbishopWilliamsHigh School, 42-12. Upon getting on the bus following the game I asked if anyone was hurt. The team answered, “No, and we want to play those guys again next week.” CM Football was off and running.

Over the past 44 years, six men held the position of Head Coach of Football at CM: Jim O’Connor 1961-1979, Hank Cutting 1980-1991, Ralph Calvanese 1992-1995, Gerry Chapman 1996-1999, Dennis Golden 2000-2003, and Alex Campea 2004-present.

CM has won Three State Championships, Eight League Championships, been Undefeated Four times, and played in Three Super Bowls.

CM has the honor of playing in the First High School Super Bowl game ever played in 1972. In what was called one of the best high school games played at that time, CM lost 28-21 to SwampscottHigh School in a real thriller.

CM returned to the Super Bowl in 1973 defeating Andover High School 41-12 in a game which featured the great speed of the CM squad.

Once again, CM returned to the Super Bowl in 1978 defeating an outstanding Chelmsford High School team 13-8 in a game which featured a CM goal line stand to seal the victory.

The years provided countless thrills for CM Parents, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Students. The Annual Thanksgiving Rivalry with BC High which began in 1962 has become a Classic. On six occasions since 1972, the winner of the game has gone on to the Super Bowl.

The future looks bright for CM Football with programs at the Middle School, Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. Coach Alex Campea enjoyed an 8-2 season in his first year as Head Coach. Under the leadership of Coach Campea, the future of CM Football is in good hands.