Active football leaders
It was another huge year for the area’s top three leaders in wins for active high school football coaches.
Once again topping the list, of course, is Pinkerton Academy icon Brian O’Reilly. After an 8-4 record and another trip to the Division I championship game, O’Reilly now owns a 365-134 record over 48 years leading the Astros. He became New Hampshire’s all-time wins leader last fall, and many are calling the Astros the state title favorite in 2026.
It was a challenging year away from the football field for Whittier legend Kevin Bradley, as he battled cancer. But it was a successful season for his crew on the gridiron, going 9-4 and returning to the Vocational Super Bowl. In 25 years, Bradley ranks second in the area with a 166-112-2 record.
Third on the list is Greater Lawrence Tech’s Tony Sarkis, whose squad went 8-4, advanced to the Vocational semifinals and delivered a dazzling win over Thanksgiving Eve. In 20 years, Sarkis owns a 131-96 record.
Completing the top-5 are Timberlane’s Kevin Fitzgerald (78-97 over 19 seasons) and Haverhill’s Rob Pike (67-54 over 12 seasons).
Perry back with Alouettes
Former Andover High and Brown University record-setter E.J. Perry IV has resigned with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League for the 2026 season, the team reported on its website.
The Eagle-Tribune’s all-time passing leader joined the Alouettes in October, providing depth and playing on the scout team as Montreal advanced to the CFL’s championship game — the Grey Cup — falling to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, 25-17.
One issue, though. The Alouettes’ roster lists Perry from Andover, Ms. (Mississippi), instead of Andover, Mass.
Freiermuth honored
Former Eagle-Tribune defensive Player of the Year Pat Freiermuth has been name as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nominee for the 12th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The honor is “presented to a player for their on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
The award was created in 2014 to honor Art Rooney Sr., the founder of the Steelers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 27-year-old Freiermuth is in his fifth NFL season, all with the Steelers.
One Final Thought
As Michael Muldoon used to say, “If you can bring a smile to someone’s face today, just do it!
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