Under head coach Steve Hayden, the 2009 Pentucket Sachems (5-5, 0-3 Cape Ann League Large) had a see-saw year that was highlighted by stirring defensive efforts (a 3-2 victory over Newburyport) and a midseason four-game winning streak.

This morning at 10 a.m., Pentucket — a team further united with ceremonious Sachem Mohawks — will travel to face the Jim O'Leary-helmed Triton Vikings (6-4, 0-3 CAL Large), another run-heavy team eager to snare its first CAL Large win, as well as end a two-game Thanksgiving Day losing streak to the Sachems.

Whether the Sachems win or lose, Hayden expressed his thoughts on his four senior captains (Mike Brennan, Dan Dragon, Marc Lovett, and Cam Spofford) and what the Thanksgiving game represents to a coach.

"They're four kids who each bring something different to the team," Hayden said. "They're four respectful, hard-working and very genuine kids.

"It's kind of sad, and it's kind of sweet. It's the end of a long season, and it's sad to see the seniors go and play their last game," Hayden said. "You've spent a lot of time with them, and you just want them to go out there, play hard and compete. And whether it's Triton or us, the light's going to go on and they're going to give it all they have with all of the memories they've collected over the seasons."

The Daily News sports desk was fortunate enough to speak with Pentucket's four senior captains about the Thanksgiving football tradition.

Mike Brennan, wide receiver

(fourth Thanksgiving game)

"Masco, we hate. Newburyport, we hate. Triton is that Thanksgiving game that isn't so much centered around hate as it is rivalry. Everyone is just so pumped up and wants to win so bad; wanting to win overshadows any harsh feelings.

"It's just a great environment; it's the biggest game of the year, and the crowd always fills the stands. I'm never going to play football again, so to win in the last game I put on pads and play with my teammates, a victory would be huge.

"The one thing I'll miss is walking up the path leading to the practice field, because that's the one thing we do every single day, and I know I won't be doing that again. That's something that will always stick with me."

Dan Dragon, linebacker/guard

(third Thanksgiving game)

"The team will do things in school like Color Day skits that will feature various themes, but the atmosphere that steadily rises up to the game, it's always the most fun part of the year.

"Football is one of my favorite sports, so playing on Thanksgiving, especially considering how it's my last game, I'm sure it will be very memorable.

"We don't hate Triton; it's just more of a fun game. Every year, both teams go out there and try their hardest. It's a great rivalry."

Marc Lovett, center/defensive tackle

(third Thanksgiving game)

"Even if the game isn't necessarily for a championship, it's the tradition of the game, and everyone comes out for the Thanksgiving Day game. The entire week is in preparation for it, and the atmosphere is just different.

"I think it brings the team and the school closer together. It gets everyone involved; school spirit is raised, and as a team, the season's winding down, everyone's together, and we know it's the last time that we'll be this close as a team. Running out from under the goal posts and seeing every one in the stands to celebrate the spirit of the game is really a great sight."

Cam Spofford, tight end/defensive tackle

(second Thanksgiving game)

"The first thing I visualize when I think of Thanksgiving is the food on the table, but after that comes football. It's a unique atmosphere. There is so much focus going into the game, it's intense. No one wants to lose a Thanksgiving game because for the seniors, it can be your last game, and you don't want to end your career on a bad note. I always try to play as hard as I can, and I certainly will tomorrow seeing as how it's my last game."