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Amesbury Indians Football '07

Jim Vaiknoras, Staff PhotographerMore photos

Clipper legends will cheer for Amesbury today

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Thursday, November, 22 By Dan Guttenplan
Sports editor

Frank Serwon ventured to Landry Stadium last Thanksgiving for the 85th meeting between Newburyport and Amesbury | 52 years after he suited up for the final time as a Clipper.

A legendary nose guard on Newburyport teams that beat Amesbury his junior and senior seasons, Serwon had been to countless Thanksgiving games to see his sons, Stephen (Class of 1974) and Robert (Class of 1977), represent Newburyport.

But would you believe Frank Serwon was the happiest person at Landry Stadium last Turkey Day when the Indians shocked his alma mater, 20-0?

"It was absolutely fantastic," Frank Serwon said. "I was very proud. Amesbury is where my heart is right now."

That's because his grandson, Steve Serwon, was the star for the Indians as a sophomore.

The younger Serwon, a linebacker and tight end, recorded two interceptions, a sack, a two-point conversion and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Better yet, his elders didn't make him eat his Thanksgiving dinner in the front yard.

"They wanted to see me do well," Serwon said. "They understood I was playing for Amesbury, and I was only going to be happy if we won. So they were happy, too."

But the change of allegiances didn't come easy for Serwon's grandfather.

"It's different," Frank Serwon said. "Of course, I support him. It's something you accept. When he graduates next year, I'll be back on the Newburyport side. But he's there now, so I'm an Amesbury fan."

The Serwons are still fairly well-rooted in Newburyport. Steve's grandfather and uncle continue to reside in Newburyport, while his father has relocated to Seabrook. However, Steve lives with his mother, Catherine, in Amesbury, causing him to buck the family tradition. "It's a great fit for Stephen," said Serwon's father, Stephen Sr. "He has great friends in Amesbury. Every coach he's played for has been awesome."

The Serwon athletic genes appear to have passed through three generations. Frank Serwon was inducted onto the Newburyport High Wall of Fame in 1994 for his gridiron heroics. Uncle Frank was inducted last November for his exploits on the football field and baseball diamond.

Stephen Sr. was a star baseball player under Clippers coach Bill Pettingell before signing a professional contract with the Boston Red Sox. He played minor league ball in Winter Haven, Fla., for six years before retiring due to a shoulder injury. Stephen Jr. was a pitcher and third baseman on Amesbury's varsity baseball team last fall.

"He's worked so hard to get where he's at," said grandfather Frank. "We're very proud of his dedication."

Steve will have the task this morning of stopping a Newburyport rushing attack that figures to be in full force thanks to the loss of Clippers quarterback Joe Clancy, who will be serving a one-game suspension. The Indians leading tackler and receiver (10 catches, 165 yards, two touchdowns) believes his team is primed for a Cape Ann League Small title and a playoff berth.

"We can't go with the hype," Serwon said. "We don't care who's playing for them. We need to focus on what we need." The Indians could certainly use a playoff performance similar to last year's from Serwon.

3 Story Comments

0         porker1823

nicce game steve

Report! #1 11/22/2007 03:02 PM

0         bobluken

I played for the Class of '67 and I long remember those games...we were undefeated and untied.Two Championships.Coach Jim Stelin and Paul Kolman,Larry Russell and the gang,Gigi,Cash,Bino,Smitty Knix,Luce,Cahill,and all the rest...I'll never forget those guys...we were unbeatable....go Clippers...ps we beat Amesbury that Turkey Day 54-0

Report! #2 06/13/2008 11:12 PM

0         bobluken

I played for the Class of '67 and I long remember those games...we were undefeated and untied.Two Championships.Coach Jim Stelin and Paul Kolman,Larry Russell and the gang,Gigi,Cash,Bino,Smitty Knix,Luce,Cahill,and all the rest...I'll never forget those guys...we were unbeatable....go Clippers...ps we beat Amesbury that Turkey Day 54-0

Report! #3 06/13/2008 11:12 PM