Wrapping Up All-Star Career: Peter Jurovich III Exits as One of All-Time Greatest WHS Linemen

Peter Jurovich III played his final high school football game June 29 at Manning Field in Lynn.

Jurovich and teammate Mikey Chaves proudly represented the Winthrop Vikings in the 60th Annual Harry Agganis All-Star Football Game. Winthrop head coach Jonathan Cadigan, assistant coaches, and Viking players attended the game that brought together the top graduating seniors on the North Shore.

A 6-foot-5-inch lineman, Jurovich had competed in the Shriners All-Star Classic in June at Bentley University. He was also an All-Northeastern Conference selection, a Division 6 All-Star, Daily Item All-Star, and a team captain (with Mikey Chaves and Ian Harris).

Jurovich was a talented junior ready to play alongside a superb senior class when the COVID-19 pandemic forced officials to postpone the fall season until the following spring. Though attendance was limited at the spring games, the season ultimately turned out to be one of Winthrop’s most exciting as the Vikings won the NEC South title and finished 6-1, with victories over Division 1 Framingham (who was undefeated at the time) and perennial powerhouse Masconomet in the season finale. There are many observers that believe Winthrop would have made a strong run at a Super Bowl championship.

The Vikings qualified for the playoffs in the 2021 season, losing a close one, 37-34, to eventual state champion Rockland on the Bulldogs’ home field.

The Sun Transcript was at Manning Field and talked to the Curry College-bound star after the game. Following are Peter Jurovich’s comments:

 Reflecting on his Career as a Winthrop Viking

“I loved every bit of it. I loved all my teammates, all my coaches. They helped me get here today and it was a blast for the four years that I was there.”

A Memorable Junior Year of Springtime Football and a Senior Year Playoff Team

“The last two seasons have been a blessing. They have been awesome. Just to be a part of the team – I definitely think we could have done better, but everything happens for a reason, and it was a great thing to be a part of. We had some really big wins.”

On Coach Jonathan Cadigan

“He’s been a great mentor the past four years. I couldn’t have asked for a better leader as a coach, and he’s helped me get to where I am today. I wouldn’t be here without him.

“I want to say to the future Vikings, good luck. I can’t wait to see what you guys do this coming season.”

Mr. Jurovich’s Thoughts on his Son Peter’s Career

Peter Jurovich Jr., who is 6-feet-3 and also played high school sports, was at Manning Field for his son’s finale. Peter Jr.’s brother, Tom, stands 6-feet-8, and played basketball for the Winthrop High Vikings. Tom currently lives in Methuen and works as a pipefitter, electrician, and plumber.

“My son had a great season at Winthrop High and I’m excited to see him play in college,” said Mr. Jurovich. “They were right there with Rockland this season. That was a tough one.

“I’m very happy with Peter’s entire experience in Winthrop. He’s been playing football since third grade, and I was lucky enough to coach him through youth football, and I got to watch him play in high school, and that was fun. I’ll be at the Curry football games. I can’t wait. To be lucky enough to play four more years, not many people can do that.”

Coach Cadigan Praises Four-Year Player Peter Jurovich III

“Peter was overshadowed a little bit during our COVID season. We had a lot of senior linemen that year that did some pretty good things, but if you go back and watch the film closely you could tell that Pete was going to be a force his senior year. I think anytime you see a kid Pete’s size he obviously immediately stands out which I think can sometimes put a lot of pressure on you. Everyone is watching you and they expect you to dominate every snap both sides of the ball. I think you saw Pete live up to that billing on both sides of the ball. I can’t say enough of how much he was a leader on the offensive side of the ball in terms of playing multiple positions and very rarely if ever missing an assignment. Defensively, he was a major part of our game plan in terms of wherever we put him, you shut down any run gaps to that side for the entire game. I think the thing that stands out most for me with Pete is his effort because effort is something you can’t coach. To have that size and intelligence but then add in the motor that he played with, and you have a pretty special player. My favorite Pete Jurovich play actually happened in our scrimmage against Beverly. The Beverly running back broke through the line and was heading up the opposite sideline and Pete ran him down from across the field and made the tackle 20 yards down the field. It was at that point I realized how special he can be. When your best player plays with that kind of effort that’s what leadership is – it’s not talk, it’s action and Pete’s actions said it all.”