Vikings Are Ready for Opening Game Next Weekend

The dress rehearsals are over. It’s showtime beginning next weekend.

The Winthrop High School football team will open its 2013 season against Saugus on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at Stackpole Field.

The Vikings performed well in scrimmages against Beverly, East Boston, Malden, and Ipswich and head coach Sean Driscoll feels his team has made progress in the preseason workouts heading into the non-league opener.

Saugus left the Northeastern Conference this year and joined the Cape Ann League, but Driscoll wanted to retain the long-time rivalry with the Sachems.

“It’s always been a traditional game,” said Driscoll. “Every year we used to open our season against Saugus and it’s good to keep the tradition going.”

Led by the throwing and running of junior quarterback Dylan Driscoll, the Vikings have put points on the board in the scrimmages. During the preseason schedule, Driscoll threw two touchdown passes to Reise Turransky, a running back who had an impressive freshman campaign a year ago.

Senior captain Jordan Corbett-Frank rushed for two scores in the scrimmages. Junior Jake Chiudina has also been a contributor to the Vikings’ rushing game.

Offensive linemen James Baxter and Ben Spinazzola have stood out so far while Andrew Almeida is making strides as the starting center.

Linebackers Tyler Gillis and Matt Feeley have been the leaders on the defensive unit.

In the new MIAA playoff system, Winthrop’s first seven games will determine whether it earns one of the eight playoff berths in the Division 4 North sectional. Driscoll believes a 5-2 record would likely guarantee a spot in the playoffs that will begin the first weekend in November.

The North and South sectional champions will meet at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 7.