Sports 10-15-2015

Vikings football resumes tomorrow night

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

After shocking news came from the locker room last week, football in Winthrop resumes Friday night at 7 p.m. at Miller Field against the Saugus Sachems.

Superintendent of Schools John Macero said practice resumed this week in preparation of the game. Last week Macero and Police Chief Terence Delehanty held a press conference where it was announced that one student had been suspended after an incident in the locker room. The student, presumably a football player, had videotaped another football player with his cell phone in the locker room.

Macero would not comment on the announcement of the suspension.

“It’s still under investigation and I won’t comment on the suspension,” Macero said Wednesday morning.

Last week’s football game against Gloucester was forefeited due to the situation. During last week’s press conference Macero said someone called the anonymous bullying hotline at the school and reported the incident. The principal took quick action. One student was suspended from school and up to 10 students are being investigated.

Delehanty explained that the incident is still under investigation and the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley has been contacted. The investigation is ongoing and it is unknown if anyone else will be suspended or face criminal charges.

WHS sports roundup

WHS volleyball team wins three, now 10-3

The Winthrop High volleyball team rolled to three shutout victories this past week. The Lady Vikings now stand at 10-3 on the season and have qualified for the post-season state tournament.

In the 3-0 win (25-18, 25-13, 25-14) over Beverly last Wednesday, Meg Dolan served four aces and accounted for 10 digs. Other leaders for Winthrop were Haley Holden, who smacked six kills; Allie Love, who dug out 10 balls; and setter Lacey Scott, who was credited with 18 assists.

Two nights later Winthrop made quick work of Triton, 25-15, 25-10, 25-21. The duo of Nina Bartlette (nine kills) and Holden (six kills) controlled the play at the nt. Scott (six service aces) and Bianca Powers (four aces) were the chief deliverers of bad news to Triton. Defensively, Maddie Fainga’a led the way with eight digs. Scott and Holden had five digs and Olivia Grillo added four. Scott also was the assist-master with 19 for the match.

The Lady Vikings then dispatched Somerville this past Tuesday, 25-10, 25-14, 25-13. Majpr contributors were Holden (seven kills), Nicole Pucillo (six kills), Scott (seven service aces and 16 assists), Erisa Bala (six aces), and Love (six digs).

The Lady Vikings have a busy stretch ahead. There were set to host Lynn English yesterday (Wednesday) and Georgetown Friday. They play at Swampscott Monday and entertain Marblehead Wednesday.

Boys cross-country team tops Gloucester

Thanks to a sprint at the finish by freshman Cormac MacPhail, the Winthrop High boys cross country defeated Gloucester for the first time in 30 years by the slimmest of margins, 28-29.

With 20 yards to go, Cormac “kicked it in” to grab a crucial third place that enabled the Vikings eventually to capture the meet. In cross country, if a team takes the first three places, it automatically wins. MacPhail ran a personal record (PR) by over a minute and is presently just 15 seconds away from the school course record.

Teammates Nick Beshire, Devin Racon, Michaelangelo Marcoccio, Jacob Hain and Jake Wojak all ran what WHS head coach Warren MacPhail termed “amazing PR races” to help secure the win.

The final results were:

3. Cormac MacPhail –15:00
4. Devin Racow — 17:46
5. Michaelangelo Marcoccio  — 18:51
6. Jacob Hain — 19:10
7. Jake Wojak — 21:45

On the girls’ side, the Lady Vikings continued to strengthen there chances to place very high in the upcoming Division 6 State Meet by overall team improvement. “Our young runners, Camilla Miranda, Caroline Zuffante, Fiona MacPhail, Zara Powell, and Kim McDuffee, are following the team leadership of Nina Leone, Gabbie Massa, and Victoria Scorzella by working really hard in practices,” said MacPhail.

Kat Thono and Mary Texiera led the Winthrop PR parade with over-three minute improvements on the day.

The girls results were:

5. Nina Leone 18:31
6. Camilla Miranda 18:51
7. Caroline Zuffante  19:21
8. Fiona MacPhail 21:43
9. Zaro Powell 22:34
10. Kim McDuffee 24:59
11. Victoria Scorzella 25:05

WHS boys look to

get back on winning track

Boys Soccer falls to league’s bests

The Winthrop High boys soccer team ran into two of the top teams in the Northeastern Conference this past week.

On Monday the Vikings traveled to Revere and came out on the short end of a 6-0 decision. “Revere was probably the best team we played all year,” said WHS head coach Kyle Gagin. “Very rarely, we were first to the ball in the air or ground. We couldn’t possess and Revere was a lot more physical.”

Gagin praised the play of junior center back Carlos Mendoza, who made a lot of key blocks, and junior goalkeeper Kevin Barrera, who made a lot of nice saves.

In the second half, junior Carlos Flores was able to make his varsity debut as a defensive midfielder and did well in breaking up the Revere attacks.

After the game, senior captain Mike Norris noted, “Revere was the fastest team I’ve ever played in any other sport I’ve played before. They were fast on and off the ball.”

Last Wednesday the Vikings hosted Beverly, which is in first place in the NEC North. The Vikings, who already have been injury-plagued with keeper Tyler Bosse out with a concussion, Brazilian international student Leo Sacchi sidelined with a knee injury, sophomore left back Steve Tracy reduced to limited playing time because of a knee injury, and senior Mike Casey held out of the game for as long as possible due to an ankle injury, saw even more of their players leave the field with injuries.

Mendoza departed with 10 minutes to go in the first half and then Mateo Alzate, who had come in as a defensive midfielder and center back to cover injuries, injured his knee and was unable to play in the second half.

Eventually, Casey had to go out for about 10 minutes just to keep 11 Viking players on the field. “Mike has been either a starter or the first player off the bench and has been a great, physical player,” noted Gagin.

Sophomore Mike Lane played well at defensive midfielder to fill in for injured teammates. Juniors Timmy Duyon and Dave Barry did well at left back and striker respectively against the strong Beverly squad.

Sophomore Mike Lane impressed Gagin at defensive midfielder as well. Substitute junior Spencer Bosse had a good game at center back and broke up a lot of Beverly’s offensive plays. Gagin also lauded the efforts of freshmen Asa Baurle, Pat Sennott, Jaylin Cordes, Rilind Bytiqi, and eighth grader Kevin Dorr, al of whom made their varsity debut.

“They played well,” noted the coach. “Their main problem was they weren’t as fast as the Beverly guys. Obviously as they get older, their speed on and off the ball will get better. They will all become stronger and more physical as they get older. We are trying to rebuild the program, and all of these guys will definitely contribute to that effort.”

The Vikings traveled to Lynn English yesterday (Wednesday) and will host Gloucester Friday and Swampscott Monday. They will travel to Marblehead Wednesday.

“Hopefully we can bounce back from the past couple of games and find our winning form again,” said Gagin.

Girls soccer team falls to Beverly, 4-0

The Winthrop High girls soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision to Beverly last Wednesday.

“Beverly is a strong team,” said WHS head coach Tracey Martucci. “We played well and at the half we were only down 2-0. We had a few chances, but couldn’t net one.”

The Lady Vikings were set to meet Lynn English yesterday (Wednesday). They will make the long trek to Gloucester Friday and travel to Swampscott Monday. They will host Marblehead next Wednesday.

From the Press Box sponsored by:

JW’s October Magic at Miller Field

By Jim Lederman

October is the month for Halloween and magic tricks. Friday night at Miller Field, the Vikings return to the gridiron to battle the Saugus Sachems.

The last time these two long-time rivals played at Miller Field, the Vikings produced a ‘magical comeback’ victory (44-41). The weather was 90 degrees and the Vikings trailed Saugus (35-14). The 21-point comeback was capped by a Dylan Driscoll touchdown with 11 seconds on the clock.

The Vikings gained the confidence that led to an undefeated Northeast Conference Title and a Division 4 North Title game with the Lynnfield Pioneers.

The Vikings hope to put a new win streak that will lead to a MIAA playoff game. A victory over Saugus and a victory over Swampscott on Saturday, October 24^th, could lead to a winning season, that will erase the controversial forfeit that put a mark on a winning program with 10 Northeast Conference and three super bowl titles.

Skimming the Sidelines

The Saugus Sachems (2-3, 1-2 NEC) lost a (35-6) decision to Revere (4-1, 1-1 NEC) on Saturday at Stackpole Field in Saugus.

The Sachems returned to the Northeast Conference/South this year after playing an independent schedule (6-5) in 2014. This is a return to the NEC for the first time since 2011.

Coach Mike Broderick is in his 13^th year leading the Sachems. The Sachems opened with a loss to Austin Prep, a (22-20) victory over Northeast Regional (1-4), a forfeit victory over Swampscott. The Sachems lost nine seniors from the 2014 squad, including offensive stalwarts quarterback Justin Winn and halfback Dan Cacciola. The Sachems have won only one NEC football title in 1975.

The Sachems offense is led by junior halfback Marvens Moise (6 foot, 195). Coach Broderick said, “Our backs are big and strong.” The return of co-captain Matt Feeley and Jon Gonzales to the line-backing core will be a key.

Eight teams qualify for the MIAA Division 4 North playoffs Pentucket (5-0), Lynnfield (4-1) and North Reading (4-1) lead Division 4. Stoneham, Bedford, Triton, Watertown and Ipswich, hare ahead of Winthrop. A victory for the Vikings over Saugus and Swampscott could change the playoff fortunes of coach Driscoll and company.

Around the NEC

Salem defeated Swampscott (19-3) after the Vikings handed the Witches a (37-15) loss at Bertram Field on October 2^nd.

The Big Blue travels to Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere on Friday night to battle the Patriots.

The Marblehead Magicians lived up t o t heir moniker, with a touchdown with seven seconds remaining to defeat Beverly (28-20) at Piper Field in Marblehead.

Quarterback Garret Keough (son of ex-Viking Jamie) led Marblehead 58-yards in nine plays with a touchdown pass to junior Harry Craig for the winning score. Garret has tossed 10 touchdown passes this season.

Marblehead (4-1, 3-0 NEC) has Lynn Classical (0-5) and Lynn English (2-3) remaining on their schedule.

The Peabody Tanners finished (8-3) in 014 and hopes were high for 2015. All-scholastic halfback Doug Santos rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 190 points.

The Tanners (2-3) shut out Lynn Classical (27-0) last Friday behind two Santos touchdowns. Santos has scored only 56 points and the Anthony Palmer NEC scoring record (195-points) looks safe for another year. Peabody travels to Manning Field to play Lynn English on Friday.

Danvers (4-1, 2-1 NEC) will battle archrival Beverly (4-1) at Bishop Fenwick on Friday night. The Falcons handed Lynnfield (4-1) their only loss of the 2015 campaign.

At the Net

Kudos to the Lady Vikings volleyball team. The Vikings (8-3) defeated Triton 3-0 at Winthrop on Friday.

Senior middle blocker Nina Bartlette set a school record with a .900 hitting percentage as the Vikings own in straight sets 25-15, 25-10, 25-21.

Nina an NEC all-star hoop player will be recruited to play two sports in college.

Sophomore setter Lacey Scott led the Vikings with six aces and 19 assists. Junior Maddie Fainga had eight digs.

Let the Games Begin!

Overall Champions

Congrats to Winthrop natives Kevin Adamson and Jason McGilvery for becoming ‘overall champions’ in a full 114player field at member-guest tournament at Windmere, GC, in Cumming, Georgia on September 10-12.

Kevin and Jason were teammates and standout football players at Dom Savio high school and Stonehill College. Jason now resides in Cumming, Georgia.

WHS SPORTS Years

10 years ago

October 13, 2005

The WHS football team earned a key victory with a 28-13 win over Lynn English on a muggy and damp Miller Field Friday evening. The Vikings racked up 370 yards on offense and held English scoreless over the final three periods. Quarterback James Fucillo completed 9-of-11 passes for 152 yards, while also making two interceptions and scoring on a  one-yard plunge. Tight end Jarrett Herdt scored the first Winthrop TD on a 47 yard catch and run and Matt Murray ran 36 yards for another score. Halfback Chris Dalrymple ran for 68 yards on 17 carries and scored a TD.

The WHS girls soccer team, playing for first place in the NEC against Saugus in the biggest game of the WHS soccer program, earned a 1-1 tie with the Lady Sachems Tuesday night under the lights of a mucky Miler Field. Alyssa Martel gave Winthrop, which remains tied with Saugus for first place in the NEC, a 1-0 lead in the first half. Saugus eventually tied matters with a goal with 12 minutes to play.

The WHS girls cross country team improved to 5-2 with an 18-43 win over Revere. Andrea Bruno led the way for Winthrop with a first place time of 22:01. Sheilagh O’Connell, Nicole Giaquinto, Kristen Finn, and Meghan Doherty completed the scoring for Winthrop.

The WHS golf team won its last two matches of the season to finish at 7-5 and earn a spot in the upcoming state tourney.

 

20 years ago

October 19, 1995

The Winthrop High football team suffered a 12-7 loss to Beverly in a contest that WHS head coach Tony Fucillo termed one of the most frustrating defeats of his career. Albie Maggio ran for 99 yards on 15 carries and Paul Ferrara scored the lone Viking TD on a one-yard plunge.

The WHS boys soccer team almost pulled off the upset of the year in the NEC, but dropped a 2-1 decision to league-leading Lynn English. Mike Zedalis scored the Winthrop goal on a nice pass from James Bono.

The WHS boys cross country team is 0-8 for the first time in the program’s history, according to WHS head coach Pat McGee. Tony Ferrara has been the top Viking runner this season.

 

30 years ago

October 23, 1985

Steve Holgersen rushed for 146 yards on 29 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the WHS football team to an 18-0 win over Swampscott on a rainy afternoon.

Co-capt. Buster Van Buskirk took first place to lead the WHS boys cross country team, which is enjoying one of the best seasons in the program’s history with a 6-1 record, to a runaway 18-37 triumph over Beverly.

The WHS girls cross-country team clinched its first-ever NEC title with a victory over previously-undefeated Beverly. The Lady Vikings took five of the first eight places, led by junior Barbie Vecchio, who ran her best race of the season. Freshman phenom Coleen Kinsella was next for Winthrop, followed by co-opt. Franci Dolan, co-opt. Colleeen Cash, and Julie Wasson.

The WHS golf team clinched a spot in the state toured with an 8-4 win over Saugus that improved the Vikings’ record to 6-2-1. The WHS squad was the only team this season to have beaten both first place Swampscott and second place Saugus.

 

40 years ago

October 22, 1975

The WHS football team dropped a 22-0 decision to Gloucester in a mucky and rainy quagmire at Newell Stadium. The Vikings suffered a big loss in the game with an injury to end Al Millerick, who left the field on a stretcher to have x-rays on his knee.

The WHS cross country team is enjoying a fine 5-2 season, led by their standout captain, Rich Griffin, who has been the leading Viking runner since he was a freshman. Griffin holds the course records at Winthrop, Danvers, and Marblehead.

The WHS girls cross country team is enjoying a fine season with a 6-1 mark. The lone loss for the Lady Vikings occurred when their top runner, Lynda Wessling, was sidelined with the flu.

The WHS soccer team won a showdown of winless teams with a 4-1 triumph over Swampscott. Jon Dimes scored two goals and teammates Mark Johnson and Kurt Schwartz added a goal apiece for the Vikings.

50 years ago

October 20, 1965

The WHS football team improved to 3-1 on the season with a 20-8 victory over NEC arch-rival Swampscott. Tony Fucillo recovered a key fumble that halted a Swampscott drive in the third quarter with Winthrop nursing a 12-8 lead at the time. Quarterback Bob McNeil then tossed a TD pass to halfback Bill Dooley to seal the victory. Charley McDermott played an outstanding two-way game for Winthrop with two interceptions and rushing for 105 yards on 13 carries. Hucky Larsen and Paul Roberts scored the other Winthrop touchdowns.

60 years ago

October 20, 1955

The WHS football team dropped a 33-13 decision to Swampscott Saturday. WHS sophomore halfback Paul Ferrara scored the Winthrop TD on a seven yard run. Tom Cole scampered 92 yards for the other Winthrop score.

70 years ago

October 18, 1945

A strong Winchester team defeated Winthrop 14-6 Saturday at Miller Field. Fleet Winthrop halfback Milton “Bomber” Neal scored the Winthrop touchdown on a 22 yard run. Davie Rowe and Jackie Talcott also played strong games for Winthrop. Jimmy Ambrose and Ira Rubin play strong games on the line against a bigger Winchester line.

100 years ago

October 23, 1915

The Winthrop High grid men earned their third win of the season with a hard-fought, 13-3 victory at Marblehead Saturday. A group of about 75 local fans made the trip to root on the local team. Winthrop used trick plays and a combination of smashing line drives and forward passing in for some big gains. Captain Talcott made a spectacular run of 50 yards for a touchdown.