Sports 09-22-2016

WHS sports roundup

Viking boys earn

1-1 tie with Hull

The Winthrop High boys soccer team made the long trek southward around the perimeter of Boston Harbor Saturday to play at non-league rival Hull — whose rocky, wind-swept field is located on Hull Gut, just a short sail from Deer Island — and returned home with a 1-1 tie.

The Vikings, who were missing two seniors, forward Dave Barry and playmaker Arthur Barasch, controlled the play in the first half, but could not find the finishing touch, leaving matters at nil-nil after the first 40 minutes.

The second half opened with Hull displaying more offense and eventually breaking the deadlock 25 minutes into the half. WHS head coach Kyle Gagin switched the Viking scheme to a 3-5-2 with 15 minutes to go in an effort to create more opportunities for the Viking offense.

This dropped senior captain Will Holden into a center back roll with seniors John Rengifo and Spencer Bosse and pushed senior captain Carlos Mendoza into the midfield with fellow senior Timmy Duyon and junior Steve Tracy.

The strategy paid dividends with about six minutes to go when Viking sophomore Kim Haddar reached the back of the Hull net to bring the game back to level. Winthrop had an excellent opportunity to score the go-ahead goal before the final whistles, but was unable to put the ball in the net.

“Overall it was a solid performance,” said Gagin. “We just couldn’t finish the chances we had.”

The draw with Hull has been the highlight of the season thus far for the Vikings, who opened their 2016 campaign with a 3-1 loss to Gloucester last Wednesday at Cellucci Field. Winthrop had some nice chances early on, but were unable to fully control the game. Midway through the first half, Mendoza made a move on a Gloucester defender and buried a shot from about 25 yards out to give Winthrop a 1-0 lead at the intermission.

However, the Fishermen knotted matters at about the 50-minute mark and added two more for the 3-1 finale.  Senior captain Kevin Barrera turned in what Gagin termed “a great game” in goal for the Vikings.

Two days later the Vikings were back on the Cellucci pitch, hosting Swampscott. The Big Blue grabbed a 1-0 lead at the half and then added four more markers in the second-40 for a 5-0 win.  “We were able to create a couple of chances in the second half, but unfortunately nothing came of it,” said Gagin. Set pieces were key to the victory for Swampscott, which scored twice off corner kicks and another on a free kick.

Tuesday evening saw the Viking fall by a 6-0 margin to Marblehead. Winthrop trailed 2-0 after the first half, but Marblehead controlled the play for the entire 80 minutes.  “We had four or five shots, but couldn’t get much started,” noted Gagin. Barasch, who missed the Hull game because of an injury, sprained an ankle in the first half against Marblehead and will be out indefinitely.

“So far we have done well in the first half, but fallen apart in the second,” said Gagin. “I think it has a lot to do with the past history of losing seasons. Once we concede in the second, things seem to go downhill. Hopefully, a new mindset of staying calm and confident will change things around. Set pieces and aerial balls have hurt us a lot early on. Luckily there’s time to work on everything and we can focus on our last playoff qualifier against Mystic Valley later in the season.”

Gagin welcomed 40 boys to the program this fall, which gives Winthrop both varsity and JV teams for the second year in a row. Of those 40, almost half are sophomores.”

“Although a lot of them are playing soccer for the first time, I hope they will all continue to play and work on their touch for the upcoming seasons,” said Gagin.

The Vikings travel to Salem today (Thursday) and host Saugus Monday and Lynn Classical Wednesday.

Slow start for

WHS girls soccer

The Winthrop High girls soccer team still is seeking its first win of the season. The Lady Vikings dropped a 6-1 decision at Hull Saturday in which Captain Heidy Benson scored the lone Winthrop goal. The contest was a key one for the Lady Vikings, who needed a victory over Hull, a Division 4 opponent, in order to qualify for the state tournament.

In other games this past week, the Winthrop girls dropped contests of 5-0 to Swampscott and 11-0 to Marblehead.

“The loss to Hull puts us in a tough spot for the tournament, losing both of our D-4 games,” said WHS head coach Tracey Martucci. “It’s going to be tough to battle with the stronger teams in the conference.  We are really having a hard time finding our groove this year. We just can’t seem to get that jump that we need. This has been a year of injuries as well, so it’s not helping that they aren’t playing at 100%. Everyone is working hard and hopefully we can get our first win soon.”

The Lady Vikings host Salem today (Thursday) and play at Saugus Monday and at Lynn Classical Wednesday.

WHS volleyball team

wins two straight

After dropping their first two games of the season, the Winthrop High volleyball team reeled off a pair of victories this past week, defeating Salem and Somerville by identical scores of 3-1.

In Monday’s match at Somerville, Winthrop took the first set, 25-19, dropped the second 25-22, but then took the final two sets, 25-19 and 25-16.

WHS senior Haley Holden proved to be a ferocious force at the net, smacking 19 kills at her Somerville opponents. Haley also turned in a strong game defensively, accounting for eight digs. Fellow senior Maddie Faigna’a came through with a strong performance, serving seven aces and making 17 digs.

Junior Lacey Scott led the Lady Vikings in the playmaking department with 30 assists, while also turning in a hustling defensive effort with 12 digs.

In last Thursday’s contest with Salem at the WHS gym, Winthrop took the first two sets, 25-16 and 25-12, but dropped the third, 25-12. The Lady Vikings then clinched the match with a 25-20 triumph in the final set.

Holden once again was the principal offensive threat for Winthrop with 10 kills. Bianca Powers delivered six kills and served four aces. Teammates Polet Castro and Amanda Kokoneshi also came through with nice service games with three aces apiece.

Scott set the table for 24 points for her teammates and accounted for 10 digs.

The Lady Vikings were set to entertain Saugus yesterday (Wednesday) and trek to Danvers Tuesday. They return home to face Peabody next Thursday.

Golf team narrowly

falls to Saugus

The Winthrop High golf team dropped a close 37-35 decision to Saugus last Thursday on the links at the Winthrop Golf Club.

Senior Patrick Stafford, playing in the No. 5 slot, was the big winner for the Vikings, defeating his Saugus counterpart by a wide margin of 8-1.

The Vikings’ top player, senior captain Jack Wallace, shot the best round of the day, an even-par 35, to win the Medalist honors en route to defeating his Saugus foe at No. 1, 6.5-2.5. Alex Pisiri, playing at No. 6, also was a winner in his match, defeating his Saugus rival, 5.5-3.5.

Drew DiMento contributed four points at No. 4, as did Dan McReady at No. 7 and Nathan Rich at No. 5. Contributing 1.5 points to the WHS scoresheet were Colby Dassau at No. 2 and Sean Alioto at No. 8.

The Vikings trekked to Bass Rocks to take on Gloucester Tuesday and came out on the short end of a 53-19 decision. Stafford, playing at No. 3, was the lone victor for Winthrop, defeating his Fisherman rival by a score of 5-4.

“I can’t say enough about how Patrick is playing,” lauded WHS head coach Peter Lyons. “He’s quiet and just goes out and does his job. However, everyone on the team is working hard and giving it their best.”

Lyons and his crew have a busy week ahead: They host Swampscott today (Thursday) and Marblehead Monday;  travel to Saugus Tuesday; entertain Revere Wednesday; and journey to Salem next Thursday.

WHS SPORTS Years

10 years ago

September 21, 2006

After a dominating, 42-0 win over Saugus in their season-opener, in which Winthrop accumulated 366 yards of offense to just 144 for Saugus, coach Tony Fucillo’s Vikings improved to 2-0 with a 42-21 thrashing of Masconomet Regional. The Vikings rushed for a staggering 428 yards, led by Matt Murray’s 155 yards on 16 carries. Joe McDermott gained 140 yards on seven runs and Jason Griffin gained 135 yards, including TD scampers of 31 and 34 yards.

The WHS girls soccer team  claimed three victories this week, defeating Beverly, Revere, and Lynn English. Julie Dowson, Amber Miller, Vanessa Caruccio, and Alyssa Martel led the Winthrop offense in the three contests.

Freshman Eugen Kaplani scored on a penalty kick to give the WHS boys soccer team a 2-1 win over Revere.

20 years ago

September 26, 1996

After a 14-8 win over Hull in the season opener in which Joey Murray scored the winning touchdown on a 34-yard run with less than two minutes to play, the WHS football team improved to 2-0 with a 34-12 rout of Saugus. Michael Palmer ran for 54 yards on 10 carries, caught two passes for 34 yards, intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble, kicked two extra points, and made two big punt returns.

The WHS girls soccer team snapped a five game losing streak with a 2-0 win over Lynn Classical.

The WHS golf team remained undefeated with a 45.5-26.5 win over Everett. Capt. Paul O’Brien and teammates Pat Lally, Steve Staff, Ron Meryman, Steve Merola, Matt Merola, and Mike Beattie all played roles in the victory.

The Acme A’s are the undisputed champs of the Winthrop softball league after demolishing Biggio Insurance in four games in the championship series by scores of 18-5, 16-9, 9-0, and 8-7. Members of the championship team are Randy Noe, Rocky Leo, Shawn Sullivan, Jimmy Adamson, Michael Norris, Aldo Lambertini, Dan O’Neil, Michael Adamson, and Tim Vargus.

30 years ago

October 1, 1986

After opening the season with a 22-14 win over Saugus, the WHS football team suffered a 21-12 upset loss to Gloucester this past week. Steve Holgersen ran for 75 yards on 19 carries and scored a TD. Ron Tallent tossed an 18 yard pass to Scott Fournier for the other Winthrop score.

The WHS girls cross country team is ready for a battle of unbeatens with Beverly. The Lady Vikings handily have defeated Swampscott, 15-50, and Salem, 20-43.

40 years ago

September 29, 1976

The WHS football team proved no match for a big Lynn Classical squad in a season-opening loss to the Rams.

50 years ago

September 29, 1966

Halfback Tony Fucillo was impressive as the Winthrop High football team opened its season with a 6-6 tie with Danvers. Fullback Bud Northrop scored the Winthrop TD.

60 years ago

September 27, 1956

The WHS football team opened its season with a 13-7 win over Methuen. Fullback Bob DePippo, a 175-pound senior, was the hero for Winthrop, scoring both touchdowns, the first on a 29 yard screen pass and the second on a seven yard burst up the middle.

70 years ago

September 26, 1946

Despite a 34-6 loss to Marblehead Saturday in the season-opener, the WHS football team showed positive signs in the contest, as evidenced by the bullseye passing of halfback Dickie Evans that led the Winthrop touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

The Varsity Club, the Winthrop team in the Suburban Twi-League, will face the 20th Century Club of Somerville in a decisive fifth game of their semifinal playoff series Sunday afternoon at Ingleside Park.

From The Press Box

“The Stadium”

By: Jim Lederman

The Winthrop Vikings played their first game at East Boston Stadium on Friday night. Did you know the Boston Patriots used to practice at East Boston Stadium?

The Boston Patriots joined the American Football League in 1960. They played their home games at Boston University’s Nickerson Field.

The Patriots finished their inaugural season with 5 wins and 9 losses. Lou Sabanwas the head coach. The owner of the team was Billy Sullivan.

Gino Capeleti was a defensive back and place kicker, Butch Songin was the quarterback.

The Patriots used to practice and than have lunch at Sablone’s Restaurant, a legendary dining place, a short walk from East Boston Stadium. The late Al Sablone and Gino became close friends and golf partners.

The New England Patriots were formed in 1970. In 1971 the Pats relocated to Foxborough. They played in Sullivan Stadium.

The New England Patriots have a long and very successful record. The Pats have played in eight super bowls.

The newly refurbished East Boston Stadium has a new turf field and scoreboard, the lighting is very poor. The Vikings have two more home games at “The Stadium.” Gloucester and Swampscott will visit East Boston next month.

When you watch the Patriots play tonight at Gillette Stadium, their history dates back to 1960 when the Patriots practiced in East Boston Stadium.

Around the NEC

The Vikings travel to Manning Field in Lynn Friday night (7 p.m.) to battle the Lynn English Bulldogs. Lynn English (0-2) lost a (38-12) decision to cross town rival the undefeated St. Mary’s of Lynn.

Lynn English defeated the Vikings (32-0) at Miller Field in 2015. English lost a (11-8) overtime game to Swampscott (2-0) on opening night.

The Vikings travel to Bertram Field in Salem next Friday night. Salem earned their first victory of the campaign with a (24-6) win over Bishop Connolly.

Manchester-Essex defeated Saugus (41-22) in Manchester. The Hornets play in the Cape Ann League. Salem and Saugus played in their first NEC South game on Friday night. The Vikings travel to Stackpole Field in Saugus on Saturday, October 15^th at noon.

Gloucester (1-1) lost to undefeated (2-0) Beverly (28-12) on Saturday at Hurd Stadium in Beverly.

The Fishermen played host to Swampscott on Friday night under the lights at Newell Stadium.

Swampscott (2-0) defeated Lynn Classical (35-7) at Blocksidge Field in Swampscott on Saturday. Quarterback Colin Frary and Sean Lahrizi had great chemistry with Lahrizi catching four touchdown passes. Frary passed for 226 yards to keep the Big Blue undefeated (2-0) the big game on Friday night will indicate the top tem in the NEC South.

Danvers defeated Lynnfield (30-19) at Lynnfield to remain undefeated (2-0) Matt Andreas had another big game for the Falcons. Danvers and Marblehead battle for the supremacy in the NEC North on Friday night at Dr. Deering Stadium in Danvers. Revere lost to Masconomet (42-14) at DellaRusso Stadium in Revere. The Patriots (0-2) play host to winless Lynn Classical Friday night. The Patriots travel to Gloucester next Friday night.

Marblehead (2-0) defeated Wakefield (34-13), the Magicians, Beverly and Danvers will battle for the NEC North title.

The Streak

The headline-Xaverian is denied at 25. Top ranked Xaverian lost to Bridgewater-Raynham (22-21) Friday night.

The 33-game Winthrop Viking winning streak record is still alive. The 1981 Vikings (11-0) defeated Tewksbury (14-0) to capture the 1981 super bowl. The (10-0) NEC championship Vikings 1982 team would have won another super bowl title but lost by percent points in the old playoff system.

The 1983 Vikings (11-0-1) captured the 1983 super bowl defeating Xaverian (14-3). Great memories, great coaching from Bob DeFelice. Long live the Winthrop Vikings 33-game unbeaten record!

Faces in the Crowd

A large contingent of Viking fans were cheering for the Vikings at East Boston Stadium on Friday night. Betty Dalton was working the crowd selling ‘split the pot’ tickets. Jen Capone was the lucky winner. Coach Jack MacDonald, Michael and Chris Ferrara, two ex-Viking captains. The Caputo’s Mark, Jill and Michael. Rita and Cindy Driscoll, Sue and Tom Chiudina, Jim and Ginny Noiles, Ginny Brown, Lisa Correale, Nick and Debbie Spinazzola, Carl, Kathy and Vince Tarantino, Gene and Diana August, John, Peg and Lloyd Lyons, Jim Nelson, Scott and Melissa Wasson, Chris and Jeralyn Zuffante, Jimmy and Kevin Adamson, Larry and Nanci St. George, Coach Mike and Cathy Norris.

I enjoyed conversation with Rippy Dyer and his wife at JAC’s Café on Saturday morning. Rippy lives in Indianapolis and will be back for the Hall of Fame induction in October. Rippy still holds the broad jump record at Winthrop High School.

Medfield 26 – Winthrop 0

The Medfield Warriors struck for three second quarter touchdowns, to defeat the Vikings (26-0) at Eats Boston Stadium on Friday night.

The Warriors had a huge size advantage in the passing game. Medfield took the opening kick off and with a spread offense (five receivers) scored the first touchdown.

Mason Giunta scored on a six-yard run to open the scoring. The Vikings drove to the Medfield 18 yard line but could not score.

“We need to finish our drives”, said coach Sean Driscoll. The first quarter ended with the Vikings trailing (7-0).

Junior quarterback Ryan Earmer marched the Warriors down the field on their next drive. Earmer combined with Jake Dubbs on a 37-yard touchdown pass. 6’8 sophomore tight end Henry Mitchell kicked the extra point for a (14-0) lead. Eamer found Ben Adams wide open for a 35-yard scoring strike just before halftime James Voss caught a 49-yard touchdown pass to give Medfield a (26-0) halftime lead.

The Vikings drove to the 10-yard line behind the running of Matt Tarantino, but a penalty stalled the drive.

“We need the leadership of our captains (Chris Zuffante, Jon Gonzales, Matt Tarantino, Luigi Spinazzola, Derek Wasson and Jonathan VanDaLinda) to win our first game,” said coach Driscoll.

“We can’t keep stalling drives inside the 20-yard line.”

Zuffante completed 12 of 24 passes for 79-yards. Devin Pulsifer caught six and sophomore Andrew Love had three receptions.

Matt Tarantino was the leading rusher with 10 carries for 49-yards. Tarantino and Pulsifer were the leading tacklers with 10 tackles on defense.

Two teams seeking their first win will battle at Manning Field on Friday night “English has skilled players similar to our team,” remarked coach Driscoll. They have a sophomore quarterback.

Let The Games Begin!