WHS sports roundup
Girls soccer wins
two, finishes 10-7-1
The Winthrop High girls soccer team ended its regular season on a positive note with a 1-0 victory at Lynn English Tuesday evening.
Freshman Mia Martucci scored the lone goal of the contest on her own corner kick early in game and the Lady Vikings maintained that margin the rest of the way.
“We had the ball down their end most of the game, but just could not find the back of the net,†said WHS head coach Tracey Martucci,. “We had a strong defense, consisting of freshman sweeper Julia Marcoccio, Olivia Holmes,  Sydney Mignosa, Jenna Dorr, Miya Grein,  Summer Tallent, and Lily Skomro, all of whom held it together in the backfield for us.â€
Last week the Lady Vikings celebrated Senior Night in appropriate fashion, defeating Lynn Classical 4-1, a team that had edged Winthrop earlier in the season by a 4-3 margin.
Captain Emma Carleton, captain Sofie LaFratta, captain Hayley McSwiney, captain Olivia Holmes, and first-year Lady Viking Bianca Fregi all were honored for their contributions to the WHS girls soccer program.
“The girls definitely were pumped and ready to win for our seniors,†said Martucci.
All four of the Winthrop goals were scored by the Lady Vikings’ stellar forward, Maura Dorr. Emma Carleton and Mia Martucci assisted on two of the markers and two were unassisted.
“After Maura scored her first two goals, Classical put two players on her, but she still found the back of the net two more times,†said Martucci.
Martucci and her crew were awaiting word of their seeding and first-round opponent in the upcoming state tourney, That announcement from the MIAA was expected yesterday (Wednesday).
WHS boys soccer
wraps up its season
The Winthrop High boys soccer team ended its season this past week, coming up short by identical scores of 3-1 in a home-and-home series with Saugus.
Senior and leading scorer Jaylin Cordes scored the Winthrop goals in both conttests.
“Overall, it was the best we’ve played all season,†said WHS head coach Kyle Gagin. “We built the ball from the defense to midfield and into the attacking third, doing it the way the game should be played. We played well enough to win at least one of the games.â€
WHS sports years
20 years ago
Oct. 29, 1998
The WHS football team proved no match for first place and undefeated  Gloucester in a 46-12 loss at Miller Field. Viking fullback Chris Sarro scored both of the Winthrop touchdowns. The visiting Fishermen bolted to a 25-0 lead in the first half before Winthrop got on the board.
The WHS golf team ended its season with a 38.5-33.5 win over Everett. Matt Crombie, Gino DeAngelis, Owen Trainor, Brian Frazier, Steve Crombie, Peter Bettino, Mark Paulson, and John Nalen all played well for Winthrop. Junior John Donahue will represent Winthrop at today’s State Individual Tournament.
40 years ago
Nov. 1, 1978
A 22-0 shutout of Danvers on Saturday has propelled the 5-2 WHS football team into contention for at least a share of the NEC title when they meet 5-1 Lynn Classical this week at the Manning Bowl. Steve Rubin scored two TDs, giving him nine on the season, and carried 24 times for 110 yards. A five yard pass from Vin Eruzione to Mark Tallent accounted for the third Viking TD.
50 years ago
Oct. 31, 1968
The WHS football team dropped its third straight contest, 14-8 to Woburn. Running back Danny Gray was Winthrop’s offensive star of the week for the second straight game and Gerry Case was the defensive lineman of the week. Dave Tallent also earned a star for his pass interception. Dennis Cash gave Winthrop the lead early in the third quarter. Quarterback Ed Tipping, subbing for injured starter Keith MacFarland, who is out for the season, hit Tallent for the conversion. Woburn scored its two touchdowns thanks to a fumble recovery at the Winthrop 33 and a wind-blown, bad punt.
60 years ago
Oct. 30, 1958
Coach Ed MacFarland’s WHS football team notched its most impressive win of the season, a 30-20 victory over Woburn. Curt MacFarland broke away on a keeper while running an option play for a 55 yard TD jaunt. Mike Williams caught a 20 yard pass, Bob Milne scored from four yards out, and Malcolm McLean scored the fourth TD after he had ripped off a 60 yard run. A victory over winless Marblehead this week will give Winthrop its four wins in a season for the first time in three years.
70 years ago
October 28, 1948
Concord ran its unbeaten streak to 25 games over the past four seasons with a 13-0 win over Gordon Connor’s WHS gridders. The game was a costly one for Winthrop as two more starters, Billy Rutherford and Joe Ripley, were injured. They join fellow starters Donald Graham, Willy Rosenberg, and Barry Lichter, on the sidelines.
80 years ago
October 28, 1938
The WHS football team is in position to claim the Mystic Valley League championship after a 13-7 win over Melrose before 3500 fans at Miller Field Saturday afternoon. Winthrop now stands at 5-0 and needs but a tie with Wakefield to capture its first league crown since 1934. Jim Reid scored the winning touchdown in the game’s final seconds. Reid tossed to Mulcahy for the first Winthrop touchdown.
From the Press Box
Super Soph
By: Jim Lederman
The list of great sophomore Viking football standouts, includes many players who have led the Vikings to championship teams.
Let’s start with a late legend that led his team to back-to-back Super Bowl games. The late star Anthony ‘Touchdown Tony’ Palmer scored 195 points his senior season and two consecutive all-scholastic seasons.
The original ‘Voice of the Vikings’ Super Soph – Bobby Kneeland, a three-year standout who scored 118-points in his junior year. Bobby was a three-sport all-star athlete for the Vikings.
In 1981 – Jimmy Gillis scored four touchdowns in the opening game, his sophomore season. Jimmy was a star in a backfield of three all-scholastic players. Chuck Sullivan (166 points) and the number one recruit (Division One) in Massachusetts. Steve Staffier (145 points) played for National Championship Team – ‘The U’ – University of Miami in 1984.
Matt Murray (two-time) Boston Herald All-Scholastic co-captains of the undefeated (13-0) Super Bowl champions of 2006. He was a super-soph as a sophomore on Gridiron.
This year we have another ‘Super-Soph’ – Number 16 – (how many all-scholastic Vikings wore that coveted number?) Bobby Hubert has scored (76 points) this season. On Friday night, the soph-quarterback scored two touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a (15-0) victory over Shawsheen on a frigid night in Billerica!
Coach Jon Cadigan called ‘Number 16’ (Palmer, Fucillo, Chuck Sullivan) – three all-scholastic players.
Bobby Hubert – The ‘Best’ sophomore in the entire (15-team) NEC.
The future is unlimited for Bobby (Super-Soph) Hubert!
Let’s Go, Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!
Winthrop – 15Â
Shawsheen – 0
The formula for the Winthrop Vikings led the young Vikings, to a 15-0 victory over Shawsheen Tech in a frigid field in Billerica.
Strong defense – a shutout and a soph quarterback who is the most talented sophomore on a team that has a reputation for ’super’ quarterbacks in the past.
The Vikings opened the season with a couple of victories and three games they could have recorded a victory!
The Vikings improved to (3-5) with the next stop, a game with Arlington Catholic, Saturday.
“We are shooting for a winning season and finishing strong, leading up to the ‘big game’, the battle of the ‘beaches’ – Winthrop vs. arch rival Revere on ‘Turkey Day’ Thanksgiving – Nov. 22nd at Della Russo Stadium.
Halftime Report
The two teams battled to a shutout at Billerica. The Vikings controlled the line of scrimmage and the Vikings earned a shutout with a stout defensive game. The play of senior cornerbacks Andrew Love and Jon Applebee strengthens our defense. The return of soph standout Bryan Conceciao, who returned after an injury, gives our linebacking trio a big boost, lauded coach Jon Cadigan.
“We rushed for 265 yards and the line continues to improve,†said coach ‘Cad.’ WE have a shot at our fourth victory this week,†we need the leadership of our captains Small, Castro and McCone.â€
“We must play four strong quarters,†said a smiling coach Cadigan!
Extra Points
Stats from the Vikings victory over Shawsheen Tech Rushing:
Bobby Hubert – 14 carries 82 yards.
Co-capt. Feedle Small – 11 carries 90 yards
Austin Daignault – 13 carries 58 yards
Brian Chalmers – 5 carries 27 yards
Ryan Hovermale – 5 carries 17 yards
Total – 274 yards
Bobby Hubert – totals for 2018
178 yards passing – 2 touchdowns – 2 rushing extra points.
618 yards rushing – 10 touchdowns – 1 defensive touchdown
* 72 points*
Vikings vs. Arlington Catholic
The Winthrop Vikings shooting for a winning season will play Arlington Catholic on Saturday, 1 p.m. at Hormel Stadium in Medford (one half mile from Bed, Bath and Beyond, Wellington Circle on Route 16).
Arlington Catholic plays in the Catholic Central (large) league A.C. has a (1-6) record. They defeated Mystic Valley on Friday night winning (40-6) A.C. averages 17-points per game and allows 25 points per game.
The Vikings average 15-points per game and allows 22 points per game. The ‘Crystal Ball’ Voice predictions – Vikings 27 – A.C. 19
Skimming the Sidelines
The upset of the MIAA playoffs, took place at Piper Field in Marblehead. The NEC champions – The Marblehead Magicians fell to number 8 – Dracut (28-14). Marblehead (7-1) lost at home for the first time in two years!
The surprising Saugus Sachems defeated Weston in Division 5 North – (27-6). Running back Marvens Jean (you remember his 73-yard touchdown in the rain to defeat the Vikings) rushed for 266-yards to highlight the Saugus victory (3-5).
Lynn English (number 2 seed) at (7-1) defeated No. 7 Concord-Carlisle) 35-33 at Manning Field in Lynn on Friday night in Division 3. North quarter final (remember English as an enrollment of 1,750 students).
Quarterback Matt Severance completed 11 of 15 passes for 205 yards. English will play _______
The Swampscott Big Blue had the easy task of playing winless (yes, the point system of opponents wins) Triton (42-20) at historic Blocksidge Field in Swampscott. Coach Sean Driscoll’s St. Mary’s of Lynn Spartans defeated Georgetown (49-6) at Manning Field in Division 7 North. Look for the Spartans to play in the North finals.
The Revere-Patriots (5-3) defeated North Reading (27-20). The Patriots advance to play the Gloucester Fishermen. I predict a Gloucester victory at legendary Newell Stadium on Friday night. Fishermen 25 – Patriots 17.
Let the Games Begin!
Winthrop Youth Football
I had the pleasure of watching the ‘growth’ of Winthrop Youth football, the past few weeks at Miller Field.
In 2016 coach Sean Driscoll told me, “You have to go to Newburyport to see Winthrop Youth Football play in a game that could lead to a championship for a program that started in 1977.
The young Vikings of 2016 were coached by Kevin Adamson, Chris Ferrara, Chris Viscio, Billy Harris and Anthony Dellaconio.
I watched Winthrop Youth Football in a heart breaking loss to Newburyport. The game was extra special because they were playing in War Memorial Stadium. I scored my lat WHS touchdown in Newburyport.
I told coach Driscoll – they have six players who will be ‘standouts’ playing for the Vikings when they p lay for the Vikings at the ‘new’ Miller Field.
In 2017, at the opening of the ‘new’ Miller Field, six freshmen started for Winthrop on Thanksgiving in 2018, the same seven sophomores are building a championship Winthrop team for the future.
‘Hats off’ to WYF under the leadership of Peter Caggiano and Mark D’Ambrosio.
Ex-Vikings D’Ambrosio, Derek Brugman, Michael Ferrara, Rob Noonan and Michael DeFelice are building a strong program that will help the Vikings win another NEC championship.
WE salute the Winthrop Youth Football program!
Let the Games Begin!
Hall of Fame on WCAT
The 2018 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on October 20th was broadcast for video. This was the 13th Hall of Fame ceremony.
The ceremony was captured by cameraman Mike Mahoney; the telecast (available for sale) is on W.C.A.T. TV, Channel 3.
The committee t hanks WCAT and Mike Mahoney for an excellent job. Enjoy the video for your enjoyment on Channel 3!
Go Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!
The Second Line
The 1976 Winthrop Vikings hockey team (26-0-1) captured the Division One State Title in the ‘legendary’ Boston Garden.
I had the honor to write about his super team. They were coached by Billy Falasca (a member of the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame, exceptional service).
The fist line of Bobby McDonald, Jakie W. Burke and Joey McDonald scored (212 points). Yes, that is one of the top high school lines in state history – 1976 State Champs.
I spoke with Fred Taper Sr. on Sunday morning at JAC’s Café; I had not talked with Mr. Tape in almost one year.
We extend our condolences to the Tape family on the loss of Freddy Tape from cancer, in New Hampshire.
The ‘second line’ had Tape, Paul Plakias and Jackie Brugman. They were a sensational line for the Division One State champs! It was ironic because on Friday night, I spoke with Paul Plakias (WHS Hall of Fame).
The state champs defeated Arlington (4-1) a team that won many state titles. In the legendary old Boston Garden! The state learned Winthrop High has a great tradition for championship teams (football, hockey, basketball and one state championship in baseball).
1976 – State Champions!
A Vikings ‘historic’ team!
Let the Games Begin at Larsen Rink!
A Costly Error
The Red Sox have had great defense during their extraordinary championship run. Nunez, Kinsler, Pearce, Devers and Boegarts have been awesome!
I committed a ‘costly error’ in my column last week. I omitted my teammate Richard Thibeau on the teammate Richard Thibeau on the Hall of Fame Committee for the induction ceremony.
Richard was baseball captain at WHS and committed few errors at Veterans Field. He was the host at our dinner in the cafeteria, pre-game meal.
Let the Games Begin!
City of Champions
5 – Super bowl championships – Patriots
4 – World Series championships – Sox
1 – World champs – NBA – Celtics – 2008
1 – Stanley Cup champs – Bruins – 2011
We salute Boston, New England!
11-time champions! (2002-2018)
Let the Games Begin!
We salute the championship teams!
Gas Up – The Duck Boats
The clock struck 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. I had stayed awake 5 consecutive nights from (1:30 – 3:30) cheering the beloved Red Sox.
The Sox trailed the LA Dodgers (4-0); my brother lives in the desert in California. He called to say, “The Dodgers will win three in a row.†Can you believe that?
I had to stay awake and cheer for the ‘best team’ in baseball. A Steve Pearce performance (2 home runs) ignited the Sox to score nine runs in one game! It is Saturday morning, I’m writing my column and confident the Sox will win the World Series.
A.C. (Alex Cora) is pushing the right buttons. Great pitching from (E. Rod-Nathan Eovaldi and JK (Joe Kelley) Game Winner!
Gas up the Duck Boats!
Another ‘World Championship’ for the City of Boston and New England!
Let the Games Begin!
The Class of 2018
Some after thoughts on the induction ceremony of the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame at Winthrop High School.
The Committee thanks the school committee (Chair Tino Capobianco) for giving us the use of the beautiful new WHS Middle/high School and the use of the magnificent new Shapiro Arts C enter Auditorium.
Principals Matt Crombie and Brian Curley were extremely co-operative. Jim Leary and the custodians were awesome. To coach Dale Dunbar’s Viking hockey the committee would like to thank our sponsors. The Winthrop Book Depot Café (Somerset Avenue), Robert M. DeGregorio Real Estate and Insurance Agency, New Fed Mortgage (Al Petrilli and Al Petrilli Jr.), MSA Mortgage (Bob Deeb) for their support. The next WHS Hall of Fame will be in October 2020. If you would like to nominate a WHS athlete or a Viking team, contact Attorney Christos Tsiotos (617-846-9192).
Let the Games Begin!
The WHS Hockey players were a huge help on Friday and Saturday night.
To the inductees and presenters, your professional speeches and the thanks to the Viking Pride Organization on saving Viking sports, were recognized all night.
The next Hall of Fame is 2020. If you wish to nominate a team or individual athlete – please contact a Committee member or pick up a nomination at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos!
Let the Games Begin!
The Coach and Family
I had a powerful conversation with Hall of Fame coach Robert A. DeFelice (Winthrop’s Greatest Coach) at the induction ceremony. How proud he was at the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Coach DeFelice (in 8 Hall of Fames) after he presented Paul Gallivan for induction on Saturday night!
“My dad (the late Anthony ‘Lefty’ DeFelice) would have been proud of the third DeFelice to be inducted (Christine – a member of the 1984 State Championship softball team), brother Francis (Frank) legendary Big Blue baseball coach (450 victories) was the other member of the DeFelice family (induction in 2007). Frank was also a long time Big Blue football coach.
Memories of the DeFelice brothers facing each other at Blocksidge Field come to mind!
We Salute the DeFelice Family!
Let the Games Begin!
Faces in the Crowd
Enjoying the exciting Boston Red Sox game at J.W.’s Restaurant, former Peabody standout in soccer. An ex-Tanner athlete – Rachael T.
Congrats to ex-Viking running back (WHS Athletic Hall of Fame) and Boston University standout) Paul Plakias on the birth of his grandson (Colton Beard). ‘Plakias was No. 20 for the Vikings, under the tutelage of Robert A. DeFelice. Hats off to Johnny Magee – his ‘Dog Franchise’ – Viking Pride Dogs. He is a huge Jules Edelman fan – Relentless – story of the life of Julian Edelman.
A ‘High Five’ to coach Dale Dunbar’s senior hockey players, Sammy Y arrow, Chris Finn, Mark Van Buskirk, Ryan Skocylas and Joe Deeb for assisting at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Coach has another talented group of returning skaters.
Raise the Sticks – Vikings!
Three Cheers for the Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!
Vikings vs. Arlington Catholic
The Winthrop Vikings will take a short trip to Hormel Stadium on Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.)
Arlington Catholic won their first victory of the 2018 campaign, with a (40-8) victory over Mystic Valley. The game is in Division 6 North MIAA non-playoff game.
A victory over AC would improve the Vikings record to (4-5) wit h one more playoff game. The Vikings play their archrival Revere Patriots on the holiday on November 22nd.
Winthrop has defeated Revere 31 out of the last 35 games in the rivalry. We will have an extending pre-game article in two weeks.
Keep the Streak Alive!
Go Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!