Sports 11-15-2018

WHS sports roundup

Miranda-Llovera qualifies for   all-state meet

Winthrop High ace runner Camilla Miranda-Llovera qualified for this upcoming weekend’s all-state meet with a sixth-place finish in the Division 6 Eastern Mass. Meet held this past weekend at the Wrentham Training Center.

Camilla crossed the line in a time of 21:29 over the 5K (3.1 miles) course, pacing the Lady Vikings to a 12th place finish among the 17 schools that fielded full teams.

“I’m really proud of Camilla for placing among the top 10 and moving on next week to the All-States,” said WHS head coach Warren MacPhail.

Five other Winthrop girls competed in the the meet: Caroline Zuffante with a time of 24:48, eighth grader Libby Carney in 25:24, Fiona MacPhail in 27:49, Kat Thano in 28:28, and Catherine Zuffante in 31:38.

On the boys’ side, Cormac MacPhail was the top performer for the Vikings, finishing in 14th place in a clocking of 18:10. He was followed by teammates Patrick Haskell in 20:08, Mark Amatucci in 22:46, and Michelangelo Marcoccio in 23:10.

“Cormac was hoping for a top-five finish, but fell short,” said MacPhail. “Both Cormac and Camilla have run repeated performances that will make them a lock for future Hall of Famers. They have been terrific runners whom I’ll miss coaching a lot.”

 

From the Press Box

Following a Legend

By: Jim Lederman

The late Robert S. Remer was sports editor of the Winthrop Sun-Transcript for 52 years. Bob passed away, January 1990.I grew up reading Bob Remer for 30 years. I used to look forward to reading his column every Thursday. I was excited to read my name in the Transcript, while playing football and basketball at WHS.

I wrote my first column in the Transcript in 1975-1976. I have been writing for 42 years and when I wrote about the 1976 Division One State Championship Vikings hockey team (26-0-1) playing in the legendary old Boston Garden, it was an honor to write about a State Championship – Vikings hockey team.

One of my all-time favorite games covering the Vikings was in 1983, sitting in the Press Box at Foxboro Stadium (Sullivan Stadium) watching the undefeated Vikings capture the Super Bowl title. The game was victory number 33 for coach Bob DeFelice’s championship team.

I sat next to the ‘legend’ Robert S. Remer. I did color commentary for radio station WESX. Sitting in the Press Box that morning were Lefty and Eleanor DeFelice, Frank DeFelice, Athletic Director (my favorite) Jimmy Evans.

The thirteen buses that brought Viking fans to the stadium was historic. The entire town of Viking fans, family and friends of the WHS players, was one of my favorite memories.

Coach Robert A. DeFelice established the Winthrop tradition of winning big games. The entire state will remember the Vikings winning streak and undefeated Super Bowl championship players (nine players, played Division One football in college).

I hope to match the talent and skills of my predecessor Robert S. Remer and continue the great coverage in the Transcript.

Let’s Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

Winthrop 15 – Essex Tech 6

The Vikings defeated Essex Tech on Saturday morning at Miller Field (15-6), the victory improved the Vikings record to (5-5) their third consecutive victory of the 2018 campaign.

The Vikings strong running attach led by bruising fullbacks ‘number 40’ c0-captain Feedle Small, sophomore standout ‘Number 33’ Austin Daigneault and ‘Super Soph’ quarterback Bobby Hubert controlled the game.

The Vikings defense shut down the ‘Hawks’ of Essex Tech. Senior Ben Condon took the second half kickoff and raced 73-yards to pay dirt. Feedle Small blocked the extra point kick and Winthrop held a slim (8-6) lead.

The Vikings increased the lead to (15-8) behind the running of Hubert Small and Daigneault in the fourth quarter. Hubert capped another long drive with his second quarterback sneak and Small rushed for the 2-point conversion and a (15-8) victory to end the year at the ‘new’ Miller Field Gridiron in the first half.

The Vikings marched down the field and scored the only touchdown of the first half, in the second quarter. A one-yard sneak by Hubert behind the outstanding play of the offensive line.

The touchdown by the ‘Super Soph’ ignited the team and the one-yard quarterback keeper was Number 15 for the talented sophomore. Senior Jon Applebee split the uprights and the Vikings had a 7-0 first half lead.

 

 

Three Cheers for

Winthrop

Let’s have a huge cheer for the WHS cheerleaders. They wont he NEC title. How many titles have the Vikings won in football? Including three strong super bowl titles? Winner gets a JAC’s muffin!

To captain Victoria Donohue – I watched you grow u p and today you are captain of a championship team!

The Winthrop Sun-Transcript salutes the 2018 Viking cheerleaders.

Three Cheers for Winthrop!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

A Winning Season

The Vikings established goals in the first year under the tutelage of coach Jon Cadigan. The victory over Essex Tech on Saturday has the Vikings one victory away from a winning season.

Can the Vikings pull the upset of the season, with a victory over Revere (6-4)?

The test is only one week away. It is like the finals of a course in school. Vikings fan Dan O’Neil says, “This team has made big progress in all phases of the game. One play can turn a football game around. Let’s look back to the Saugus game. The field (the worst in the state) prevented the Vikings from establishing a strength-speed from their outstanding backs.

Marvens Jean ran through the Vikings with many missed tackles and the Saugus victory cost the Vikings a trip to the MIAA Tourney.

Winthrop must stop Darius McNeil, Revere’s all-star halfback. Holding McNeil to less than 100 yards means a Winthrop victory over Revere!

A victory over the Revere Patriots and a record of (6-5) a huge accomplishment for ‘Cadigan and Company.’

The team is young and Winthrop has a young coaching staff with many ex-Vikings who played on championship teams!

The future looks very bright for the Vikings. A victory on Thanksgiving would build confidence.

Let’s Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

Do You Remember When?

The Swampscott-Winthrop rivalry dates back to the 1950’s in 1964, two undefeated teams faced off in a battle for first place at rainy Miller Field.

The Vikings led by a bruising fullback. Steve ‘The Tank’ Adamson won the title, en-route to an undefeated (one loss to Revere) NEC championship season.

The ‘Tank’ rumbled 65-yards for the only touchdown, in a (8-0) Winthrop victory.

In 1971-1972 ‘The Big Blue’ defeated Winthrop (8-1) to capture two NEC championships.

The 1971 game was a classic won by Swampscott at Blocksidge Field, 6,000 fans packed the stands to watch two of the best teams in the NEC, battle for the NEC title.

The Vikings featured the ‘double dee’s, (Mark DeGregorio and Michael DeMarco). Quarterback Pat DeGregorio and in the ‘Big Game’ – guard and linebacker – Chuck Flanagan (10 tackles at middle linebacker). The sports reporter for the Winthrop Sun-Transcript – Robert S. Remer (52 years reporting).

Swampscott, under the tutelage of legendary coach Stan Bondelevitch captured ‘many’ NEC titles.

On the ‘Sports Corner’ by Bob Remer preceded from the ‘Press Box.’

Enclosed is ‘ancient’ article by Mr. Remer – The ‘Big Blue’ won the classic (23-12). Enclosed article and team picture.

Going back 46 years ago!

Winthrop vs. Swampscott

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Return of Number 16

I visited my favorite football field in the North Shore two weeks ago on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Winthrop vs. Swampscott, a rivalry that brings back many memories of my football career. When I was a starting fullback as a freshmen, we beat Swampscott on the legendary Blocksidge Field Gridiron.

In 1959 as a senior, I played on the legendary Blocksidge grass. We stunned the Big Blue (12-6) on a Saturday morning.

The crowd was huge and I spoke with North Shore sportscaster (WESX) ‘Spike’ Brown. I listened to his broadcasts for many years and I wanted to do radio broadcasting.

The game was the Winthrop Youth Football ‘C’ team playing the ‘future’ Big Blue. The first Winthrop touchdown was scored by ‘Number 16’ the 11-yeard old son of the late all-time NEC all-scholastic Viking Anthony ‘Touchdown Tony’ Palmer. “TD’ never lost on the ‘Big Blue’ Gridiron. (See picture included in sports).

The future looks great for the Vikings. Maybe a new Number 16 will score touchdowns on Miller Field. Another great Viking for the future!

We salute Winthrop Youth Football!

Let’s Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

Faces in the Crowd

Bobby A., aka Chico J. Krantz, general manager at the legendary Heller’s Café in Chelsea. Commissioner Bill Schmidt aka Robbie Mook and Charles Kuralt, traveling the country, visiting North Caroline, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio this month – “On The Road.”

 

Trivia: Can you name the three ex-WHS track stars, who hold the 100-yard dash record?

Great to see Danny O’Neil talking football at the WGC (Winthrop Golf Club).

 

 

The Number One Spartan

Three cheers for ex-Viking coach Sean Driscoll, leading the St. Mary’s of Lynn Spartans to the Division 7 North title, wit h a convincing (39-14) win over Nashoba Tech.

Coach Driscoll needs a win over Cohasset on Friday night to reach the super bowl at Gillette Stadium.

When I enter Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere on Thanksgiving, I will always remember is (15-12) comeback victory in 2015 – 3,500 fans leaving Della Russo crying over another Winthrop victory over Revere. (The Vikings are (41-5) over the Patriots.

Let’s Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Beachcomer Trophy

The ‘Big Game’ is one week away, Winthrop vs. Revere at Harry Della Russo Stadium in Revere.

The winner will walk out of Della Russo with the coveted Beachcomer Trophy. Next week I will show you pictures of Viking players, proudly holding the ‘Beachcomer’ trophy.

The stadium on ‘Turkey’ Day will be filled with proud ex-Vikings cheering for the 2018 Vikings. Winthrop has won (41 out of the lat 46 years). Five losses to our archrivals. I spoke with an ex-Patriot last week at JAC’s Cafe. He played on the 1981 Patriots (He said, “that was the greatest Winthrop team and we (Revere) had only one of the Patriots team with a winning record,” – he stated, “Your teams are unbelievable – your teams dominated Revere.”

Can the Vikings of 2018 keep the ‘tradition’ alive?

Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

 

 

Moving the Chains

The ‘Big Blue’ of Swampscott captured the Division 5 North title with a (34-26) victory over the Amesbury Indians.

Swampscott will advance to the final in Division 5 with a chance to play in the ‘D5’ super bowl. Junior quarterback Graham Inzana (four touchdown passes) led the Big Blue offense.

Amesbury used to play in the old NEC league (Marblehead, Winthrop, Woburn, Danvers, Newburyport, Swampscott and Amesbury play in the Cape Ann league.

Tewksbury defeated (old Vikings rival Danvers (28-21). Gloucester captured the D4-North title with a (38-6) victory over Wayland.

Marblehead (D5) champion defeated (NEC South champion Lynn English (31-7). The Lynn Classical Rams trounced former Vikings rival Beverly (41-0).

Saugus defeated Pentucket (21-7); The Revere Patriots (6-4) defeated Burlington (32-29). Revere has a chance to have their best record in 37 years with a victory over the Vikings on Thanksgiving (did you hear that Viking players?)

Next week in the Turkey Day previews – The Voice will pick the holiday – ‘Pigskin Picks.’

Let’s Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

 

Miller Field 2018 Final Game

The Vikings (5-5) hard fought victory over Essex Tech (15-6) was played in bitter cold weather on Saturday morning.

The bad weather brought superintendent Lisa Howard into the Miller Field press box (Ms. Howard was recently inducted into the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame for the second time with her state champs – the 1984 Lady Vikings softball champs).

Ms. Howard was joined with her son Declan, wearing a Boston College sweatshirt!

Lisa was the ‘Good Luck Charm’ when she entered the press box, the Vikings scored a touchdown!

Ms. Howard is a huge supporter of Viking athletes, as the previous super never entered the press box his support of the previous football coach Sean Driscoll was terrible!

A salute to the super!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Top 20

Congrats to coach Sean Driscoll and his St. Mary’s of Lynn football teach. The ‘top twenty’ teams in EMass football poll in Monday’s Globe, ranks St. Mary’s number 20 – We salute coach Driscoll.

The Swampscott ‘Big Blue’ (9-1) is ranked No. 17. Gloucester Division 4 North is ranked No. Ten. The Fishermen will play ______ on Friday night.

Coach Driscoll’s undefeated (9-0) NEC 2014 champions were ranked number 16 in 2014!

I spoke with coach Driscoll on Saturday, as he visited Miller Field to cheer for the 2018 Vikings! Scouting the Vikings on Saturday, was Revere coach Lou Cicatelli, he asked me, “How many sophomores are starting for the Vikings”?

Let’s fill Della Russo Stadium on the holiday!

Go Vikings!

Beat Revere!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

WHS sports years

20 years ago

November 12, 1998

The WHS football team pulled out its first win of the season, an emotional 24-21 triumph over Swampscott in which junior fullback Keith Griffin scored his second TD of the game with less than one minute to go. The winning score was set up by a 54 yard kickoff return by freshman Bobby Kneeland that brought the ball to the Swampscott 33 with just 2:43 on the clock. Viking quarterback Greg Lepke tossed a 23 yard TD pass to Toby Guarino for the other Winthrop score. WHS ace place-kicker Jim Coffey kicked three PATs and a field goal.

The girls’ soccer team ended its season with a 5-4 win over Lynn Classical. Celeste Petraglia netted a hat trick in the triumph. She also was named to the NEC all star team.

 

30 years ago

November 19, 1988

The Winthrop High football team, which has compiled an abysmal 1-8 record, is gearing up to end the season on a positive note in the final game on Thanksgiving against Revere.

The WHS girls cross country team finished in second place in the Eastern Mass. Division IV Meet held Saturday morning in Franklin Park in Dorchester.

Winthrop was well-represented at the recent New York City Marathon with four local residents running in the race.

 

40 years ago

November 15, 1978

The WHS football team clinched at least a share of an NEC title with a sterling 20-7 win over a strong Salem squad. The triumph marked the Vikings’ seventh straight victory after starting the season at 0-2. Steve Rubin scored the first Winthrop TD on a 66-yard gallop and Bobby Oliver, the Vikings’ version of New England Patriot star fullback Sam “Bam” Cunningham, powered over the goal line to score a pair of touchdowns from short distance.

 

50 years ago

November 14, 1968

The WHS football team dropped a 22-6 decision to Saugus Saturday at Miller Field. Randy Herdt earned two stars from the coaching staff for both best offensive and best defensive lineman. Danny Gray scored the lone Winthrop touchdown from five yards out. Bobby Nolan’s 18 yard run set up the score.

 

60 years ago

November 13, 1958

The WHS football team will seek its sixth win of the season at Fitchburg this Saturday. Winthrop defeated Chelmsford, 22-8 last week. Quarterback Curtis MacFarland scored one touchdown and halfback Bobby Milne, the Winthrop star of the game, scored the other two.

However, a flu bug has decimated the Winthrop squad this week, including coach Ed McFarland.

 

70 years ago

November 11, 1948

 

The WHS football team fell to 1-8 on the season with a 33-7 loss to North Quincy this past week.