Viking Sports Notebook

Viscio has one shining moment, forever

Chris Viscio put the ‘special’ in special teams. He made the play of day and possibly the season. Instead of Gloucester getting the football, Winthrop had the football again and turned his play into a touchdown.

As the magical March Madness video says every year, Winthrop senior Chris Viscio can lay claim to his own “one shining moment.”

Viscio’s recovery of an onside kick off the right foot of Bobby Hubert proved to be crucial in a game that was ultimately decided by one touchdown in Winthrop’s 27-20 victory.

“Chris, who is one of our unheralded seniors, made a great play,” said Winthrop Coach Jonathan Cadigan. “It was a chip kick where we try to put the football behind the second row. Chris is one of our faster guys. He just flew down the field and recovered it. I thought obviously that was a pretty big play. He made a big play in a championship game. I think he’ll remember that play the rest of his life.”

Viscio has been a four-year player in the Winthrop football program, also taking the field as a wide receiver.

“He’s just a great kid who works hard all the time and you’re just happy for a kid like that in a moment like that in a big game, makes a big play.”

Vikings’ rushing

attack leads the way

To most fans, it seemed clear that the Gloucester defense was keying on Winthrop’s phenomenal fullback, Bobby Hubert. The Fishermen seemed to be swarming to him on every snap.

But Hubert delivered another solid performance, carrying the ball 19 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. Duke Doherty, Chris Ferrara, and Ryan Hovermale also helped Winthrop soar past the 300-yard mark in total rushing.

“Anytime you rush for over 300 yards, your offensive line is really doing the job and I thought our offensive line did very well,” said Coach Cadigan.

Doherty had 88 yards and two rushing touchdowns, displaying the multiple dimensions of his quarterbacking game.

Conway to the rescue

It was a tough sun that led to a Winthrop fumble during a punt-receiving sequence, but senior Cam Conway – never taking a play off – swooped in to make a key recovery.

“I credit Cam Conway for just hustling on that play,” said Cadigan. “It was a great hustle play and that allowed us to keep the momentum.”

Perullo stars again

The best sequence of the game may have been Stevie Perullo’s tie-up of a Gloucester running back on the last play of the first quarter, followed by a pass-defensive breakup on Gloucester’s pass receiver on the first play of the second quarter.

Winthrop’s Block Party

Winthrop’s offensive line showed its power on Chris Ferrara’s 12-yard touchdown run on a buck sweep play.

“We try to seal the edge and run the alley,” explained Cadigan.

Michael Carter, who has performed brilliantly at offensive tackle this season, was credited with a big “down block” as he took out his assigned defender while Ryan Hovermale and Cam Conway destroyed the edge to open up the path for the super-quick Ferrara.

Meanwhile, Stevie Perullo and Matt Hurley assisted as the two pulling guards on the play.

“It was really a well-executed play,” said Cadigan understatedly. “I’ve been very happy for Chris (Ferrara). He waited his time on offense to get his shot and you’re seeing him this year making some pretty big runs for us.”

Notable moments

Mikey Chaves hauled in an 18-yard reception on a well-run sideline route.

Ryan Hovermale came within inches of blocking a Gloucester punt. Hovermale received the “Black Shirt” for being the defensive player of the game for the second time this season.

 Middle linebacker Ian Harris had 11 tackles in the game. “He’s been a terrific player for us,” said Cadigan. “I think inside linebacker is the hardest position to play on defense. It’s the quarterback of the defense.”

Defensive lineman Victor Marquez caused a fumble that was recovered by Cam Martin.

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