Football Vikings Set to Begin Their 2021 Season

When we last left the Winthrop High football program a mere two months ago, the Vikings were celebrating a conference championship and unveiling their NEC title banner at the awards banquet.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season was moved to the spring, and the Vikings, led by a superb senior class, turned that campaign into one for the ages.

Now head coach Jon Cadigan and his new-look Vikings will hope to continue the momentum from that memorable season that had so many defining moments.

Pre-season workouts have begun, with Cadigan and his staff welcoming 46 players into the program.

“We’re not as experienced as we have been in the last couple of years, but I do think we have talent,” said Cadigan. “I am definitely excited about the talent that we have, especially with our skill guys.”

Winthrop opens its regular season on Friday, Sept. 10 against Stoneham High at Miller Field. A huge crowd is expected after a season in which there was limited fan access due to social distancing regulations.

Freshman Cappuccio Wins the Ironman

The Vikings held their annual Ironman Competition last Friday at Miller Field and in the school weight room.

Nick Cappuccio, a freshman, won the competition, becoming the first ninth grader to take home the award.

Seniors Ian Harris and Cam Martin, finished second in the competition.

Noonan Gets the Nod as the Starting QB

Robert Noonan, a junior with a tremendous athletic heritage on both sides of the family, is the Vikings’ starting quarterback. Noonan’s father, Rob, was a former star QB for the Vikings. His grandfather, Attorney Robert E. Noonan, served Winthrop well as a member of the Board of Selectmen (alongside future Speaker of House Robert A. DeLeo).

Robert’s grandfather, David Tallent Sr., and uncle, David Tallent Jr., were off-the-charts, multiple sport standouts.

 Noonan will have the company of Cam Martin at a running back position. Martin mostly played defensive back for the NEC title team a year ago. Martin had a huge kickoff return in the Vikings’ big win over an undefeated Division 1 Framingham team.

Mikey Chaves, a senior who made some impressive pass receptions from QB Duke Doherty last season, returns as a starting wide receiver.

“Mike was our No. 1 wide receiver last season, and he was pretty electric with the football in his hands,” said Cadigan. “He had a great summer in the 7 on 7 events, and we’re really excited about what he can do on the field this season.”

 Coach Nimblett Retires

Assistant Coach Robert Nimblett retired at the end of last season. Nimblett made an awesome contribution to the team’s offense as its coordinator.

A former Viking wide receiver, Nimblett brought to the field a love of football and inspired his athletes, just as his father, former Winthrop assistant girls basketball coach James Nimblett did, when he and head coach Ron Spinney put the girls’ basketball program on the map forever.

Coach Jon Cadigan thanked Robert Nimblett for his contributions to the WHS athletic program as a player and a coach.

Mark D’Ambrosio will be the new offensive coordinator while James Fucillo returns as the defensive coordinator.

 Scrimmage Schedule Begins Tonight (Thursday)

The Winthrop team will play its annual Blue and Gold intra-squad scrimmage Thursday at 6 p.m. at Miller Field.

The Vikings will host Beverly Saturday at 10 a.m. at Miller Field. Next Wednesday, the Vikings will make the short trip to East Boston Stadium for a 4 p.m. scrimmage with the EBHS Jets.

On Friday, Sept. 3, the Vikings will journey to Manchester-by-the-Sea for a 4 p.m. scrimmage against Manchester-Essex.

Captains to be Announced Today

The nomination and election of captains was scheduled to take place Wednesday, with the announcement of the new captains set for today.