Winthrop Football Falls to Peabody, 35-21

The Winthrop High football team was flying high in the first half and had momentum on its side. Cam Martin had delivered touchdowns on both sides of the ball, one on a 19-yard return of an interception, known widely as a Pick-6, and the other a perfectly executed screen pass from quarterback Robert Noonan that Martin turned in to a 37-yard touchdown.

The Vikings had a seven-point lead late in the first half and threatened to add to the margin, but Peabody scored a touchdown to tie the game and then continued its surge with 21 more unanswered points in the third quarter to hand Winthrop a 35-21 defeat Friday night at Miller Field.

There was still one, spectacular play left for Winthrop High fans as freshman Nick Cappuccio fielded a kickoff and blazed through the middle of the field for a 93-yard return for a touchdown. Cappuccio outraced no less than four Peabody players on his final, swift steps to the end zone.

Head Coach Jonathan Cadigan felt the ‘W’ was there for the taking, “but the turning point of the game was probably the last 40 seconds of the second quarter when we had a 14-7 lead and essentially allowed Peabody to go down and score.”

After a superb kickoff return by Mikey Chaves, Winthrop had a chance to retake the lead, but couldn’t complete the drive with a score.

“From that point to the fourth quarter, we just didn’t play very well in the third quarter,” said Cadigan. “It’s disappointing because I felt we competed for three out of those four quarters.”

The Vikings were also hampered by the absence of Cam Martin in the second half. Martin sustained an injury on a kickoff return, but he is expected to return for Friday’s game against Salem.

Cappuccio Connects for a Touchdown

The NFL has cut back on potential kickoff returns with placekickers consistently booting the ball into the end for touchbacks, but it remains one of football’s most exciting plays.

Nick Cappuccio introduced himself to Winthrop football fans with an electrifying return for a touchdown.

“I was excited about that play,” said Coach Cadigan. “We felt like Nick was starting to push for playing time and some carries. He played very admirably in this game for a freshman competing at the varsity level.”

Ian Harris Receives Defensive Player Award

Senior Ian Harris was honored as the Vikings’ Black Shirt defensive player of the game. Harris made several tackles in the game.

Juan Sanchez made a big defensive play in the game when he sacked the Peabody quarterback, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Victor Marques.

Key offensive contributors were Evan Rockefeller, who had five rushes for 20 yards and scored on a two-point conversion, Welvis Acosta, who had three carries for 53 yards, and Mikey Chaves, who had one pass reception for 30 yards.

Vikings Play Salem

Winthrop (2-4) will be looking to derail an improving Salem High (4-2) team Friday at Miller Field. Winthrop needs a victory to be in position to qualify for the MIAA playoffs.

“I feel very good about where we are right now in terms of the playoffs, but we have to take care of business this week,” said Coach Cadigan. “Our goal right now is to get to 4-4 and get the highest seed possible for the playoffs.”