Acosta (3 TDs) Powers Vikings Past Saugus, 35–18

Welvis never left the building. Just ask the Saugus defense.

One of the team captains, Welvis Acosta made Winthrop Senior Night a memorable one with 191 yards rushing and three touchdowns as the Vikings defeated Saugus, 35-18, Friday at Miller Field.

Acosta had TD runs of 9, 21, and 20 yards, including an electrifying bolt through the middle for a second-quarter score. It was a Chucky Sullivan circa-1981 performance and if Acosta continues this torrid pace in the playoffs and on Thanksgiving, a 1,000-yard rushing season is attainable.

“Welvis had a day,” summarized head coach Jon Cadigan. “I think that’s important going forward because you’re going to have to rely on your seniors. Welvis certainly did not miss an opportunity on Senior Night to play well.”

George Galuris, whose arrival as offensive threat has been stunning the past few weeks, contributed a five-yard TD run, three PATs, and a two-point conversion. Demetri Koutsouflakis, another prolific sophomore back who has shown the ability to turn the corner on runs, scored on a 28-yard run.

Despite the comfortable victory that locked up a high seed in the playoffs, head coach Jon Cadigan felt the Vikings were not at their best in the regular season finale.

“We did what we had to do win the football game and take care of business, but we played a little bit sloppy with our fumbles,” said Cadigan. “I do think our team was a little shell-shocked at halftime, with Robert [Noonan] getting hurt (Noonan sustained a knee injury in the second quarter on a running play) and the circumstances in which he got hurt. You could see it on our kids’ faces that they were thinking of him, and rightfully so. I think we played pretty well in the second half, with all things considered.”

Alesssio Marcoccio is Defensive Player of the Game

Junior Defensive lineman Alessio Marcoccio was selected as the Vikings’ Black Shirt defensive player of the game. Marcoccio led the Vikings with six tackles and a sack of the quarterback.

“Alessio is just a high-motor kid who plays with a relentlessness up front,” said Jon Cadigan. “He’s shown that style of play for the whole season.”

Senior captain Dan Guauque spent some quality time in the Saugus backfield with two sacks and two quarterback hurries.

Cappuccio, Rockefeller Will Return for the Vikings

Nick Cappuccio and Evan Rockefeller should be in the lineup for the Vikings’ first-round playoff game.

Cappuccio was having a brilliant season before sustaining an injury. He is expected to be back in the starting lineup, according to Coach Cadigan.

Rockefeller, who was sidelined during the pre-season, will make his season debut. Rockefeller will give the Vikings a big boost at linebacker on defense and tight end on offense.