Vikings open on the road versus Stoneham Saturday
By Cary Shuman
Playing in a rare Saturday night game, the Winthrop High School football team will travel to Woburn to open its season against the Stoneham High Spartans.
Kickoff is 6 p.m. at Connolly Memorial Stadium in Woburn as a new athletic facility is under construction in Stoneham.
Winthrop and Stoneham have consistently been contenders in Division 6 and their games have been highly competitive the past few years. A year ago, Winthrop defeated Stoneham, 13-7, in the opener at Miller Field.
As a marquee intra-divisional contest featuring teams from potent sports leagues (Northeastern and Middlesex), Winthrop-Stoneham should attract a large crowd.
“I expect there will be a big crowd,” said Winthrop head coach Jon Cadigan. “The weather is supposed to be good and both teams have large followings.”
Vikings look to contain Stoneham RB Sean Kilty
Sean Kilty returns to the Stoneham backfield, and he will present a challenge to the Winthrop defense.
“I think he’s their best running back and their best defensive player [linebacker],” said Coach Cadigan. “He’s obviously someone that we will focus on.”
Strong finish to the preseason
The Vikings defeated Manchester-Essex, 26-7, in a scrimmage last Friday at Miller Field, with the first unit outscoring the visitors, 13-7.
With the Hornets’ defense appearing to focus on All-Scholastic Nick Cappuccio, fullback Seth Sacco had a huge performance, highlighted by a 60-yard TD run.
Cappuccio, Nathan Previte, and Steve Barron also scored touchdowns in the scrimmage.
Cappuccio is among Herald’s ‘Dandy Dozen’
Winthrop High captain Nick Cappuccio is listed among the ‘Dandy Dozen” players in Division 5-6 in Wednesday’s Boston Herald.
“Multi-sport star athlete rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season,” wrote the Herald’s Danny Ventura.
Former Vikings begin their collegiate seasons
Curry College will begin its 2024 season Friday night at Salve Regina with three former Vikings, junior Pete Jurovich, and freshmen Ryan Harris and Daniel Thomai, expected to help the Colonels.
Rich Fucillo is an assistant coach on the Curry staff. Vinnie Eruzione is the director of athletics.
Bryan Conceicao will be a starting linebacker for the Amherst College Mammoths when they open their season Saturday, Sept. 14 against Bates College.
Winthrop offensive starters & key personnel
Quarterback:
Matt Noonan
Running backs: Nick Cappuccio, Seth Sacco, Will Murphy (also wide receiver) Sean Dolen (also wide receiver)
Offensive Lineman: Phil Boncore (left tackle), Riley Moccio (left guard), Roy Konopaska (center), Matt Reardon (right guard), Gabe Grein (right tackle), Nick Romano (tight end)
Kicking Game:
Nick Cappuccio (punter)
Dom Spinale (placekicker)
Winthrop defensive starters &key personnel
Defensive linemen: Chris Messina (nose tackle), Gabe Grein (defensive end), Matt Reardon (defensive end)
Linebackers: Seth Sacco, Nick Romano, Phil Boncore
Safeties: Sean Dolen, Matt Noonan, Nick Cappuccio
Cornerbacks: Will Murphy, Nick Correa, Dom Spinale, Nathan Previte