In baseball, when a pitcher records every out, it’s called a complete game. In football, a complete game came be when an offensive unit dominates from the first quarter until victory is assured.
“That was probably the most complete game we’ve played on offense all year,” said Winthrop head coach Jon Cadigan after his team’s impressive 34-7 victory over Danvers Friday night before a large crowd at Miller Field.
In somewhat of a breakout performance, Will Murphy (5 carries, 40 yards) set the tone by rushinf for a 21-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Murphy also found the seam in the Danvers secondary and quarterback Matt Noonan scrambled and found him for a nifty 30-yard reception.
“They blocked perfectly and there was not much that I had to do,” said Murphy about his touchdown. “It felt nice to get the end zone for the first time. I want to single out my tackles and Roy Konopaska. He stepped up tonight and played the game of his life. It was a great win.”
Winthrop scored the first 21 points of the game, and its defense, led by linebacker Phil Boncore and , held the Falcons to one score.
A multi-tiered attack
All-Scholastic back Nick Cappuccio was his usual self, rushing for 99 yards on 16 carries. He scored the game’s second touchdown on a 7-yard run and nearly made a full-length diving interception on defense.
“Our team played hard. Danvers was a good team, but our team was ready today,” said Cappuccio. “The blocking was really good. Will (Murphy) Seth (Sacco, and Sean (Dolen) all had good running games. We needed a win.”
Asked about his performances through four game and near-INT, Cappuccio replied, “I feel I can do better. I almost had an interception, that why I could do better – I should have caught that.”
Cappuccio also received high grades for his blocking on offense.
“Nick’s a very unselfish player,” lauded Cadigan. “He’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Seth Sacco had 12 carries for 56 yards and a two-yard touchdown run on a snap directly from the center.
Noonan provides strong leadership
Quarterback Matt Noonan did his best Tom-Brady imitation by scoring on two quarterback sneaks (and yes, Brady was terrific at that, too). Noonan also completed long passes to Sean Dolen and Will Murphy.
The pass play to Murphy in the middle of Danvers secondary was noteworthy.
“The pass protection on that was pretty good,” said Cadigan. “Danvers covered it well at first, and when Matt started to roll out, Will got uncovered and made a nice catch and run.”
Sean Dolen was left wide open well beyond the secondary for a 31-yard pass from Noonan right near the goal line.
“That was a first-time formation this year and we’ve been 100 percent run on that formation. We decided to throw a pass play out of it, and they though run, and Sean got loose in the secondary,” said Cadigan.
Cadigan credited the blocking of right guard Matt Reardon, right tackle, left tackle Phil Boncore, center Roy Konopaska, left guard Riley Moccio, and tight end Nick Romano for getting the job done in the trenches, helping the Vikings accumulate 209 yards rushing on the ground and earn a large edge in time of possession. Sophomore tight end Charlie Ferrara also saw action in the double tight- end set.
The defense delivers
Coach Cadigan said it was “a long week” for the Winthop defense after a loss to Shawsheen Tech.
Offered Cadigan, “We got bullied by Shawsheen last week, and you see the offense that Danvers has and they’re basically going to try to bully you. But we had a great week of practice. Our defense played fast and aggressive, and that was a very good defensive performance against a Danvers team that has moved the ball versus Tewksbury and Reading, and they beat Salem. We pretty much shut down Danvers’ entire offense.”
Boncore, Dolen are top defensive players
Senior linebacker Phil Boncore and defensive back Sean Dolen were the co-winners of the Black Shirt defensive player of the game award.
“Phil had one of the hardest hits all season,” said Cadigan. “And Sean Dolen made a great strip-sack of the quarterback on a blitz. He hit him and caused a fumble. He’s been one of our most consistent players. I think he flies under the radar, but he’s very good on defense and offense. I think he’s a playmaker.”
Winthrop hosts Saugus (1-2) Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Miller Field. The Vikings have a bye next week before returning versus Swampscott.
Danvers head coach credits Winthrop
Danvers head coach Ryan Nolan felt the Vikings were the better team in key areas.
“They did a great job overall. Winthrop played great. They coached them up great. They’re a real proud program and a football town. They took it to us tonight. They were physical up front on both sides of the ball and made the plays when they needed them,” said Nolan.
Danvers (1-3) is playing a difficult non-league schedule that included undefeated Tewksbury. The Falcons were in a one-score game late versus undefeated Tewksbury (3-0) before falling, 28-13. That result bodes well for the confidence of the Vikings.
Tony Fucillo impressed by Cappuccio
Hall of Fame head coach Tony Fucillo, who was in attendance, has been very impressed by senior running Nick Cappuccio this season.
“He’s an excellent football player, and it always helps to have the fastest man on the field playing for your team,” said Fucillo.