Winthrop High Football Notebook

Charlie Ferrara, Michael Ferrara, Riley Moccio, and Desmond Cassidy are elected captains

With its 2026 season opener set for next Friday, Sept. 11, the Winthrop High School football program has named its captains.

Seniors Charlie Ferrara, Michael Ferrara, Riley Moccio, and Desmond Cassidy were elected as part of a process that requires candidates to apply for the esteemed positions of leadership.

The four new leaders, cousins Charlie Ferrara (quarterback) and Michael Ferrara (tight end and linebacker), Moccio (All-Conference offensive lineman and defensive lineman), and Cassidy (NEC All-Star safety and running back) are all returning starters.

Head coach Jon Cadigan was pleased with the selections.

“We had eight applicants for captain, and I thought all eight could have been a captain,” said Cadigan. “It’s great for the players who became captains. I told the other guys that you don’t need a title to still lead the team. I feel really good about the senior class and the leadership in general that they bring.”

There are 42 players participating in pre-season practices.

“They’re really good kids. They’re definitely a coachable group, and they work hard. We have a very close senior class. I’m excited to see them in their final season because I think they can do some things.”

Cadigan has welcomed back his entire staff of assistant coaches that includes Chris Ferrara (offensive line), Alex Smith (offensive coordinator), Mark D’Ambrosio (defensive coordinator), Vinny Sparacino (wide receivers), James Fucillo (defensive backs), and Nick McCarthy (assistant defensive backs), and Brad Cormier (defensive line).

Ten-year-old Briac Cadigan, son of Jon and Fallon Cadigan, returns as the junior director of sideline operations.

The Vikings will scrimmage Manchester-Essex Saturday at 10 a.m. at Miller Field heading into the first game of the season against Essex Tech next Friday in Hathorne (which is a neighborhood located in Danvers).

Smith will be backup quarterback

Freshman Tyler Smith, part of an outstanding family tradition of Viking grid men, is the backup quarterback.

Tyler is the brother of Aaron Smith and Alex Smith, who are both former captains, and the son of Winthrop Youth Football co-founder Paul Smith.

“I think Tyler has the chance to be a very good quarterback,” said Cadigan. “He has a very bright future for us.”