Gloucester used its potent rushing attack to hand the Winthrop High School football team a 28-7 defeat Friday night at New Balance Field at Newell Stadium.
The Vikings had difficulties containing the Fishermen’s 1-2 punch of Nico Alves (21-157 yards, TD) and Fode Kabe (15 carries for 116 yards, 2 TDs).
“We had an idea of where Gloucester was going to run the football and how they were going to run it, but we just couldn’t stop it,” said Winthrop High head coach Jon Cadigan.
Winthrop made a strong defensive stand on Gloucester’s opening possession, denying the Fishermen a first down on a 4th and 1 at the 8-yard line. The Vikings looked like they might strike first, but their drive ended on a missed 30-yard field goal attempt.
The Fishermen controlled the time of possession category the rest of the way, consistently racking up long-gainers. Gloucester led 14-0 at the half and added two touchdowns in the second half before Winthrop quarterback Charlie Ferrara scored from a 1-yard out and Dom Spinale booted the PAT.
“They had a wide edge in controlling the football, but part of that is you have to execute on offense, and this was not a good night offensively for us,” said Cadigan. “I think that was the most disappointing part of the game. I don’t think Gloucester is 21 points better than we are. We did not play the way we’re capable of playing. Gloucester had two of the best defensive linemen we’ll see all year, but we didn’t play our best.”
D’Ambrosio receives Black Shirt
Michael D’Ambrosio had a team-high 17 tackles (13 solo) to earn the Vikings’ Black Shirt defensive player of the game award.
D’Ambrosio also caught five passes for 54 yards from quarterback Charlie Ferrara who was 7-of-14 for 67 yards. Johnny Ferrara had a 19-yard reception.
Linebacker Michael Barron (11 tackles), defensive end Riley Moccio (10 tackles) and strong safety Desmond Cassidy (8 tackles and a caused fumble) were the other tackle leaders.
Congratulations to James Fucillo on his upcoming Fame induction
Assistant coach James Fucillo will be inducted into the Winthrop High School Hall of Fame at the Nov. 7 ceremony and dinner.
Cadigan, who was an assistant coach during James’ phenomenal career as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and defensive back, offered his and the team’s congratulations to Fucillo.
“It’s a well-deserved honor for James,” lauded Cadigan. “I had the privilege of coaching when he was playing and watching him. The thing about James is he’s just an unassuming guy. You would never know that he was the MVP of the league and a Lynn Item Award winner. He’s just a very humble guy who’s done a lot of great things. He’s a big part of our coaching staff now, and this will be a great night for him and his family.”
Fucillo made what was arguably one of the greatest defensive plays in school history when he intercepted a Masconomet pass at the goal line in the 2006 state semifinals. Masco was driving toward a touchdown and a potential go-ahead two-pointer late in the game, but James jumped the slant pattern and basically ended Masco’s hopes in the Vikes’ eventual 21-14 victory.
“I was up in the press box with my headsets on, and it was just an unbelievable play,” recalled Cadigan. “I was thinking about getting ready for two-point plays because Masco was moving the football and if they scored, I imagine they would have gone for two. But James just made one of the greatest plays in school history. When you think of what was at stake, it’s one of the greatest plays ever.”
Winthrop, with James at the controls of the offense, went on to defeat Wareham, 25-8, and claim the Super Bowl title in what was also the final game for coach Tony Fucillo (father of James, Anthony, and Jenny).
Winthrop hosts Saugus tonight
The Vikings (2-2) will host Saugus (0-4) tonight (Thursday) at Miller Field at Bob DeFelice Stadium.
“It’s nice to be home after two long road trips (to Pentucket and Gloucester),” said Cadigan.
