Vikings Fall to Revere, 13-7

The Winthrop High School football team lost a hard-nosed defensive battle, 13-7, to Revere High in the annual Thanksgiving game at Miller Field.

The Vikings, led by back-up quarterback Vinny Sparacino who played gallantly in place of injured starter Dylan Driscoll, had an opportunity for the game-tying score and potential winning PAT late in the fourth quarter.

Senior captain Jordan Corbett-Frank produced a 15-yard run to move the football to the Revere 21-yard line inside the two-minute mark. But the Revere defense was able to contain Sparacino and the Vikings on the next series to lock up the victory and reverse the result (30-13) of the teams’ meeting earlier this season.

Corbett-Frank had another solid performance for the Vikings, rushing for 86 yards to bring his single-season total to 1,325 yards.

Sophomore back Reise Turransky scored Winthrop’s lone touchdown on a 22-yard pass from Sparacino, closing the margin to 13-7 on the last possession of the first half.

Revere used its ground game to keep the ball out of Winthrop’s hands for most of the third quarter. The Vikings had some opportunities in the final quarter but the Revere ‘D’ made a key stand deep its own territory.

Coach Driscoll said that senior James Baxter was a standout in the game. The coach also singled out the leadership of Sparacino, who made his first extended appearance at quarterback.

“Vinny really stepped up and gave a great Viking effort,” said Sean Driscoll. “He was tremendous all day. He took the responsibility as a senior and he deserves a lot of credit. He played a great game. I feel bad for our seniors because they worked very hard going into the game and we weren’t able to win it for them.”

The Vikings were hoping to finish with their third winning record in a row, but fell a game short with a 5-6 campaign.

“It was a frustrating season with a lot of things,” said Driscoll. “A couple of plays here and there in any of the games, and it could have been a different outcome. We seemed to get injured at key times to key players. We were missing some players who were a big part of our football team.”

VIKING NOTEBOOK

Jordan Corbett-Frank was named to the All-Northeastern Conference Team as a linebacker. James Baxter was named an All-Conference offensive lineman. Quarterback Dylan Driscoll and center Ben Spinazzola were named NEC All-Stars. The NEC coaches selected the team.

The Rotary Club of Winthrop will be presenting the prestigious Irving Alexander Memorial Trophy an outstanding senior player at an upcoming luncheon.

The Vikings will hold their annual awards banquet on Jan. 12 at the newly refurbished Lodge of Elks.