Sports 12-04-2014

Vikings win Turkey Day battle

Defeats Revere Patriots by score of 14-6 in the 83rd annual matchup

By Jim Lederman

The 83rd game in the Revere-Winthrop rivalry turned into a holiday battle won by the NEC 2014 champions-the Winthrop Vikings. Revere held the high scoring Viking offense to two touchdowns, but the victory concluded a sensational 2014 season for coach Sean Driscoll and company.

“Winthrop teams hold the game very special in a tradition that we are proud of in Winthrop. The defense was very strong and the seniors played a big part of the victory. Zach Deeb turned in a game like so many other great players in WHS history,” said a smiling coach Sean Driscoll after the celebration on Miller Field.

“We have the beachcomber Trophy for another year and I’m proud of this special group of 16 seniors. Every senior on this team had a big play in the victory,” said coach Sean Driscoll.

The capacity crowd on Thanksgiving including a huge crowd from Revere were treated to big plays, rough play from a typical Revere team that always makes costly mistakes in big games.

The Vikings took advantage of the first turnover, when the Revere center snapped the ball over Kaleb Sylva’s head and the Vikings had the ball in the red zone on the first series of downs.

Quarterback Dylan Driscoll connected with unsung wide receiver Nick Moulaison on a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Vikings a 6-0 lead. The senior toe of Jake Chiudina split the uprights and the NEC champs led 7-0.

The second quarter was a battle of the defense on both sides of the ball. Co-captain Tyler Gillis playing in his fourth big Turkey Day game (12 tackles) and Zach Deeb (12 tackles) were leading the Viking defense. Linebacker Alex Anzuoni and co-captains Sean Gillis made big plays to shut out the Patriots.

I talked with “Number 33” Tyler Gillis in the Viking locker room at 7:30 a.m. The Gillis family plays “ Big” on Thanksgiving – and he was a standout in his final game. His dad John ex-Viking captain and linebacker was smiling in the stands with another, John Gillis, dad of Sean Gillis. Johnny G was a standout on the 1982 undefeated NEC champions and the next night at the H all of Fame induction he sat with Rich Driver, his linebacker partner who was proud of another trio of great WHS linebackers.

The press box was filled with Bob Deeb, Al Petrilli, Angelo Vigliotta and Chris Tsiotos. Mr. Sound – Angelo V. said to the Voice before the second half kickoff Zach (Number 18) Deeb will make a big play in the second half. Zach caught the Revere kickoff and returned the ball down the right side in front of the Winthrop bench, he made two moves, received a key block and raced 84-yards to the end zone.

Zach Deeb would be the MVP with 12 tackles, the winning touchdown and just another big play that helped the Vikings to the NEC title. He was wearing his full-length cast to protect his thumb that was injured in the Lynnfield championship game.

Revere had a 12-play drive with Sylva making big plays for their only score. Quarterback Dan Murphy connected with Sylva on a 16-yard touchdown to cut the margin to 14-6.

The score after two games with Revere in 2014 was Winthrop 35 – Revere 6. The defense with coach Jon Cadigan at his best was strong and when the final whistle sounded coach Sean Driscoll improved his record to (6-2) six wins over the rival Patriots. Coach Lou Ciccatelli stated, “Winthrop had two lucky plays to pull out the victory.”

Winthrop players make big plays on Thanksgiving. A reminder to the Revere faithful -  “the Vikings are 24-2 in the last 26-games on Thanksgiving!” How long until we play in the brand new DellaRusso Stadium next Thanksgiving! Go Vikings!

Extra Points

Sylva was held to 45-yards in the big game. The Peabody Tanners shut out Saugus on the holiday (30-0) Doug Santos needed 22 points to break the Anthony Palmer NEC title of 191 points in one year. Santos had a big game scoring 3 touchdowns to finish with 190 points.

‘Touchdown Tony Palmer is still King!

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