WHS Football Notebook: A Picture-Perfect Finish for Ryan Hovermale

Ryan Hovermale’s defensive play late in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ 16-14 win over Masconomet will stand the test of time, according to Winthrop Coach Jonathan Cadigan. Winthrop Sun Transcript photographer Bob Marra captured on film the play that shows Hovermale’s timing, instinct, and athleticism. But as Bill Belichick would tell you, Ryan Hovermale was just “doing his job” as he has done all season for the Vikings.

“I saw some of the photos and that’s going to be an all-timer for Ryan,” said Cadigan. “For the rest of his life, he can break out that photo at any point. I’m so happy for Ryan – a senior in a huge moment, to come up with a huge play like that. He’s certainly a deserving player who has been around the football all year long. This was a great way to cap it out.”

Cam Conway Scores a Two-Pointer for the Vikings

Who knew Cam Conway would emerge as such an important contributor to the Vikings’ championship season? 

Known for his basketball skills (he was selected as an NEC All-Star), Conway hauled in a two-point pass from Duke Doherty on a nice, finger-tip catch in the end zone. He also had a key, fourth-down catch that helped Winthrop slice valuable minutes off the clock.

“He was obviously a basketball kid, but you could see he certainly had the talent,” said Cadigan. “In his last game, having a two-point conversion and a big, fourth-down catch – and blocking wise all year at his tight end position,” he’s just been tremendous. And he’s been terrific on the defensive line as well.”

Chaves Impresses in 2021

Mikey Chaves had an excellent junior season as a wide receiver. And his Pick-6 interception in the Vikings’ 22-6 victory over Framingham ranks as one of the most exciting plays of this or any season.

Conceicao is Defensive Player of the Game

Senior defensive end Bryan Conceicao was named the recipient of the Black Shirt defensive player of the game for the Vikings.

Conceicao had 12 tackles, one for a loss of yardage. It was a clutch performance by the Little Ivy-bound scholar-athlete.

“Bryan not only played one of the best games of the season but really in his career,” said Cadigan.  “The stats were impressive, but it’s more the stuff he brought to the table in this game – there were times he was taking on two blockers to free somebody else up. Just the unselfishness he played with was exciting to watch.”

Hubert’s Special Finale

It is unlikely there will be a Shriners All-Star Classic on an Agganis All-Star Football Classic, so this was probably Bobby Hubert’s final game as a high school football player.

Hubert was “Mr. Dependable” for the Vikings on their road to the championship.

“If it came down to a certain moment or a certain play, we were going to ride with Bobby this season,” said Cadigan. “He’s been really a guy that’s been in there for four years offensively. He picks up the tough yards and he scored the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion. I felt great about his effort.”

Here’s to the O-Line

The unheralded Big Five on the offensive line for Winthrop High this season consisted of center Nick Shea, guards Stevie Perullo and Matt Hurley, and tackles Pete Jurovich and Michael Carter.

Ferrara Carries on the Tradition

Chris Ferrara’s speed and finesse were the perfect complement to Bobby Hubert in the Vikings’ running game.

“We had a great 1-2 punch,” said Cadigan. “Bobby is hammering defenses in between the tackles and Chris goes off-tackle running our buck-sweep play. He runs that play extremely well and he scored a touchdown on the buck-sweep against Masco. I’m very happy for Chris.”

Fucillo and Smith Congratulate the Vikings

It was a joy for parents and football families town wide to listen to Anthony Fucillo and Alex Smith call the Winthrop games for the livestream broadcasts.

The two former Winthrop stars’ broadcast sendoff remarks congratulating Coach Jon Cadigan and the team were much appreciated by those who follow Winthrop High football.

It was emotional to hear the duo say that it was the final game it will ever broadcast together as things return to a regular schedule this fall – and Fucillo will be back on the Harvard football sidelines as an assistant coach.

Thank You, Chris Mailhiot

Coach Jonathan Cadigan made it a point to thank athletic trainer Chris Mailhiot for his efforts this season.

“Knock on wood, we were pretty healthy for our six games,” said Cadigan. “We didn’t have many starters that missed much time. The coaches are very happy that the kids stayed healthy.”