Playoff Bound: Winthrop Football Defeats Salem to Clinch MIAA Playoff Berth

On a glorious night when Winthrop honored its football seniors and one of its most beloved residents, Frankie Fabiano, Coach Jon Cadigan’s Vikings accomplished what they set out do on the field.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Winthrop High football team took command and defeated Salem, 34-6, before a large crowd at Miller Field. The win clinched a berth in the MIAA playoffs which get underway Nov. 5.

The Vikings (3-4) will play at Saugus Friday (7 p.m.) at its new field with the hopes of improving its playoff seeding and securing a first-round home game at Miller Field.

Salem (4-3) proved to be a stubborn foe behind its talented, 6-2, 245-pound sophomore quarterback Cory Grimes, with the Witches putting together some time-consuming drives.

“They did a good job of slowing down the game and maximizing their possessions and it throws you off rhythm a bit,” said Winthrop head coach Jon Cadigan. “We only had 33 offensive plays the whole game, which is crazy, when you consider the amount of points we put up.”

But the Winthrop defense held Grimes and Company to one score only, and the Vikings made their breakthrough on the first play of the second quarter.

Welvis Acosta broke through the line and raced 55 yards to the end zone. Anthony Indrisano scored on the two-point conversion to make it 8-0.

“I thought Welvis had a great game and Anthony gave us some big plays in the running game, too,” said Cadigan. “Having three backs [Acosta, Indrisano, and Cam Martin] that you can go to, really makes this offense potent.”

Salem threatened on its ensuing drive in the second quarter, but senior Ian Harris made the defensive play of the game when he intercepted a pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown. Juan Sanchez booted the PAT for a 15-0 advantage.

Salem closed the gap to 15-6 with a touchdown late in the half, but the Vikings’ defense  blanked their opponents over the final 24 minutes of play.

Cam Martin provided a spectacular highlight with an 80-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, giving Winthrop a 21-6 advantage.

Acosta scored his second touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter, with Sanchez adding the PAT.

Junior quarterback Robert Noonan connected with Harris over the middle and Harris dashed to the end zone for a 56-yard pass scoring play.

Seen at Miller Field

Former Winthrop head football coach Tony Fucillo was in attendance, watching the game with his brother, former assistant coach Richard Fucillo, and his son, Richard Fucillo Jr. The Fucillos enjoyed the halftime ceremony honoring Frankie Fabiano, who was the team manager for several of Tony Fucillo’s teams.

Also enjoying the Vikings’ playoff-clinching victory was Christine “Teeny” Bruce, who was a star centerfielder on the Vikings’ 1984 state championship softball team. Bruce also holds the all-time flag football (Powder Puff) pass reception record, catching three touchdown passes from quarterback Lisa Monteleone Ferrara in that annual game.

Former Salem head football coach Ken Perrone, who is 86 years old, was also in attendance.

Jurovich, Lines Excel Versus Salem

Pete Jurovich and the offensive and defensive lines had another strong game overall. It’s interesting to see Jurovich shift to different sides of the defensive line and opposing linemen trying to locate his presence as the play unfolds. One would have to say that Jurovich is a leading candidate for All-NEC recognition based on his outstanding performances all season.

Dedication Ceremony at New Saugus Field

The dedication ceremony for the new Chris Serino Athletic Complex at Saugus High School will be held during halftime of the Winthrop-Saugus game Friday night. An outstanding high school and college hockey coach and administrator, Mr. Serino is the father of Winthrop High School Director of Athletics Matt Serino.