It Was a Special Day of Football for the Vikings

So many Thanksgiving Day memories were made in the Vikings’ 25-6 victory over Revere last Thursday at Miller Field. Here are a few of the special moments and outstanding contributions:

He Wouldn’t be Denied

Winthrop High football coach Jon Cadigan said following the serious knee injury sustained by his star quarterback Robert Noonan in the Saugus game, he had remained somewhat hopeful that Noonan might return to the field.

“We both were pretty steadfast in the thought that until it’s over, it’s not over,” said Cadigan. “Kudos to his parents for allowing him to play, to our trainer, Chris Mailhiot. for getting him as prepared as possible and going through all the protocols that needed to happen, and obviously Robert for being able to mentally get over that hurdle of playing with a torn ACL. There were a few people that really played an integral part in that.”

Noonan was 7-of-14 for 89 yards with two touchdown passes in the game. Noonan’s return to the field no doubt inspired his teammates, including his brother, sophomore Matt Noonan, who had filled in commendably at QB and led Winthrop to a win over NEC rival Swampscott.

The Noonan/Tallent Thanksgiving dinner was certainly an enjoyable one this year.

Acosta Excels in his Final Game

Welvis Acosta completed his Winthrop High football career in impressive fashion. The senior fullback had 20 carries for 107 yards and appropriately enough, the final TD of his superlative season.

Acosta finishes his season with 963 yards rushing and 94 points.

Cappuccio Scores Two Touchdowns

Nick Cappuccio can thank assistant coach Mark D’Ambrosio for being so wide open on his touchdown pass from quarterback Robert Noonan. The play clearly caught the Revere defense off guard, as Cappuccio had earlier turned on the jets for a 48-yard TD run along the sidelines. Nick made a nice catch right near the goal line and maneuvered into the end zone.

“Revere did a good job of taking away our No. 1 run play all year, which is jet sweep,” said Coach Cadigan. “It did open up our jet pass which we executed a few times in the game. That was a good call by Coach D’Ambrosio in terms of seeing what Revere was giving us and then calling the play to counteract that.”

Cappuccio’s breakout year (“He really had a special sophomore season,” lauded Cadigan) was rewarded with selection to the NEC All-Conference Team by the NEC coaches.

Cappuccio had running and pass plays measuring more than 50 yards in just about every game. “That’s pretty impressive when you look at that,” said Cadigan. “It proves the kind of weapon that Nick is in our offense.”

Galuris Receives Top Defensive Player Award

George Galuris had an interception in the game and also forced a fumble on a Revere kickoff return that led to a 12-0 advantage. Galuris was the recipient of the team’s outstanding defensive player of the game award.

Galuris played outside linebacker instead of his regular safety position.

“One of Revere’s best pass plays during the season was the slant pattern,” related Cadigan. “I don’t think the Revere quarterback saw George and he just stepped underneath and picked the ball off.”

Linebacker Phil Boncore also forced a fumble that was recovered by Ryan Harris.

The Winthrop defense nearly pitched a shutout. Apparently, the Winthrop coaching staff had read a story in the Revere Journal in which Revere head coach Lou Cicatelli hinted that he would go to a more pass-oriented attack.

The Vikings’ secondary of Nick Cappuccio (interception), Mark Johnson, and Michael Holgersen and linebackers George Galuris (interception) and Matt Noonan (interception) shut down the Patriots’ passing game.

“I thought it was a total team defensive effort,” said Cadigan, whose Vikings completed the 2022 campaign with a 7-4 record.

Holgersen Had Two Big Catches

Michael Holgersen delivered a key first down with a reception in the second quarter on fourth down. He also had a second reception on a slant pass near the goal line. Noonan delivered a strike to Holgersen in the middle of multiple defenders.

Holgersen will be a “player to watch” next season.

Eight WHS Players Receive NEC Postseason Honors

Eight players on the Winthrop High football team were selected to the 2022 Northeastern Conference All-Conference and All-Star Teams that were announced Monday.

Six players, Welvis Acosta, Nick Cappuccio, Ryan Harris, Robert Noonan, Alessio Marcoccio, and George Galuris, were named the NEC All-Conference Team. Two players, Daniel Guauque and Donovan Cassidy, were named to the All-Star Team.

Lederman Returns to the Booth

Jim Lederman did the play-by-play for the Revere-Winthrop game for cable television. Jim has been the Voice of the Vikings for 52 seasons. Jim is a WHS Class of 1960 graduate and played fullback for the Vikings. “It’s great to be back,” said the Voice.