Winthrop High head football coach Jon Cadigan said he was not pleased with his team’s overall performance in a 27-7 loss to Danvers Friday night at Dr. Deering Stadium.
“We didn’t do a very good job coaching and it was just a very disappointing night altogether,” said Cadigan.
Winthrop fell behind the Falcons, 13-0, before closing the gap on Nick Cappuccio’s 59-yard touchdown run and George Galuris’ PAT. But Danvers quarterback Travis Voisine scored a touchdown late in the first half and Danvers (2-2) held Winthrop scoreless in the second half to win their second consecutive game.
The Winthrop defense was unable to fully contain Danvers’ senior running back Owen Gasinowski, who rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
“We knew going in that he [Gasinowski] was going to be a focal point, and we didn’t have enough to really stop him,” said Cadigan. “I would say he is one of the top five players in the league and an MVP candidate, for sure.”
Cadigan felt Danvers’ power-running game gave his team problems on defense.
“In the two games [Danvers and St. Mary’s] that we lost, both teams have been able to run power on us, and we haven’t been able to stop that concept. Coaching wise, we have to be better,” said Cadigan.
Winthrop (2-2) hosts Gloucester (3-1) Friday (6:30 p.m.) at Miller Field.
Boncore is Winthrop’s Defensive Player of Game
Junior linebacker Philip Boncore made five tackles, assisted on six tackles, and had one tackle for a loss (TFL) to earn Winthrop’s Black Shirt Defensive Player of the Game Award.
“Phil was really one of the bright spots in an otherwise tough night defensively,” lauded Coach Cadigan. “Phil was all over the place. He’s a three-sport (football, hockey, and baseball) athlete and I’ve always thought that he’s one of the more competitive athletes in Winthrop High School. He’s playing an All-Star-level linebacker.”
Cappuccio’s TD Run an Offensive Highlight
Nick Cappuccio’s 59-yard touchdown run was a good follow-up to his two-TD performance versus Swampscott a week earlier.
“We blocked it the way it’s supposed to be blocked, and Nick did his thing,” said Cadigan. “Robert Rich made the last block downfield. Mark Johnson, George Galuris, and our two guards, Matt Reardon and Alessio Marcoccio made some excellent blocks on the play.”
Cappuccio had nine rushes for 71 yards. He caught three passes from quarterback Matt Noonan for 15 yards.
“I think Nick is one of the most explosive athletes in the league and he showed it again [versus Danvers] with his touchdown.”
Robert Rich had 12 carries for 71 yards.
Rockefeller Return Expected Soon
Winthrop captain Evan Rockefeller is nearing a return to the field after being sidelined by a shoulder injury.
“There is the potential that Evan could return next week,” said Cadigan. “He’s been participating in the non-contact portion of practices. It would be great to get him back in whatever capacity he has, because he is one of our better players, a leader, and a captain. I would say he’s a week or two away from suiting up and playing.”
Rockefeller is certainly an All-Star-caliber player and would give the Vikings a boost on offense or defense.