It was just what the Winthrop football team needed heading into one of the more impactful regular season games in recent years tonight (Thursday) versus undefeated Peabody High at Miller Field.
Head coach Jon Cadigan’s Vikings produced a
a five-star effort in all three phases – offense, defense, and special teams – as Winthrop rolled to a 35-0 victory over Gloucester last Friday night at Miller Field.
Junior running back Nick Cappuccio was the star among stars with a three-touchdown performance in the first half during an economical package that consisted of only four carries for 114 yards, translating to a healthy 28.5 YPC (yards per carry). The touchdowns were for 46, 7, and 54 yards, with receiver Mark Johnson getting credit for a double-block downfield that helped Cappuccio cut across the terrain and sprint to paydirt.
Cappuccio credited the Vikings’ team-wide blocking concept for his success in the running game.
“It was a really good start to the game, obviously,” said Cappuccio. “We had great blocking by all of our linemen, backs and receivers. I was able to get outside because of the blocking and then I just outran some defenders. We all want more plays like we had tonight and to score as many points as we can.”
Gloucester head coach Dan O’Connor said afterwards that he was familiar with Cappuccio’s speed and skills. “Winthrop’s a good team and they’re well coached,” said O’Connor. “They run hard, play hard, and execute their system very well. He’s [Cappuccio] a really good football player. We knew that from a couple of years ago when we played here. He impressed me then, and he’s done nothing but impress myself and other coaches in the conference.”
“Nick’s a special player, and he’s getting better and better, and that’s the scary thing for the rest of the league, and obviously a good thing for us,” said Cadigan.
Cassidy Scores a TD on Special Teams
Senior captain Donovan Cassidy scored a touchdown on a rare special teams’ play, recovering George Galuris’ onside kick in the end zone.
Coach Cadigan explained the circumstances that led to Cassidy’s touchdown. “I think the Gloucester player thought the ball was going to go in the end zone. If the ball goes into the end zone, it’s an automatic touchback. But the ball landed right around the 3-yard line. Nick [Cappuccio] was the first guy down the field and he realized the ball couldn’t go into the end zone, so he batted the football back. A Gloucester player and Donovan Cassidy basically fell on the ball, and Donovan recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Just a pretty head-ups play by Nick and Donovan, realizing what the situation was.”
Galuris Finishes in Style
George Galuris capped off the scoring with a 64-yard jaunt in the fourth quarter. Galuris booted his third PAT of the game immediately after his touchdown.
Running back Robert Rich provided the kickout-block, offensive lineman Ryan Harris opened the path, while Donovan Cassidy and Alessio Marcoccio “did a great job blocking down,” said Cadigan.
It was an interesting game for Rich, who rushed for a two-point conversion and nearly had an interception in the fourth quarter.
Marcoccio Named Defensive Player of the Game
Alessio Marcoccio was the main contributor to the Vikings’ shutout performance, said Coach Cadigan, “Alessio was tremendous. He’s been our best defensive linemen in terms of being active all the time. He gave Gloucester fits up front all game. He just plays with a motor and he doesn’t stop, and a lot of the times, he makes his plays just on sheer effort.”
Marcoccio had six tackles, two for a loss (TFL).
Galuris played very well at safety with four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, while linebackers Donovan Cassidy, Phil Boncore, and Demetri Koutsouflakis were other solid contributors. Koutsouflakis had a TFL on a play that appeared to result in a fumble, but the referees ruled otherwise.
“Good things happens when you fly to the football,” said Cadigan.
Ferrara Has Jersey No. 16
Freshman quarterback Charlie Ferrara, son of assistant coach Chris Ferrara, took some snaps late in the fourth quarter. Charlie is wearing No. 16 on his Vikings’ jersey, the number worn by two of Winthrop High’s greatest players, Anthony Palmer and Anthony Fucillo.
Attorney Robert E. Noonan in the House
Attorney Robert E. Noonan, the highly respected former town counsel and selectman, was seen in line waiting to purchase his ticket at the booth.
Noonan, who served on the Board of Selectmen with Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, is enjoying his time following the Vikings and the play at quarterback of his grandson, Matthew Noonan.
Matt has drawn praise from Coach Cadigan for managing the game well for Winthrop.
“Matt’s done a great job all year running the offense,” said Coach Cadigan. “He’s making sure that everyone in the offense is set and the motion and timing are good.”
A True Showdown With Peabody Tonight
The Vikings face a challenge Thursday when Peabody comes to Miller Field. An opportunity to claim the NEC South title is on the line (though Salem is also undefeated). Peabody is one of the larger schools in Massachusetts.
“It’s a program gauge for us, in the sense that we’ve made our mark playing the big boys all the time,” said Jon Cadigan. “It’s certainly a tall task. Peabody has some good talent and they’re huge. But these are the games where Winthrop has made its name over the years.”
Nick Cappuccio, who was named Boston Herald “Star of the Week” for his performance versus Gloucester, spoke briefly about the Vikings’ key matchup with Peabody, who is ranked No. 15 in the state. “We’re improving as a team each week and that’s great to see, said Cappuccio. “We’re looking forward to playing Peabody. I want to play the best teams we can and see how we match up. Our coaching is excellent, and I know they’ll have us ready.”