Vikings Falls to Abington36-14, in MIAA First Round Playoff Game

By Cary Shuman

The Winthrop High School football team had climbed back to make it a one-score game after a Seth Sacco touchdown run with three minutes left in the first half.

“The goal at that point is just to get to halftime and we receive the second half kickoff,” said Winthrop High head football coach Jon Cadigan.

But the Abington Green Wave, led by senior quarterback Michael Reilly, struck for two quick touchdown passes and carried that burst of momentum on to a 36-14 victory over Winthrop at War Memorial Field.

“Those two scores before the half were backbreaking for us,” said Cadigan, whose team had cut the deficit to 14-6.

Reilly, who is also the Green Wave’s left-footed placekicker (he throws right-handed), was a difference-maker all night, all but ending Winthrop’s hopes for a comeback with an interception in the third quarter.

“Their safety [Reilly] made a great play on it,” credited Cadigan.

Sacco was the main spark in the Vikings’ offense in the first half, racking up long gainers on some hard-nosed running. Sacco, who deserves a spot on the NEC All-Star Team, finished with 120 yards in another strong performance.

“We moved the ball pretty well at times, but a couple of drives just stalled out,” said Cadigan. “We had a goal-to-goal situation on our first drive, but we couldn’t convert. It’s playoff football. You have to play four quarters, and you have to take advantage of your opportunities. We left some plays down there, and that’s the disappointing part as a coach.”

The Winthrop defense often forced Reilly to scramble out of the pocket, but he was still able to complete key passes.

“I thought our pass rush was pretty good all night,” said Cadigan. “It’s tough to get a kid like that on the ground. He made impactful plays on both sides of the ball.”

Will Murphy scored Winthrop’s second touchdown on a 10-yard run. Quarterback Matt Noonan’s two-point conversion pass to Sacco completed the Vikings’ scoring.

One of the highlights for Winthrop was a fumble recovery by junior Nick Correa. Riley Moccio also had a fumble recovery. Winthrop (5-4) will host KIPP Academy (5-4) of Lynn Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the final tune-up before the Thanksgiving game versus Revere. A victory over KIPP Academy would lock up Winthrop’s third consecutive winning season.

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