Update post publication:
Lynnfield defeats Essex Tech 42-13 (Sept. 22)
By JAMES CRANNEY
NEWBURYPORT – Following a statement, 41-7 victory at Triton in week one, the 1-0 Pioneers remained on the road last Friday night taking on 1-0 Newburyport. While the young, new-look Lynnfield defense shined in the season opener, many wondered if they could keep the door shut against a Clippers offense, which produced 39 points, the week prior.
Unfortunately for Newburyport, they would run into the same buzz-saw that stifled Triton as the Pioneers moved to 2-0 with a 34-12 victory.
A 33-yard opening kick return set the Clippers up in tremendous field position. However, on a 3rd and 10 from their own 43-yard line, Newburyport quarterback Kaleb Sousa was forced to roll right due to heavy pressure upfront. While throwing on the run, Sousa’s pass was picked off by junior linebacker Ian McCarthy.
“We are proud of the defense, particularly their commitment to forcing turnovers,” commented Pioneers head coach Pat Lamusta after the game. “We want that to be a mentality for our players every game.”
Similar to week one, Lynnfield’s opening drive was a long and methodical one. As they did throughout the night, the Pioneers used a heavy dosage of running the ball with senior back Niccolo Antidormi (14 carries, 55 yards). When Lynnfield reached the Clipper 34-yard line, they faced a 4th and 8.
Junior quarterback Tyler Adamo (14-for-18, 169 yards, 2 touchdowns passing, 2 touchdowns rushing) avoided a sack before he rolled to his left and found senior receiver Arthur Chiaradonna (1 catch, 17 yards) for the first down. Seven plays later, Adamo crossed the plane on a quarterback sneak. While junior kicker Massimo LoGrasso’s extra point (4/5 PAT’s) was blocked, Lynnfield still drew first blood taking a 6-0 lead.
“An early lead allows our players to be more aggressive,” answered coach Lamusta regarding the benefits of scoring once again on the first drive. “It helps us be less worried about mistakes.”
Newburyport responded after a 57-yard scramble from Sousa, as Clippers running back Colin Fuller punched it in on a 3rd and goal from 2-yards out. Lynnfield’s defense delivered again though when senior captain Alex Baldini intercepted Sousa’s pass on the 2-point try.
Tied 6-6 early in the 2nd quarter, the Pioneers had great field position after recovering a surprise onside kick. In the face of heavy pressure on a 3rd and 8, Adamo would call his own number scrambling up the middle for a 34-yard touchdown run making it 13-6.
Lynnfield extended their lead just before halftime when Adamo threw a bomb to senior captain Joey Cucciniello (2 catches, 93 yards, 2 touchdowns). Adamo hit the receiver in stride after Cucciniello blew past the cornerback before galloping 52-yards for the score.
Leading 20-6, the Pioneers had an opportunity to blow the doors completely open on the first drive of the second half. When an Adamo pass was intercepted following a tipped ball, the Clippers were all of a sudden back in the game with a chance to build some momentum.
The young Lynnfield defense, however, would take no part in that.
On a critical 3rd and 11, the Pioneers pushed Newburyport’s offense off the field with a sack from senior captain Alex Baldini. The Clippers’ next offensive possession was halted once again by the captain. On a 1st and 10 near midfield, Sousa tried connecting with a slanting receiver, that was before Baldini dove for the ball and secured his second interception of the game. The takeaway mentality coach Lamusta preaches to his team was paying off, but Lynnfield was not finished.
With just under 8 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, junior defensive back Spencer D’Augusta beat the Newburyport receiver to the ball before returning it 48-yards the other way. The Pioneers’ pick-six all but sealed it, as Lynnfield would go on to win 34-12 moving to 2-0 on the season.
Next Friday night, the Pioneers will finally return to Lynnfield for their home opener. While the setting will be familiar, the opponent on the other sideline will not. The Pioneers will welcome the newest addition to the Cape Ann League as 0-2 Essex Tech comes to town. This will be Lynnfield’s first meeting in school history with the Hawks, so it is sure to be an interesting matchup.
When asked what the message to the team would be to keep things rolling, coach Lamusta’s answer was straightforward.
“Get back to our fundamentals and trust our teammates when it comes to assignments.”