By JAMES CRANNEY
DANVERS – Two weeks have passed since Lynnfield’s 34-0 route over North Reading. Last Tuesday night, the Pioneers gathered at Danversport Yacht Club for the first time since their Thanksgiving shutout over the Hornets to celebrate a season to remember. It was a night to honor the players, coaches and graduating seniors who contributed to brining home the 14th CAL Baker Championship in school history.
While Lynnfield’s state championship aspirations may have fallen short in the playoffs, the Pioneers gave fans a season that will not soon be forgotten.
Finishing with a 9-2 record, the 2023 Pioneers won the most games in a Lynnfield season since 2014. Lynnfield also showed great prowess on both sides of the ball. The offense averaged 29.3 points per game, which was the most points averaged since 2017. The defense allowed only 9.7 points per game, which was the fewest points allowed since 2014.
It takes a team to win, but there were also some individual achievements worth recognizing from this season.
Junior quarterback Tyler Adamo finished the season in 2nd place for most Pioneer passing yards in a single season with 1,974 yards. With Adamo’s 20 passing touchdowns (only three other Lynnfield quarterbacks threw more in a season) this year, he now has 33 career passing touchdowns which moves him into 3rd place all-time in school history. Adamo also finished the season with a 70.9 completion percentage which is the highest season percentage of any Pioneer quarterback.
Adamo would not have been able to have the season he did without having the time from his great blockers up front. In addition to help from his linemen, he also had a terrific group of receivers to work with. Ethan Francis, Joey Cucciniello and Zahir Mitchell all had tremendous seasons and moved into Lynnfield’s top 15 of most receptions in a single season (Francis in 12th place with 29 catches, Cucciniello in 13th place with 28 catches, and Mitchell in 14th place with 27 catches).
The Pioneers’ special teams also racked up plenty of points this season from junior kicker Massimo Lograsso who finished in Lynnfield’s top 30 of most points scored in a single season producing 52 points from his 43 PAT’s and 3 field goals. With those 3 field goals, he also tied the school record for most field goals made in one season.
Following the banquet dinner, coach Lamusta addressed the crowd and graciously thanked everyone from the Lynnfield Pioneer Football Club to the chain gang crew. After showing his appreciation for everyone who helps this team run, Lamusta turned it over to coach Shannon who honored the freshman team, followed by coach Lavoie honoring the JV squad.
After the freshman and JV certificates were handed out, Lamusta thanked the players again from each class then moved onto the team awards; senior Sam Scimemi won the Brotherhood Award, senior captain Anthony Morales took home the Pioner Football Leadership Council Award along with the Coaches Award, senior Liam Gorman was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, senior Lucas Morertti won the Courage Award, senior Ethan Francis grabbed the Sacrifice Award, senior Cole Hawes won Scout Team Player of the Year, senior AJ Chiaradonna secured the Legacy Award, senior David Tracy brought home the 12th Man Award, junior Massimo Lograsso secured the Special Teams Player of the Year, senior Devin O’Connor captured the Commitment Award, senior captain Alex Baldini won the GUTSO Award, senior captain Joey Cucciniello and senior Niccolo Antidormi earned Offensive Player of the Year, seniors Kyle Schmitz and Alex Baldini secured Defensive Player of the Year, senior captain Quinn Hardisty brought home Lineman of the Year, junior Tyler Adamo was awarded Most Valuable Player, and the Academic Achievement Awards were earned by senior David Tracy and junior Nick Lozada.
For the nine wins Lynnfield achieved, nine game balls were presented to the player with the most impact on the game. Spencer D’Augusta got the game ball for the 41-7 win against Triton; Tyler Adamo earned the game ball for the 34-12 win at Newburyport; Niccolo Antidormi received the game ball for the 42-13 win against Essex Tech; Jared Bernabei got the game ball for the 38-7 win against Pentucket; David Tracy earned the game ball for the 42-0 route over Ipswich; Kyle Schmitz secured the game ball for the big 24-14 win at Amesbury; Zahir Mitchell got the game ball for the 49-13 win against Hamilton Wenham; Joey Cucciniello earned the game ball from the 28-0 playoff victory against Swampscott and lastly Quinn Hardisty took home the game ball from the 34-0 Thanksgiving drubbing of North Reading.
Next were the league awards. The CAL Baker All-Stars with honorable mentions included Spencer D’Augusta and Kyle Schmitz at defensive back, Zahir Mitchell and Joey Cucciniello at wide receiver, Anthony Morales at offensive line, and Jared Bernabei at running back. The CAL Baker All-Stars with superlatives included Quinn Hardisty for CAL Baker Lineman of the Year, Alex Baldini for CAL Baker Defensive Player of the Year and Tyler Adamo for CAL Baker Offensive Player of the Year.
Lastly, the captains chosen to lead next year’s campaign were announced. For the 2024 season, Lynnfield will be led by senior captains Iain McCarthy, Tyler Adamo, Walter Radulski, Jared Bernabei and Jesse Dorman.
After the announcement, coach Lamusta made sure to let his future captains know that the 2024 season will not begin next fall, but the very next day. Many early morning weightlifting and running sessions await those looking to better their game. It is on these players now to build the foundation for what will be the 2024 team.