From The Press Box
Opening the New Stadium
By: Jim Lederman
The Winthrop Vikings and Danvers Falcons kick off a new season Friday night at 7 p.m. in Danvers. The Falcons will open the new Deering Stadium.
The game is the second opening game in a row for the Vikings. Last Thanksgiving, the Vikings played the first Thanksgiving game at the new Harry Della Russo Stadium. The Vikings won (15-12).
The Winthrop-Danvers rivalry dates back 65 years. Danvers and Winthrop were Thanksgiving rivals until 1964. Winthrop and Revere suspended their Thanksgiving rivalry following the 1945 game
In 1964 the holiday game was resumed and ‘the game’ was a classic. The Patriots and Vikings were undefeated Revere won (8-0).
Danvers finished the 2015 season with a (8-4) record. The Falcons defeated the Vikings (43-0) on opening night in Winthrop. Danvers won three MIAA playoff games in 2015. The Falcons defeated Revere (7-0), Tewksbury (14-13) and Marblehead (13-6). In the North final they lost to Melrose (24-7).
The Falcons return Matt Andreas at quarterback. Matt was an NEC and Lynn Item all star.
Danvers is in the NEC North (Marblehead, Beverly, Peabody, Lynn English and Lynn Classical. Danvers has captured only one NEC football title in 70 years of competition. The 2004 Falcons defeated the Vikings to win their only NEC football championship.
The new stadium is behind Danvers high school. Danvers played at the old Holton Athletic Field behind the old Holten High School. The population and enrollment has dramatically increased.
Skimming the Sidelines
The Vikings look very strong with key players returning in the skilled positions.
Quarterback Chris Zuffante has the experience to lead the Vikings offense. Chris was an NEC All-Star in 2015.
Matt Tarentino is a bruising back who could be a key to the Vikings attack. Jon Gonzales rushed for 125-yards in the victory over Revere.
Junior Jaidon Brown can be an explosive runner and coach Sean Driscoll is counting on Jaidon to have a big year.
The Vikings have two excellent receivers. Joe Trenouth was an NEC All-Star on defense and has had a strong pre-season.
Devin Pulsifer is a very athletic junior receiver. Devin was a standout as a sophomore on the basketball court.
The offensive line holds the key to Vikings title hopes. Luigi Spinazzola returns at center. The ‘Spinner’ is the third Spinazzola to anchor the Vikings line. Senior Gene August and junior Nick Manfra are the starting guards.
Senior Derek Wasson and junior Calvin Tufa are two huge tackles coach Mike DeFelice is counting on. Senior and Andrew McGrail hopes to return from an injury to strengthen the line.
Junior Christian Lyons adds to the depth on the line. The Defense was excellent in the Jamboree victory over Malden.
The linebackers bring experience to the Vikings. Jonathan VanDalinda and Jon Gonzales were making big plays at Malden. Jaidon Brown, Jake Adamson, Tyler Chiudina, Chris Zuffante, Taylor St. George and the return of Matt Tarantino will get stronger as the Vikings play three games before they start the chase for a NEC title.
Extra Points
The Vikings defeated Malden (8-6) in the NEC/Greater Boston League Jamboree Friday night at MacDonald Stadium in Malden.
Jon Gonzales raced 38-yards up the middle to score the Vikings touchdown. The Vikings defense had a safety and when the Golden Tornadoes threatened to tie the game, the defense shut down the Malden offense.
The trip to Danvers on Friday night could be a long one. The traffic on route one and route 128 north is always busy on Friday night. If you have a GPS put 65 Cabot Road (Danvers High School) on your phone. The stadium is behind the high school.
Let the Games Begin!
Hall of Fame
The 2016 Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction will be on October 22, 2016 at the new Winthrop Middle/High School.
Ten individuals plus the 1963 Tech Tourney championship basketball team, the undefeated 1964 NEC championship football team, the 1984 undefeated NEC championship track team and the 1984 state championship softball team. Tickets are available at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop Street or by calling (617)846-9192.