Sports 11-24-2016

From the Press Box

Winthrop/Revere Thanksgiving Rivalry set for Thursday

By: Jim Lederman

The Winthrop-Revere ‘rivalry’ is the game – this year is game number 86 – the series started in 1913. The Vikings hold a commanding (56-26-3) advantage. Toss the records out when these two archrivals battle. Winthrop (3-7) – Revere (5-5), the Vikings will prevail again in 2016!

In 2015 a capacity crowd filled Harry Della Russo stadium for the first game in the sparkling new $8 million stadium. The Vikings were 8-point underdogs, but completely dominated and won (15-12). The Patriots were shooting for their second best record in school history (can you believe that?) An 8 win season (Winthrop has had 30 seasons over 8 win seasons!)

Yes, the top team (1964) had 8 victories with Jim DelGaizo at quarterback – Jimmy played 12 seasons in the NFL. The 2015 game was 44 minutes long; Winthrop controlled the ball for 34 minutes! The same standouts return for the Vikings – Co-captain Jon ‘Gonzo’ Gonzalez, quarterback Chris Zuffante and number 33 big Matt Tarantino, three outstanding two-way players!

Revere lost NEC MVP Danny Murphy but quarterback Chris Zuffante outplayed Danny Murphy and behind the running of Gonzalez, Tarantino and Zuffante, 2,000 Revere fans had a ‘cold turkey’ and another loss to a dominating Viking team lead by coaches Driscoll, DeFelice and Doctor Jon Cadigan (Doctor of Defense).

The Vikings are (28-2) in the last 30 years vs. Revere (42-4) in the last 46 years in the rivalry! The Vikings have lost only three games at Della Russo in the last 46 years! Viking Bob DeFelice and Sean Driscoll are (44-5) vs. the Patriots – (incredible records).

The rivalry is Peter Martino and Mickey Casoli vs. ‘The Voice of the Vikings’. Jack Anderson vs. Billy Hazel. Gus Martucci vs. Frank Bertolino (the winner the big guy- $5,000 at Midfield Geno Dawson vs. Lou “Blackie” Padova. The Ferrara’s vs. the Cella’s: Al Petrilli vs. David Talent: Bob DeFelice vs. Silvio Cella – The winner DeFa – 2 super bowl titles and a 33-game victory streak!

Sean Driscoll vs. Lou Ciccatelli – (Sean 8-2): Jim DelGaizo vs. Anthony and James Fucillo and Dylan Driscoll: Atty. Billy Cintolo vs. Atty. Christos Tsiotos.

Rossetti’s vs. Damaino’s: Billy Tse’s vs. Hong Kong Dragon:

Bob Inello vs. Brian Arrigo: Nick’s vs. Bianchi’s Pizza.

JAC’s Café vs. The Bagel Bin: The Shipwreck vs. JW’s Restaurant: Bobby Deeb vs. Jamie Russo: Capt. Mike Eruzione vs. Charlie Imbrescia: Steve the Tank Adamson vs. Trae Weathers.

‘The winner’ – The Vikings in 2016!

(Ed note: see ‘Pigskin Picks’ for predictions).

Thanksgiving Memories

The Rivalry – The battle of the beaches started in 1913, over the years I have witnesses many memorable games.

1959 – ‘The Rivalry’ was renewed after a 15-year absence. We didn’t play on the holiday until 1964. I played in the WHS – Revere game (12-6) Winthrop wins.

1964 – ‘The Game’ – I called this battle the biggest game in “the rivalry”. Two undefeated teams battling for a Class B Championship. The Vikings (8-0) undefeated NEC champions, led by all-scholastic Steve ‘The Tank’ Adamson. Revere led by all-scholastic quarterback Jim DelGaizo. Jimmy played in the NFL for 12 years winning two super bowl rings.

Revere wins (8-0) on a last minute touchdown by Billy Cintolo.

1969 – WHS 24 – Revere 19 – Last game for coach Ed MacFarland, Winthrop led by Jamie Tipping. Dave Talent, Frank DeMarco defeats Patriots with ‘Aerial’ Al Petrilli at quarterback – Vikings win a thriller.

1981 – Vikings coached by legendary coach Bob DeFelice (33-game wining streak) defeat Revere (49-13) Vikings play in super bowl and win. “Greatest team in Vikings history.” Meeting at midfield between friends – the Big Guy (AM) and Frank Bertolino.

2007 – Winthrop 27 – Revere 22 – Vikings drive length of field after trailing (22-21) behind passing of soph quarterback Will Milano (holds Viking passing record of 31 touchdown passes). Will tosses 21-yard touchdown pass to Chris Beranger (all-scholastic, UNH star) in corner of end zone for a dramatic victory. Police officer Frank S. gives winning touchdown salute.

Vikings defeated Xaverian (14-3) to capture super bowl title at Sullivan (Gillette Stadium) in Foxboro. Two super bowl titles for coach DeFelice.

1993 – Vikings 49 – Revere 22 – Who can forget the 30-point performance of Anthony ‘Touchdown Tony’ Palmer. Vikings advance to play Div 3A super bowl at Miller Field.

2000 – Viking’s ‘comeback’ to defeat Revere (28-14) – After trailing (14-0) Bobby Kneeland and Luke Guarino each score two touchdowns.

2015 – Vikings (15-12) thriller – Patriots 9-point favorite – Coach Driscoll has great game plan – control the clock – Patriots have best record (7-3) since 1964, Vikings have ball control 24 minutes out of 44 minutes – Chris Zuffante, ‘Gonzo’ (Jon Gonzalez) and big Matt Tarantino run all over Revere.

For coach Driscoll (8-2) Patriots play first Turkey Day battle in new $8 million dollar Harry Della Russo Stadium – another ‘cold turkey’ day for Revere fans.

Great Rivalry!

Great Games!

Let the Games Begin!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let’s fill Harry Della Russo with Winthrop fans!

Book Depot Athlete of the Week

Heidi Benson is – ‘Ms. Triple H’ – from the “Benson Gang.” She follows sisters Haley and Holly from the athletic Benson family.

Heidi’s a two-sport standout and captain of soccer and track. Heidi displayed her athletic skills leading the Winthrop Powder Puff team to an exciting (20-20) tie with Revere.

Heidi is the daughter of Harry and Carol; she has a brother Harry Jr. She would like to follow her sister Holly who attends UNH and sister Haley a UMass Lowell grad and go to the University of New Hampshire.

We salute this weeks Winthrop Book Depot and Café Student-Athlete of the Week Heidi Benson, another outstanding Viking student-athlete.

Pigskin Picks

Tis the time of the season, I break out the old “Crystal Ball”, Danny Ventura has picked weekly games during the season in the Boston Herald. Toss the records into the water at Revere Beach; ‘The Voice’ picks the big games on the holiday – “Thanksgiving Picks!” Will the Revere faithful enjoy their turkey? Will the Viking Pride buses that leave WHS bound for Winthrop enjoy the trip back? Yes! Vikings win again!

Remember the stats, the Vikings have lost only two games in the last 40 years (1976-2015) in Revere. The Vikings are (28-3) vs. the Patriots in the last 31 years. The Vikings will add to that supremacy on Turkey Day!

Winthrop 27 – Revere 15

Marblehead 32 – Salem 13

Lynn Classical 15 – Lynn English 14

Peabody 34 – Saugus 12

Gloucester 27 – Danvers 19

Happy Holiday!

Enjoy the Turkeys!

Let the Games Begin!

On Second Thought

We extend our condolence to the family of Jim Magnaso aka Jimmy Magg on their loss.

Jimmy was the popular ex-owner of the legendary East Boston Restaurant ‘Jimmy Maggs’ for many years. Jimmy was the father of three daughters and a son.

Jimmy’s grandson Chris Zuffante is Viking football captain. The Viking top student-athlete (second in the class of 2017 at WHS) will lead the Vikings on the Harry Della Russo turf on Thanksgiving. Chris was a guest on my ‘Sports Page’ on WCAT last Wednesday night. “I will dedicate my last WHS game in memory of my grandfather,” said ‘Number 11.”

We hope the Vikings win!

Saturday the plane heading west for the Arizona sunshine included John Domenico and wife Elaine. The former WHS principal and ex-baseball and tennis coach.

John visited his “Number One” catcher Robert A. DeFelice before he left for Arizona!

His teams won two super bowl titles and had a 33-game win streak! Bob was “Number Three’ catcher in the Boston Red Sox in 1967 – Can you name the top two?

“Coach DeFa” will be on the Vikings sidelines in Harry Della Russo stadium on Thursday. His son Michael coaching the Vikings!

I will take a 10-yard penalty for omitting coach Billy Harris from the Winthrop A squad after an exciting season.

Let the Games Begin!

Skimming the Sidelines

Throw the records in Revere Beach – The game is number 85 – Winthrop leads the series (56-28-1).

The Vikings (3-7) have lost their last three games (St. Mary’s of Lynn, Greater Lawrence and Northeast Regional) the Patriots have won three in a row! The Patriots need a victory over the Vikings to finish (6-5) a winning record.

The Vikings have lost seven players to injury in the last three weeks. Revere has two all stars returning in their starting lineup. Halfback Victor Rivera and end Hector Lopez.

The Vikings are led by captains Chris Zuffante (No. 11), Jon Gonzalez (No. 21), Matt Tarantino (No. 33), Luigi Spinazzola, Derek Wasson (No. 76), Jon Van Dalinda (No. 44) – They need senior leadership and Viking Pride.

The Vikings enter Harry Della Russo fresh off a thrilling (15-12) victory in 2015. Coach Sean Driscoll is (9-2) vs. Patriots. The winner finished (4-1) in second place in the NEC South to champion the Gloucester Fisherman. The victor is King of Broadway, number one on Revere B each and receives free pizza for a year (only kidding) from Bianchi’s and Nicks!

Special citations from “The Speaker” and captain Mike Eruzione. I forgot a free year of Mutual Beef Hamburg from Gus Martucci! And the Kelly’s Roast Beef Award” – “Best Beef on the Beach”.

The Harry Della Russo press box will be filmed. Revere Cable TV produces the game live. You can watch it at home or at Jimmy Bruce’s or at the Shipwreck Lounge.

Viking TV will hosts Al Petrilli and yours truly – “The Voice”, will broadcast for future showing – visitor’s should include the Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo and School Committee members Tino Capobianco.

Another capacity crowd will fill Harry Della Russo Stadium – Revere fans praying for a victory – Turkey Day – A holiday to remember!

Let the Games Begin!

Extra Points

The Turkey Day Battle will be taped for showing this month on Viking TV. “Aerial” Al Petrilli (ex Revere quarterback) and ‘The Voice’ will broadcast “The Game.”

Della Russo Stadium will be packed to capacity. Revere fans are waiting for a victory. The Patriots have only one! Winning season since 1981! Yes that is true!

Coach Sean Driscoll has been sidelined with more injuries and loss of starters in his WHS career. The starters return to play on Thanksgiving.

Winthrop, Revere play to 20-20 tie in Powder Puff game

By: Jim Lederman

The annual Powder Puff game between archrivals Winthrop and Revere was the most exciting in recent years ending in a 20-20 tie.

A capacity crowd filled Harry Della Russo Stadium on a sunny and spectacular Saturday afternoon. Revere scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to tie the Winthrop squad.

Quarterback Heidi Benson ran for two touchdowns and tossed another score to lead the Vikings. Benson displayed blazing speed, Heidi opened the scoring on the third play of the opening drive, outracing two Revere defenders on a 50-yard run and taking it to the house for a (6-0) Vikings lead. Heidi Benson  kicked the extra point and Winthrop led (7-0).

Heidi lit up the scoreboard in the second quarter finishing a long drive with a 4-yard touchdown for a (13-0) Vikings lead. Benson split the uprights and the Vikings led (14-0). Benson was (6 for 7) looking sharp at quarterback.

Revere was led by the speedy ‘number 31’ Luana Santos who scored twice for the Lady Patriots. Santos sprinted 40-yards on the last play of the third quarter to pull Revere close at (14-6). The extra point was good and the Patriots trailed (14-7).

Benson combined with Danielle Bocchio on a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Vikings a (20-14) advantage.

Revere rallied at *8:11) of the final quarter on a Vanessa Puopolo 21-yard touchdown run. The extra point rush that would have given Revere the lead was no good and the teams were tied at (20-20).

Defensive standouts for Winthrop were Mishelle DeBonis, Sidney Adamson, Abby Carleton and Kelsie Griffiths.

We salute the Winthrop team for a thrilling game.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let the Games Begin!

Extra Points

Heidi Benson kicked two extra points. A very big play in the game, Kelsie Griffiths flashed her speed on a 65-yard run to set up a Benson touchdown. The Lady Bulldawgs captain looked like she was on a breakaway at Larsen Rink!

Football coach Sean Driscoll remarked about the stellar play of Mishelle DeBonis, “We could use her on Thanksgiving.” Proud papa Michael ‘Dabber’ DeBonis was smiling!

Kudos to the coaches Jill Dunn and Megan Dooley, they had excellent formations and plays, the 6:30 a.m. practices were another key!

The Revere crowd was silent, they expected another Patriots Powder Puff victory.

A senior salute!

Let the Games Begin!

Bring on the Patriots!

WHS sports years

10 years ago

November 22, 2006

An undefeated and playoff-bound Winthrop High football team is expected to have little trouble disposing of a winless Revere squad when the two archrivals meet in their annual Thanksgiving Day clash at Harry Della Russo Stadium. The Vikings have outscored their 10 opponents this season by a staggering difference of 416-83 points. Revere on the other hand, has been outscored 315-90 in its 10 losses.

20 years ago

November 27, 1996

The 7-2 Winthrop High football team rates as a big favorite to defeat a 4-5 Revere squad tomorrow in the traditional Thanksgiving Day battle between the two long-time rivals. The Vikings have dominated the series in the past two decades, winning 19 of the past 21 Turkey Day encounters. Winthrop is the only team in the Northeastern Conference to have defeated league-leading Swampscott this season.

30 years ago

December 3, 1986

The Winthrop High football team had little trouble disposing of archival Revere on Thanksgiving Day with yet another lopsided victory, 31-6, the 10th in the past 11 years for coach Bob DeFelice’s Winthrop teams. WHS senior Steve Holgersen capped one of the most impressive seasons by a Winthrop running back in WHS grid annals with a performance of 185 yards on 35 carries that included two touchdowns. Holgersen ran for more than 1000 yards this season, joining an elite group consisting of Chuck Sullivan and Steve Staffier. Quarterback Ron Tallent added two TDs on quarterback plunges.

40 years ago

December 1, 1976

Paul Plakias rushed for an astounding 192 yards and scored both Winthrop touchdowns to lead the Vikings to a 12-0 win over Revere on Thanksgiving Day. Plakias was one of 25 seniors to whom WHS head coach Bob DeFelice bid a fond farewell at the team’s annual break-up dinner on Sunday which celebrated the Vikings’ 8-2 record this past season. Revere now has won the last two games with Revere, although the Patriots have won 10 of the last 16 games between the teams and three of the last five.

50 years ago

December 1, 1966

The WHS football team came within a whisker of pulling off a major upset, but succumbed by a score of 6-0 to a heavily-favored Revere squad on Thanksgiving Day before 6500 fans at Paul Revere Stadium. The loss narrows Winthrop’s lead in the series to 17-16-3. Revere entered the contest as a solid two-touchdown favorite, as it had last year when Winthrop pulled off a 14-12 upset. Winthrop gave Revere all it could handle, but could not quite pull off a repeat of their 1965 feat. After the contest, Charles “Bud” Northrop and Lawrence “Hucky”  Larsen were named co-captains for the 1967 season.

60 years ago

November 29, 1956

Bill McIlroy tossed a TD pass to Cliff Yarrow for Winthrop’s lone score in a 7-6 loss to an underdog Danvers team in the 10th meeting between the schools on Thanksgiving Day. After the game, Buster Ferrara and John Fay were chosen co-captains for the 1957 squad. Winthrop Transcript sports editor Bob Remer, writing in the aftermath of the loss to Danvers, urges Winthrop officials to reinstate the traditional Winthrop-Revere rivalry that ended in 1946 in the aftermath of the melee that broke out on the field and in the stands after the 1945 game, when Winthrop upset a heavily-favored Revere team. Remer writes that the Winthrop players cannot get up for the Danvers game, which has no real meaning for them. Winthrop’s big rivals now are Swampscott and Marblehead, both of whom Winthrop plays earlier in the season.

70 years ago

November 28, 1946

Revere star halfback Rocco Cerrone, whom many schoolboy observers say is better than Lynn Classical’s Harry Agganis, ran wild at Paul Revere Stadium before a crowd of 10,000 fans on Thanksgiving Day to lead the heavily-favored Revere High squad to a 26-6 victory over Winthrop. Winthrop’s lone score came on a nine-yard pass from Lappen to Edwards. This was the last game between the two schools on the holiday after Winthrop chose to sever athletic relations with Revere because of the near-riot at the end of last year’s game, when Winthrop upset a heavily-favored Revere squad. A Winthrop player was kicked in the head by a Revere player and was rushed to the hospital afterwards where he recovered.