Sports 03-15-2018

WHS sports roundup

Despite tourney loss, WHS girls hockey team enjoyed a superb season

Although the Winthrop High girls hockey team came up on the short end of a 6-1 decision to Woburn in the MIAA Division 1 girls state hockey tournament, a loss that eliminated the Lady Vikings from further tourney play, Coach Anthony Martucci and his squad turned in a stellar 2018 campaign by any measure.

“This was a great year for us,” said Martucci.  “Team-wise this group was so close and so together. We got 13 wins and a huge monkey off our backs with the tourney win over Westford Academy.”

The “monkey off our backs” to which Martucci was referring was the 3-0 blanking of Westford Academy, a team that eliminated the Lady Vikings in the post-season in 2016 and 2017, in the opening round of the 2018 tourney.

“This was probably one of the best games of the season for us,” Martucci said, “headlined by our two captains, McKayla Norris and Catie O’Shea, and our goalie, eighth-grader Summer Tallent, who made 32 saves in a shutout performance.

“At the beginning of the season, we were very unstable at the goalie position,” noted Martucci. “We lost Boston Herald dream-teamer Gretchen Howard (who now is playing at Salve Regina) to graduation, and we were not sure who would take that job. Summer came in and got 11 wins for us, and this one was an incredible performance on a very big stage.

“McKayla Norris refused to lose to Westford Academy for a third time, and she went out and got us a goal and an assist to help secure the win,” Martucci continued. “Catie O’Shea was in the exact same boat — she was not going to lose a third time to Westford, so she went out and had a goal and an assist.

“The entire team played like it was do-or-die the entire game,” the coach continued, “blocking shots and playing fast, relentless hockey. Our defense was insane. Stafford, Perotti, Carney, Morrill, English, and Holmes gave very little time and space, and Westford could never get its offense rolling like they wanted to.”

Martucci also had high praise for his offense. “The forward lines were great, and we rolled three lines the entire game,” he said. “The line of Norris-Miles-Grace Carleton played with heart and determination. O’Shea-Emma Carleton-Mignosa never slowed down the entire game. Kennedy-Driscoll-DiMento were like young lions all over it from start to finish.”

Although the contest with Woburn, the defending state champion and the number two seed in D-1, three days later did not turn out as well, nonetheless the Lady Vikings played with a great deal of heart.

“This one was tough,” said Martucci. “Playing the defending state champs, an undefeated team, in their rink with the majority of that state champ squad back, was a tall task, but our group really gave it all they had.”

Winthrop fell behind early, 1-0, but Norris brought the teams back to level with what would prove to be her final high school goal. The game was back-and-forth for the remainder of the first period, with the exception of a goal by Woburn that resulted from a coverage breakdown in Winthrop’s end to make it 2-1.

The Lady Vikings had a nice rush with about 35 seconds to go in the period, but committed a turnover at the Woburn blue line that led to another Woburn tally just before the first horn.

“That goal pretty much knocked the wind out of our sails,” noted Martucci. “I thought we played very well in the second period, but could not find the back of the net.”

A power play goal by Woburn in the middle frame left matters at 4-1 at the second horn and Woburn converted two more power plays in the final period for the 6-1 finale. Altogether, Woburn enjoyed seven man-advantage opportunities to just one for the Lady Vikings.

“It was a tough way for this group of seniors to go out,” Martucci concluded. “I wish it would have been closer (the score), because I think we hung in their better than the final score indicated. However, I was very proud of the team for how they played that game. Woburn is very good and we did not back down even once.

“The seven seniors led this team perfectly, and all of them will be missed badly,” Martucci said in conclusion. “Ashley Miles, Emma Carney, Grace Carleton, Sabrina Dembro, Catie O’Shea, Jess Martin, and McKayla Norris always will be remembered for their hard work, dedication, and leadership. This team was fantastic to be around every single day. They just knew how to get things done and they did it together.”

From the Press Box

March Madness

By: Jim Lederman

This is the ‘most exciting’ month of the year – are you in a March Madness hoop pool? Who is your favorite college team?

For coach Jack MacDonald, he will be cheering for the Rhode Island Rams, ranked in the top 25. I have to consult with Chuck Mullane, Bill Schmidt, coach Max or Chris Tsiotos, before I make my ‘predictions.’

Will you cheer for Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, Wichita State, Michigan, Ohio State, West Virginia, Florida, and Purdue or ‘Big East’ champion – The Villanova Wildcats?

If you are a Salem High School fan, you remember cheering for ex-Salem all-scholastic Ricky Brunson.

Jalen Brunson is the son of Ricky. He is an NBA prospect.  Jalen scored 31 points, leading Villanova to a 76-66 overtime victory over Providence. Ricky Brunson is assistant coach of the Minnesota Timber Wolves. The head coach is Tom Thisodeau, ex-coach of Salem State. Coach ‘Thibs’ was assistant coach of the 2008 World Champs – The Boston Celtics. A little NEC trivia! Rick Brunson played college hoop at Temple.

There will be a garden party at the TD Garden for the “East Regional” on March 23-25. My pick is the ‘Big East’ champs – The Villanova Wildcats (30-4).

Arizona (27-7) out of the South Region. Playing in the strong West region, I also like Michigan (28-7). Keep an eye out for Gonzaga (30-4) Kansas and Duke are contenders.

This is my favorite month for sports, and every tourney game is exciting. Who will make the ‘Sweet Sixteen’?

If you are a hoop junkie you will be tuned to the best month in college sports!

Ready for March Madness!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

New Vikings Coach

The 2000 Winthrop Vikings upset Bishop Fenwick, the defending Super Bowl champions in Peabody. Jon Cadigan was a Viking end and he caught a touchdown pass in the upset!

On Friday Jon Cadigan was named ‘new’ Vikings head football co ach. He was a Vikings assistant coach for 16 years. Jon did an outstanding job as defensive co-ordinator for coach Sean Driscoll. His preparation for archrival Revere was the key to many victories over the Patriots!

Jon has kept the Vikings Tradition following three very successful ex-WHS graduates Bob DeFelice, Tony Fucillo and Sean Driscoll.

We wish coach Cadigan success and we know he will bring another ‘NEC Title’ back to Miller Field.

Good luck, Coach Cadigan!

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

 

The ‘Duke’ and the Governor

Gov. Charlie Baker has always been a fan of the Viking football ‘tradition’. Charlie’s son A.J. Baker caught two winning touchdowns when he played for the Swampscott ‘Big Blue.’ Vs. Winthrop High!

On Thursday, Charlie was at a fundraiser in Quincy with QB 12 – Tom Brady. They had their hair trimmed for charity. Also in the private crowd was the ‘barber’ for celebrities Fred Mazzarella.

Freddie is a close friend and ‘client’ of Gino “the Duke” Dawson, the legendary ‘Uber’ driver for many Winthrop families and yours truly – ‘The Voice’. I’ve included pictures and Charlie and ‘the Duke’ spoke of his respect for the Viking football tradition vs. Winthrop!

Trivia: Can you name the all-time leading scorer at Needham High School? He also played in an all-star game with local real estate man – Bobby Deeb – who is that former hoop standout?

 

 

On Second Thought

March is rivalry month – with “March Madness’ in college hoop! How about Ohio State – Michigan, North Carolina – Duke, Virginia – N.C., Auburn – Alabama?

Congrats to Cailyn Driscoll – she will head south and attend Clemson! A ‘Tiger’ from Winthrop!

St. Mary’s of Lynn – has David Brown (perhaps the best high school hoop coach in EMass.

And – Coach Sean Driscoll to build an already strong football program!

Have you watched Boston Sports Tonight? The best sports show in Boston – on Channel 630. With Mike Holley, Kaylee Smith and Mr. Sports Football Tom E. Curran! If you love the Patriots – listen to Tom E. Curran! Will the Patriots sign – The Gronk, Nate Solder and please sign Richard Sherman at corner back (from Seattle) oh! I forgot – give Danny Amendola! Mr. Clutch – (yes – coach Max’s favorite).

Have you picked up your “March Madness” pool ticket?

I can’t get excited about the Red Sox in 2018!

I love ‘March Madness’ – It makes up for the Patriots loss!

Hockey and hoop make March an exciting sports month!

How many days until the Vikings open their season?

When is the first lacrosse game on the ‘new’ Miller Field?

I forgot Al Petrilli was a left-handed quarterback and No. 12!

Rivalries – How about?

Swampscott – Winthrop

Winthrop – Marblehead

Winthrop and Revere!

Yes, the ‘Vikings’ have more NEC titles than Marblehead in hockey and football!

More Super Bowl titles than Swampscott!

March is ‘Rivalry Month’!

Does Coach Marie Finn have another strong tennis team?

There will be track meets on the ‘new’ Miller Field!

They knocked down a Revere Beach – legendary sports bar – The Shipwreck – they will build a new, nine-story hotel!

How about Danny’s on the beach for pepper steak! The Driftwood, The Lewis Room or Bianchi’s Pizza! Many more legendary Revere Beach ‘establishments.’

Billy Tse’s Restaurant – still number one for the best food in Revere!

How about a ‘homemade’ blueberry  muffin from ‘JAC’s’?

The WHS track teams will only have two meets on the ‘new track’ at Miller Field, due to the conference schedule of ‘dual meets’ with three schools competing.

Speaking about the excitement of games on the ‘new turf field’ at Miller Field. I spoke with a member of the Miller Field Committee and was told, ‘There is a delay on construction of the new field so use and bathroom facility.” Will it be ready for the football season?

The ‘new track’ at Miller Field should bring more athletes competing in Lacrosse and track for the Vikings.

Three outstanding track athletes who established records in the ‘high jump’ for WHS are – Arnie Springer, Lou Hinckley (U of Maine track and basketball standout) and Kevin McGee.

Speaking of UMaine – Happy Birthday! To John Domenico – The U Maine athlete and retired WHS principal, is 90 years young! John is enjoying the sun in Arizona this winter!

 

 

Faces in the Crowd

I was glad to see three men named James, who have recovered from health and accident or storm incidents. ‘Jimmy Evans, legendary Winthrop athlete and athletic director is back and ready to play golf, after a bad accident. Jimmy introduced ‘girls sports’ to Winthrop high!

Jim Bruce – The legend of Revere Beach and huge Viking supporter, has recovered form a health scare. Jimmy is the proud ‘Papa’ of Frankie Capone- outstanding WHS senior captain.

Jimmy Noiles, ex-WHS principal and former Woburn high football player has finally returned to Florida, after experiencing flood problems from the January ‘noreaster’ at his home in the point.

Jimmy never missed a Viking football game to watch his two grandsons play for the Vikings – Jake and Tyler Chiudina.

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

A Tough Loss for the Family

Winthrop lost another man to a tragic accident. Frank Vatalaro was killed in an automobile accident in Florida.

I spoke with Michael Vatalaro about the loss of his dad. Michael was an outstanding baseball and hoop player at WHS and at Salem State.

Michael was an assistant to Robert A. DeLeo at the State House and works for Massport. We extend our condolence to the Vatalaro family – May He Rest In Peace.

 

 

The State of the Bruins

The Bruins added experience to their roster with the additions of Rick Nash and U.S. Olympic Captain Brian Gionta (age 39) to their roster.

The Bruins have (94 points as of Sunday) and trail the Tama Bay Lightning by six points in the Eastern Conference with one month left to play.

Bruce Cassidy should be a unanimous choice for ‘Coach of the Year’ in the NHL.

The Bruins will get back two super players following their injuries. Charlie McAvoy and high scoring Patrice Bergeron. Brad Marchand is having a super season scoring goals, and the Bruins’ style of play is exciting to watch.

The playoffs should be exciting and ‘Hockey in the Hub’ will keep the interest unless you are a Red Sox fan. The Celtics and Bruins should fill the Garden and make up for the Patriots loss in the Super Bowl!

 

 

2018 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame

The 2018 Winthrop high school athletic hall of fame will celebrate their 13^th class to be inducted.

The “Class of 2018’ will hold the induction ceremony in October. Nomination forms are available at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop Street. The Hall of Fame will be held every two years.

Nominations close on July 5. The new class will be announced in July!

Winthrop Youth Hockey’s Bantam A and B teams and U14 Girls compete at Lake Placid

Winthrop Youth Hockey’s biennial tradition of sending their Bantam Boy and U14 Girls Hockey teams to Lake Placid continued when the Bantam A and B teams traveled to the Can Am Hockey Tournament to participate in the Challenge Cup during the weekend of March 1-4.

Players, coaches and parents left on Thursday March 1 with no expectations. The trip was established more than four years ago by the board of directors of Winthrop Youth Hockey as a “graduation gift” for players who have come up through the program and are nearing the end of their youth hockey careers. It’s a bonding trip for both teams with the bus ride up with their coaches, meals together and time with their parents. But most important experience is that the players are getting a chance to play and the parents are getting a chance to watch them play, on the ice at Herb Brooks Arena in the Lake Placid Olympic Center.  The coaches and parents wanted the boys to take the hockey out of the trip and really just enjoy the experience. They would be playing on Olympic size ice with two lines and a goalie against club and sponsored teams literally twice their size – so again, no expectations.

The Bantam Bs got off to rough start, down 4-1 going into the third period of their first game in the tournament, only to come back and tie it up for a final score of 4-4, setting their pace for their next three games.

It can certainly be said, parents, coaches and players did not expect both teams to go undefeated and to be playing in the gold medals rounds on Sunday. Winthrop came home with a Gold Medal and CanAm Challenge Cup Championship for the Bantams Bs after a hard fought triple overtime win against the Blues from Montclair, New Jersey and a Silver Medal for the Bantam As.

With a Bronze Medal earned by our U14 Girls last November – all of the Winthrop Youth Hockey teams medaled in Lake Placid this year.  Not many town youth hockey programs can say that.

Everyone who said that the Winthrop Youth Hockey Lake Placid trip would be the memory of a lifetime was right.  It is something the players, coaches and parents will never forget…cheering each other on through the triumphs and the disappointments – never forgetting where we are from, never forgetting what it means to be a Winthrop Viking!

Page Brothers join forces in Stonehill hockey program

By Cary Shuman

Two of Winthrop High’s most outstanding ice-hockey players will reunite in the Stonehill College program.

They are the Page brothers, Buddy and Charlie, the sons of Chris Page and Mary Donahue Page. Both enjoyed similarly successful careers wearing the Viking Blue and Gold, having  been former team MVPs.

Buddy is ecstatic about his younger sibling’s decision to become a Skyhawk. “After Charlie committed to Stonehill, I could say I can’t ask for anything else,” he said. “It’s a dream come true to play hockey again with Charlie. It’s like Winthrop High when I was a senior and he was a freshman. I’m sure this year will have another a store in store itself.”

They were high-scoring Winthrop linemates for one season. Buddy surpassed the 100-point career milestone and received the Northeastern Conference’s Most Valuable Award.

In a fraternal oddity of sorts for high school hockey, Buddy assisted Charlie’s first goal while Charlie scored a goal that was Buddy’s 100^th career point. Charlie went on to become a 100-point score himself in his senior year.

Buddy, who chose Stonehill for its academics, its hockey program and coach Dave Borges, just completed a successful junior season while serving as an assistant captain. He is majoring in Criminology and minoring in Sociology.

“I give a lot of credit my father [Chris Page] and my high school coach, Dale Dunbar, who instilled  in Charlie and me about how to be great person on the ice, but also a young, well-respected man off the ice,” said Buddy, a 6-foot, 210-pound junior. Dale and Mike Norris are two of the best coaches I’ve ever had. They’re just genuine guys.”

 

 

Their father, Chris Page, set the school record of goals and was a team captain at Fitchburg State College, earning induction into the college’s Hall of Fame. Previously the Charlestown native starred at Christopher Columbus during the North End high school’s golden era of hockey. He joined several of his Townie hockey-playing friends at Columbus.

There exists the possibility that the Page brothers could skate together on the Skyhawks’ first line.

“Charlie always jests with me that he’s a lot better with the puck and more skilled, so I certainly don’t knock him for that. I think he’s the skilled, finesse guy and I’m the bruiser of the brothers. I certainly don’t put it past Charlie that he’ll be on the first line. He definitely has the skill level and competitive desire.”

 

The newest Skyhawk

 

Former Winthrop High hockey MVP Charlie Page is looking forward to joining his older brother in the Stonehill program.

“I can’t wait,” said Charlie, a four-year varsity standout for the Vikings “It was great playing on the same line with Buddy (Pat Todisco was the usual third member of the top line). It was a lot of fun and a dream come true. Buddy was our leading scorer and conference MVP.”

Charlie said his goal to be able to skate on the same line with Buddy at Stonehill.

A 5-foot-11-inch, 185-pound forward, Charlie is currently playing for the top-tier Eastern Hockey League’s Walpole Express coached by Winthrop’s Jon Lounsbury. He feels he is progressing well and ready to compete in college hockey.

He often visited his brother at Stonehill and has met several of his future Stonehill teammates. That helped influence his decision to choose Stonehill over other colleges.

 

Echoing Buddy’s comments, Charlie said Winthrop coach Dale Dunbar was instrumental in his development in to a fundamentally sound, two-way hockey player.

“He was a great coach,” said Charlie. “I learned a lot from him. It was a pleasure playing for the team. For me, staying in Winthrop was the right decision because I got to play hockey with all my friends and to represent the town.”

One thing is sure about the Page brothers when it comes to Stonehill. Their parents, Chris and Mary (as well as other members of Page-Donahue family), will be in the rink cheering in the Stonehill family section.

“My parents never miss a game,” said Buddy.

 

MGC report addresses the future of sports betting

By Seth Daniel

Starting this week, and going through the rest of the month, the country will largely be enraptured in NCAA college basketball “March Madness,” and no other time during the year is betting on sports more active.

Yet, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA), almost 97 percent of the estimated $10 billion wagered on March Madness is bet illegally, and it’s yet another reason the trade association representing casinos is calling for the legalization of sports betting.

“Our current sports betting laws are so out of touch with reality that we’re turning tens of millions of Americans into criminals for the simple act of enjoying college basketball,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “The failed federal ban on sports betting has created an illegal, unregulated sports betting market that offers zero consumer protections and generates zero revenue for state and tribal governments.”

At the moment, the Supreme Court is debating whether to overturn the 1990s-era Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA), which prohibits sports betting in all locales except Nevada – which was grandfathered into the law. The court has heard briefs in December 2017 and questioned attorneys on the case – who represent the challenging state, New Jersey – extensively about the issue. Many believe that the court will make some kind of alterations to the PAPSA law, perhaps overturning it completely. A decision on the case is expected in the coming months.

“As the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of PASPA, AGA is focused on working with all stakeholders to put the illegal market out of business and enable a safe, legal way for American consumers to participate in next year’s office pool without fear of prosecution,” continued Freeman.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been monitoring the situation at the Supreme Court and issued a White Paper report on the matter this month, indicating that if the law were overturned by the Supreme Court, Massachusetts could see some major advantages to instituting its own laws allowing sports betting.

“The introduction of a new aspect of the emerging gaming industry in Massachusetts presents an opportunity to bring a significant amount of gaming activity and revenues out of the shadows and into the legal market,” read the MGC report. “With that transition would come the opportunity to cultivate the associated economic benefits – including tax revenues – while providing consumers of sports betting with protections not afforded them by illegal bookmakers.”

The White Paper indicated some of the objectives should be:

• A desire to transition sports betting activity from the black market to legal, regulated markets.
• A desire to capture tax revenues from legal sports betting activities.
• A desire to expand economic opportunities to potential local providers of sports betting 
and related industries.
• A desire to identify and mitigate any potential negative externalities associated with the 
introduction of sports betting, including efforts to promote responsible gaming.

Already, as the report pointed out, several states have passed laws in preparation for the overturning of PAPSA, including Connecticut and New York. Several other states this year have bills proposed in their legislatures, including Rhode Island. That leaves Massachusetts as one of the only states in the region not yet considering such legislation.

“Settling on a Massachusetts approach is important where both neighboring Rhode Island and Connecticut have either proposed or passed legislation that would legalize sports betting in their respective states if PASPA falls,” read the report.

The stakes for sports betting are very high, and many believe they would seek to stabilize the gaming industry – which some believe has an uncertain future. Combining existing gaming with sports betting would offer a very solid product and greatly increased state revenues, the report stated.

Revenues in Nevada, where sports betting is legal, are off the charts. In September, October and November of last year, the “handle” from sports betting per month in the state was more than $500 million per month.

The MGC report said there is no real way to tell how much Massachusetts is losing on the current black market, but the AGA did commission a report from the Oxford Economics Institute last year that found, with a 10 percent tax rate, the state could gain anywhere from $11.9 million to $45.2 million in gross gaming revenues per year.

Much of that depends on where sports betting would be allowed (casinos, lottery retailers, online) and how it would be allowed (physically, by phone, with an internet-based app).

The MGC White Paper indicated that it would suggest making availability as easy as possible due to the illegal sports betting networks that already exist and are easy to use – and online.

The reports said the state should allow online availability, mobile app availability, similar betting styles (including the growingly popular in-game bets), and heavily promote the fact that legal gaming is protected for consumers.

“Internet-based sports betting is already here as exemplified by the multiple off shore sportsbook websites that are easily available to anyone with an internet connection,” read the paper. “A legal alternative to these sites must be as convenient and as accessible to challenge the pervasive black market. Much as with online, if current black market bettors are accustomed to the ubiquity of a mobile app for their illegal product, any legal version will need to offer similar convenience or risk being ignored. Legal sportsbooks will need to offer a similar slate of contests to bet on and types of bets to make, including in-game betting. Any constraints on the most popular types of bets or types of games will discourage adoption of the legal product.”

Wynn Boston Harbor has not said much on the issue, only that it already operates a very successful sports book at its casinos in Las Vegas. They have said they support the effort and whatever decision the MGC and State Legislature would make.

Many believe that, like other gaming operators who are on the record, Wynn would believe sports betting not to be a panacea for their bottom line, but rather a way to bring more people into the casino to play traditional gaming and to dine out or shop.

The AGA said nearly two-thirds of the states in America make filling out an NCAA bracket for a pool illegal, which it said is absurd. It also said that a recent analysis indicated that nearly 24 million people reported spending nearly $3 billion in the past year on college basketball pools alone.

The MGC White Paper seemed as receptive to the idea as the AGA, saying there are some great considerations if the Supreme Court were to overturn PAPSA.

“Should Massachusetts have the opportunity to legalize sports betting, there are a number of questions at hand that will have broad impact, not only on who will benefit from sports betting as an operator, but also whether the overall gaming landscape in Massachusetts will be fundamentally transformed by the introduction of online gaming,” read the report. “The success of transitioning sports bettors from illegal to legal markets may depend substantially on how sports betting is made available, as well as the quality of the sports betting products that are offered. Finally, a thoughtful taxation and regulatory approach can maximize the benefits to consumers through increased protections, maximize economic benefits to providers and downstream industries, and create a market that ultimately benefits all Commonwealth citizens by maximizing the potential tax revenues associated with sports betting.”

Luke Warm

Luke MacPhail is tearing it up at Dexter Southfield

By Cary Shuman

Winthrop’s Luke MacPhail is tearing up the football record books at the Dexter Southfield School.

The talented, 6-foot-4-inch, 195-pound sophomore quarterback has passed for more than 3,200 yards in just two seasons. He is a two-time unanimous All-Evergreen All-Star Team selection.

Interestingly the elite prep school in Brookline is building a brand-new football field on campus with Roman-style, amphitheater seating. That should help accommodate the many scouts and college coaches who have been following MacPhail’s rising career.

Casey Day has been Luke’s coach the past two seasons. Day has been very pleased with his quarterback’s steady progress in the program.

“Luke came in a freshman and had a fantastic season, throwing for 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns for the varsity,” said Day. “He was much more accurate this season and had a 65 percent completion percentage with 1,700-plus yards and 17 TDs in eight games. He’s made significant physical and mental developments to his game during his sophomore year.”

What makes MacPhail one of the state’s top college quarterbacking prospects?

“He’s exceptionally accurate and has fantastic technique,” said Day. “He throws the ball with a lot of velocity coming out of his hands. He can throw the routes that every college coach is looking for – deep outs, and he can throw the ball down the field on post routes and down the sideline on go routes as well as anyone you’ll see at the high-school level.”

Dexter Southfield wide receiver Liam Kelly, has been the beneficiary of Luke’s swift, accurate passes.

“Luke was an immediate impact coming in his freshman year,” said Kelly, who will attend Bates College. “His play consistently makes those around him better, and his passion always gave us something extra to play for. I look forward to seeing Luke step further in to a leadership role and continue to lead the team by example.”

Day said that Luke has been invited to Nike’s upcoming Elite 11 Quarterback Showcase. “It’s a top-level event, and typically it’s for rising seniors but Luke’s game film and evaluations were on par with the best quarterbacks in the Northeast.”

Day, whose team was 4-4 this season, believes that with MacPhail, along with a strong returning cast of juniors and seniors, a league championship is attainable.

There is little doubt that Luke MacPhail is emerging as a major college recruit.

“You don’t like to put labels or expectations on kids, but I think if Luke keeps developing and working the way he works, the sky’s the limit,” said Day. “He’s built up a great resume during his freshman and sophomore years.”

 

Taking the praise in stride

Luke MacPhail is focused on leading Dexter to an Evergreen League title and a postseason bowl appearance next season.

“We’ve all been working out in the offseason and we’re excited for next year,” said MacPhail. “I’ll start throwing on the field once the weather gets nice.”

Luke is on pace to become one of the most prolific passers in state history, but he’s quick to deflect the praise to his coaches and teammates.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the coaching staff I have here, the school, and the players I have around me,” said MacPhail. “I have a very strong and athletic receiving crew, and I love all of them. Our linemen have been working hard.”

Luke said coach Day’s work ethic has set a positive example for the team.

“He’s really helped develop me since I came in as a freshman,” said MacPhail, who played in the Winthrop Youth Football system through fifth grade. “I talk to him a lot about football, and he’s been a best friend. He works hard every single day.”

Luke said he’s happy with his decision to attend Dexter Southfield. “I came here and fell in love with the school,” he said. “Everything about it – academics, athletics, the teachers – is phenomenal.”

He has received correspondences from college football programs. “I have had some schools interested, but when it comes down to making my decision, I will talk to my coaching staff and my family.”

It’s hard not to make comparisons between Luke MacPhail and his favorite NFL quarterback, Tom Brady. They both stand 6-foot-4 and have strong, accurate arms. They both love throwing the football.

“I love throwing the football in the pocket,” said MacPhail. “I can run when I need to and the time is right, but I rather put the ball in my receivers’ hands down the field.”

And like Tom Brady, Luke MacPhail would certainly look good in Maize and Blue.