THE CAL All-Stars were honored at the LHS football banquet. Pictured is Mike O’Brien, Nick Marcinowksi, James Sharkey, Steven Dreher, Jack Phelps and Spencer Riley. Missing from photo: Mekhi Peters. (Kristine Marengi Photo)
By JAMES CRANNEY
LYNNFIELD — Four years ago, they were young-faced freshmen sitting in the very same room wondering what lay ahead of them. Last Tuesday night, they were fully fledged seniors sitting in the same seats with their final season of high school football beneath their belts. It was the 2021 Lynnfield football banquet and for the nine seniors, it would be their last.
The current day seniors were not the only ones new to the stage four years prior. At the 2018 banquet, Pat Lamusta had also just finished his first year as a high school head coach. Now in 2021, both the senior class and coach Lamusta had finally completed their four-year journey together. Throughout their years, Lamusta and his current seniors accomplished a great deal with many ups and downs accumulating 20 total wins and two Cape Ann League titles.
The night began with a big feast shared amongst players, parents, and coaches. Coach Lamusta then addressed the packed cafeteria with a long list of thank you’s. The head coach did not miss a single person thanking everyone from the Lynnfield Pioneer Football Committee and Lynnfield Athletic Association, all the way to the hard-working custodians who keep the Lynnfield facilities in immaculate shape.
Following the thank you’s, coach Lamusta brought up freshman coach Mike Chute to present the first-year players with their awards. Pioneer fans should have a great deal to be excited about for future Lynnfield teams as the 2021 freshman class finished with an 8-0 undefeated season. They racked up 216 total points while only surrendering 30, forced 23 turnovers, and at one point had a streak of 138 unanswered points. The group “played football like their hair was on fire” according to coach Chute who coached these players with coach Nick Yozzo. If this young crew can continue developing their skills, who knows how high the ceiling could be for future Pioneer teams?
The freshmen were followed by the JV awards handed out by coach Fern Lavoie. In addition to a wildly successful freshmen season, the JV Pioneers capped their year off with a 9-1 record including five shutout victories. Coach Lavoie simply summarized the season with the word “outstanding.” He was also quick to mention that his JV team beat North Reading “pretty well.”
THE NEW CAPTAINS of the LHS football team were announced at the banquet. Lynnfield’s 2022 captains will be Charlie Capachietti, Steven Dreher, Chase Goldberg, Robert Marley and James Sharkey. (Kristine Marengi Photo)
After all the JV and varsity certificates were handed out to each player, it was time for the team awards; sophomore Devin O’Connor won Scout Team Player of the year, senior Gabe Schmitz took home the Unsung Hero Award, senior Donald Sylvester was awarded the 12th Man Award, senior Nick Marcinowski won the Lineman of the Year Award, senior Mike “Big Country” O’Brien grabbed Offensive Player of the Year, senior Jack Phelps won Defensive Player of the Year, senior Rupert Thomas was the Special Teams Player of the year, senior captain Spencer Riley brought home Most Valuable Player as well as the GUTSO Defensive Award, junior Steven Dreher secured the Commitment Award, senior captain Mekhi Peters captured the Coaches Award and the Academic Achievement Awards were earned by junior Robert Marley with a 4.25 GPA and senior Mike O’Brien with a 3.38 GPA.
For the four wins Lynnfield achieved, four game balls were presented to the best player from each game. Junior Charlie Capachietti was awarded the game ball for the season opening 28-0 victory over Saugus. For the 33-0 rout over Ipswich, sophomore running back James Sharkey was presented with the game ball. Senior captain Spencer Riley was awarded the game ball for the Pioneers’ 28-0 shellacking over Shawsheen Tech. Lastly, junior Robert Marley took home the final game ball for Lynnfield’s 35-14 win against Georgetown.
Once the game balls had been handed out, it was time for the Cape Ann League Awards. The Cape Ann League Baker All League Honorable Mentions were earned by senior Mike O’Brien, senior Nick Marcinowski, senior Mekhi Peters and junior running back James Sharkey. The Cape Ann League Baker 1st Team All-Stars were junior Steven Dreher and senior Jack Phelps. Lastly, the Cape Ann League Baker 1st Team All-Stars with Superlatives was senior Spencer Riley who won Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Bread had been broken and awards were presented. The only thing remaining to put a wrap on the 2021 season was to announce the senior captains for the 2022 campaign. When you are coming to Pioneer Stadium for games next fall, the Lynnfield football team will be led by senior captains Steven Dreher, Robert Marley, Charlie Capachietti, James Sharkey and Chase Goldberg.
After the announcement, coach Lamusta made sure to let his future captains know that the 2022 season will not begin this 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 2022 team.
