UPDATE: Pioneers roll past Swampscott 28-0 travel to Hudson on Friday

ZAHIR MITCHELL went off for 5 catches, 115 yards and 2 TD’s during Lynnfield’s win over Hamilton-Wenham on Saturday. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

Update post publication:
#5 Lynnfield defeats #12 Swampscott 28-0 (Nov. 3) travels to #4 Hudson Friday Nov. 10 in the Elite 8 Round. Kick-off at 7 p.m.

To view the MIAA state tournament bracket, visit www.miaa.net.

 

 

Published November 1, 2023

By JAMES CRANNEY

HAMILTON – While the 6-1 Pioneers were disappointed after losing their first game of the season to North Attleborough last week, a new week brought a new opportunity.

With one game remaining before the playoffs, Lynnfield had the chance to right their wrongs and build some momentum going into postseason play. They had this shot last Saturday afternoon on the road against 0-8 Hamilton-Wenham. In the end, the Pioneers bounced back with authority wrapping their regular season up with a 49-13 route over the Generals.

Back in September, many wondered how Lynnfield’s defense would hold up this year after losing 10 of the 11 starters from the 2022 season. The Pioneer defense has not only held up, they have dominated.

In every game, Lynnfield has yet to allow more than two touchdowns and has forced at least one turnover in six out of their seven games. If there was one feat this stout defense had yet to achieve though, it was producing a safety.

That would change on Saturday.

Early in the 1^st quarter, Hamilton-Wenham was pinned at their own 2-yard line following a perfectly executed punt from junior Jared Bernabei. On 3^rd and 10, in the shadow of their own end zone, senior quarterback Henry Stinson pitched the ball to senior running back Christopher Collins. The back was immediately met by junior linebacker Iain McCarthy then a swarm of white jerseys who quickly threw him to the ground for the safety.

Leading 2-0, the Pioneers had early momentum and wouldn’t relinquish it.

After two big runs from junior Jared Bernabei (4 carries, 51 yards, 1 touchdown) and senior Niccolo Antidormi (7 carries, 53 yards, 1 touchdown), Lynnfield’s offense advanced the ball inside the red zone.  On 2^nd and 6 from the 14-yard line, junior quarterback Tyler Adamo (13-14, 190 yards, 3 touchdown passes) hit sophomore receiver Zahir Mitchell (5 receptions, 115 yards, 2 touchdowns) on a quick screen pass. Mitchell made two defenders miss then barreled his way across the goal line with two Generals on his back.

“It was great to get Zahir the ball in space and see what he can do,” commented Pioneers head coach Pat Lamusta on the sophomore receiver’s breakout performance. “He has a great combination of quickness, elusiveness and a downhill attitude.”

Lynnfield’s 9-0 lead became 15-0 following an 11-yard receiving touchdown from senior receiver Ethan Francis (3 receptions, 29 yards, 1 touchdown). Hamilton Wenham’s fourth consecutive three-and-out after a sack from senior captains Alex Baldini and Quinn Hardisty gave the ball back to the Pioneers. Early in the 2^nd quarter, once again, Mitchell would be the one to make a play.

After a 30-yard touchdown run was called back for a holding penalty, Lynnfield went to the air as Adamo stepped up in the pocket and found Mitchell in the open field. The sophomore darted towards the left pylon for a 33-yard score and extended the lead 21-0.

The Generals eventually found the end zone, but not on offense.  Late in the 2^nd quarter, the Pioneers attempted to punt the ball but Hamilton-Wenham’s Alec Cote blocked it before jumping on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Now trailing 21-7, the Generals finally had some momentum and a glimmer of hope.

It would not last.

On the ensuing kickoff, Mitchell used his speed to return the ball just past midfield.  He got his number called again on the first play when Adamo threw a quick screen pass right. The sophomore receiver zigged and zagged making nearly all 11 players on defense miss before eventually being brought down at the Hamilton-Wenham 20-yard line. Bernabei got the handoff on the following play and ran it in for the 20-yard touchdown.

“Very proud of the explosiveness of the offense,” claimed coach Lamusta.  “It was great to see our outside run game really come into focus with big plays from Jared Bernabei and Ethan Francis.”

Lynnfield led 28-7 at halftime, but soon made it 35-7 on the first series of the second half. Antidormi followed his blockers before exploding up the right sideline for a 12-yard touchdown run putting the nail in the coffin.

The Pioneers emptied their bench and scored twice more with a 65-yard touchdown pass from senior David Tracy to junior Spencer D’Augusta, and a 2-yard quarterback sneak from Tracy.

Now, the season really begins.

This Friday night, Lynnfield (7-1) will host No. 12 Swampscott (5-3) in the first round of the Division 6 MIAA Tournament at 6:30 p.m.

Coach Lamusta knows the road to Gillette Stadium will certainly not be an easy one with the heightened level of competition. The Pioneers have had one of their best regular seasons in recent memory, but they’ll have to play even better now that every team has a clean slate.

“We have to be the most disciplined version of ourselves,” says coach Lamusta.  “Taking special teams plays seriously and ensuring we are winning the field position battle against very good teams that do not make mistakes.”