THE LHS football team is ready to take some grit to the field for their season opener on Friday night at Triton. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Jen Doyle Photo)
Update post publication: Lynnfield defeats Triton 41-7 (Sept. 8)
By JAMES CRANNEY
LYNNFIELD – The last time Lynnfield fans saw their football team on the gridiron, they had just erased a six-year losing streak to Thanksgiving foe North Reading, 32-6.
While November was the last time the Pioneer faithful saw their team compete, the players have been hard at work since.
“The core group rallied around the captains and our leadership council this offseason and put a ton of work into strength and conditioning,” commented Lynnfield head coach Pat Lamusta as he enters his sixth season at the helm. “I want to see that hard work that started in January pay off for our players.”
While the offseason conditioning has certainly kept the machine well oiled, the experience level entering the 2023 campaign will certainly be something to consider. In addition to losing 21 seniors to graduation, senior defensive back Kyle Schmitz will be the only returning player on the defensive side of the ball this season.
Despite the significant number of new faces on the field this season, coach Lamusta sees it as a great opportunity for young players to step up and seize the moment.
“There are lots of opportunities and shoes to fill,” said Lamusta.
Coach Lamusta went on to list some of the players Lynnfield fans should look out for this season. “We have rising seniors like Niccolo Antidormi, AJ Chiaradonna, Ethan Francis, Liam Gorman, Cole Hawes, Lucas Moretti, Devin O’Connor, Kyle Schmitz, Sam Scimemi and David Tracy to contribute and help fill the vacancies on offense, defense, and special teams.”
When discussing some of the underclassman coach Lamusta mentions, “We’re looking forward to junior Jared Bernabei helping out on offense at running back and linebacker. Junior defensive back and wide receiver George Lambros has stood out especially on defense in pass coverage. Jesse Dorman, Spencer D’Augusta, and Madux Iovinelli are all athletic threats in the pass game. Lastly, we have lots of athleticism and speed from sophomore receiver Zahir Mitchell.”
Speaking of the passing game, the Pioneers can at least expect one familiar face on the field and he’ll be under center. After earning the starting job last season as a sophomore, quarterback Tyler Adamo threw for 1,164 yards with 16 touchdown passes in only his first season as the field general. Only five other quarterbacks in Lynnfield history have thrown more touchdown passes in a single season.
“Varsity game speed is hard to replicate,” stated coach Lamusta on how Adamo’s first year of experience has helped him progress. “Having that experience under your belt is huge especially at quarterback.”
With the offseason preparation now complete, it is finally time for some football. This Friday night at 6:30 p.m., Lynnfield kicks off their 2023 season at home against Triton. Following last season’s disappointing 27-21 loss on senior night to the Vikings, the Pioneers will have an opportunity to seek revenge against Triton once again on home turf.
When Lynnfield takes the field, they will be led by senior captains Anthony Morales, Quinn Hardisty, Alex Baldini and Joey Cucciniello.
While there will be a considerable amount of new faces on the field, hopes are still high that this could be the Pioneer squad to bring Lynnfield its first state championship in school history. The road to Gillette Stadium is a long and grueling one, but it has to start somewhere. The first of many tests to come begins this Friday under the lights of Pioneer Stadium. When answering what fans can expect from this year’s football team, coach Lamusta also shared his encouragement for the Lynnfield faithful.
“Lynnfield fans can expect to see a fast group that plays with passion and physicality but we need their help to pack the stands for our home games.”
