This one was never in doubt. Lynnfield led, 28-0, in the first half and cruised from there. Madux Iovinelli stole the show with an 80-yard touchdown from quarterback Tyler Adamo with 3:38 to go in the second quarter. The Pioneers tacked on two more scores in the second half to put things away and improve to 2-1.
“We got off to a sluggish start. Ipswich runs an offense that can get you caught running in the wrong direction,” said Pioneers’ coach Pat Lamusta. “Overall, however, it was a good win.”
Truth be told, while the Tigers owned a seven-minute edge in time of possession, the Pioneers dominated nearly every other statistical category, outgaining Ipswich by a whopping 390-109.
Jared Bernabei got the party started with a 1-yard plunge in the first quarter to put the Pioneers on top, 7-0, after Massimo LoGrasso tacked on the extra point. Two Adamo-to-Jesse Dorman touchdown passes (LoGrasso kicks) bumped the lead to 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
Bernabei made it a 35-0 game in the third on a 20-yard run. Lucas Deraps closed out the scoring with a 45-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Lamusta gave shoutouts to Adamo (10-of-11, 223 yards, 3 TD), the secondary, and Dan Lemieux, who Lamusta said had another strong performance on both sides of the ball, an effort that included an interception and a 20-yard runback.
“Ty’s decision-making is getting better and better. Everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, but whenever there is grass and an open receiver, he is hitting them. He made some explosive plays,” Lamusta said. “Our pass protection – compared to our first game – is so much better, and Dan, once again, contributed several great plays and had another timely interception.”
Iovinelli led the receivers with 122 yards on four catches, followed by Lemieux (3 catches, 42 yards), Dorman (3 catches, 54 yards, 2 TD).
Bernabei (6 carries) and Spencer D’Augusta (5) led the team’s ground attack with 50 yards each. Deraps (carry, 45 yards, TD) and Nick Kelter (3 carries, 20 yards) also contributed.
Mr. Reliable, aka, LoGrasso had a perfect night, converting six of six extra points. In three games, LoGrasso has converted 10 of 12 PATs.
Lamusta also noted that Luke DiSilvio (catch, 5 yards) had a strong game “blocking on the perimeter and covering receivers’ routes” and also highlighted the play of Dorman and Deraps.
“Jesse gives us a combination of being a vertical threat, and on third-and-long, Ty just bombed one to him and Lucas had a very strong running performance with that one explosive touchdown,” Lamusta said.
After three straight road games, the Pioneers return to the friendly confines of Pioneer Stadium Friday night to take on Cape Ann League rival Amesbury on “Helicopter Ball Drop Night.”
“It’s always a highly-anticipated game when we play Amesbury. They have a unique type of offense and will run the ball. The defense is always solid and it’s always a very physical game. And, don’t forget: they were in the Division 7 Super Bowl last year, so I expect a competitive game,” Lamusta said. “It’s great to finally be at home and the helicopter ball drop is always an emotional evening because of the presence of the youth players… The youth program has done so much for Lynnfield High football, so it’s fun to see the kids there on the field. Every time the new parents come on, we ask if they are sure they want to do this as it’s a lot of work, but every year, the parents have risen to the occasion and I expect this year will be another great night.”
