Lynnfield delivered a well-rounded performance at Pioneer Stadium, sending Amesbury home with a 28-12 loss on Helicopter Ball Drop Night.
The game did not start well for the Pioneers as the Indians jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the first quarter, but Lynnfield rattled off 21 straight points to take a 21-6 lead at the halftime break. The teams traded one touchdown each in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.
The game was a contrast in styles with Amesbury holding a 218-92 edge in rushing yards and the Pioneers owning the air, 146-3.
Pioneers’ coach Pat Lamusta said the team got off to a “slow start” but gave credit to defensive backs George Lambros and Spencer D’Augusta for “stepping up.
“We came out slow on defense,” Lamusta said. “But George and Spencer really stepped up for us to help us slow down their run game. Also, the defense really played tough, getting off the field on third- and fourth-down attempts.”
Jared Bernabei (7 carries, 28 yards, TD) got things started with a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. After Massimo LoGrasso tacked on the extra point, the Pioneers had the lead for good at 7-6. For a second straight game, LoGrasso was the picture of perfection when it came to converting extra points, making four-of-four attempts and launching several kickoffs into the endzone for touchbacks.
“LoGrasso booming the ball on kickoffs with multiple touchbacks was key in the field position battle,” Lamusta said.
The Pioneers carried their momentum into the second quarter. Tyler Adamo (8-for-11, 146 yards, 3 TD) hit Jesse Dorman (3 catches, 60 yards, 2 TD) from 30 yards out to make it 14-7. Adamo then found Luke DiSilvio (2 catches, 22 yards, TD) from 11 yards out to make it 21-7. After a scoreless third quarter, Adamo picked up where he left off in the first half, connecting on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dorman.
Nick Kelter led Lynnfield in rushing with 58 yards on six carries. Ben Gazit made five tackles and recovered a fumble to lead the defense. Walter Radulski and Bernabei registered one sack each.
The Indians held a huge edge in time of possession (33:58-14:02). Lamusta said “some great plays on offense” were the difference on the scoreboard.
“Those plays really helped us to get ahead,” he said. “Madux Iovinelli (2 catches, 58 yards) had an incredible catch over the middle and Luke DiSilvio and Jesse Dorman were also key targets. Tyler continues to give these guys opportunities.”
As always, the highlight of the night was the appearance of the helicopter, which touched down on the back practice field just before halftime to load up the golf balls. Hundreds of youth football players and cheerleaders poured onto the field after the winning balls were recorded to help clear the field for second-half play. Proceeds from ball sales go to the Lynnfield Pioneer Football Club.
“The helicopter ball drop is a fun event and a huge fundraiser,” Lamusta said. “Our football parents work tirelessly to pull it off every year and it’s awesome and it’s always great to involve the youth teams. It’s always great to give them a high five on the way out to the field.”
Lynnfield, which has now won three straight after dropping the opening game of the season to North Attleborough, upped its record to 3-1 and currently sits at No. 9 in the Division 6 power rankings. The Pioneers are back on the turf Friday night against Triton (6:30 p.m.) when they will honor their seniors on Senior Night.
Triton comes into Pioneer Stadium at 3-1 and ranked No. 13 in the Division 6 power rankings. The Vikings’ only loss of the season came Friday night against host North Reading, 13-10.
“Every CAL game is the big one,” Lamusta said. “[Triton] is a much-improved team and off to a hot start. We are looking forward to the challenge on Senior Night.”
