Friday the 13th – back in September, that was – Lynnfield’s football team lost its season-opening game against North Attleborough.
How long ago that seems, because the Pioneers (7-1) haven’t lost since.
Contributions were here, there, and everywhere last Friday night. The Boys in Blue took advantage of their home turf at Pioneer Stadium, sending Hamilton-Wenham back home with a 59-6 loss.
Now, it’s on to the Division 6 state tournament. No. 6 Lynnfield returns home this Friday for a Round-of-16 matchup against No. 11 Dennis-Yarmouth.
Back to Friday.
The Generals found the end zone during the second quarter. Typically, that wouldn’t be too late for a first touchdown. Unfortunately for Hamilton-Wenham, it was already facing a 42-point deficit.
Leading the way for the Pioneers – who took a resounding 49-6 lead into halftime – was Jared Bernabei, who rushed five times for 119 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown. He also returned an interception for six.
Madux Iovinelli was all over the field, too. He blocked a punt and an extra-point attempt. Do-it-all Dan Lemieux secured a 12-yard touchdown catch, forced a fumble, and deflected a pass that led to Bernabei’s pick-six.
Ace kicker Massimo LoGrasso did his thing, converting a 34-yard field goal and cashing in on all eight of his extra-point attempts.
Should Lynnfield win Friday night, it faces the winner of No. 3 Fairhaven and No. 14 Maynard. The only way back to Pioneer Stadium – in the Round of 8 – would be if Maynard wins.
Among other local teams, St. Mary’s, Winthrop, Swampscott, and North Reading are scattered throughout the bracket, too.
