The Lynnfield football team had no answers for Wayland’s rushing game during Friday’s non-playoff showdown at Pioneer Stadium.
While the Pioneers (3-7) owned the passing game with a 193-130 advantage, the Warriors outgained the Pioneers 250-25 on the ground and held a huge 17-5 edge in first downs en route to a 38-21 win.
“We had some key stops on defense in the first half that kept us within striking distance,” said Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta. “Ultimately, their run game helped them pull away in the second half.”
Sophomore quarterback Spencer Brown completed 16-of-23 passes for 193 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions, and a two-point conversion.
Senior captain Luke DiSilvio and senior Dan Lemieux had monster receiving games with DiSilvio picking up 95 yards on seven catches along with one touchdown and one two-point conversion. Lemieux was close behind with seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Lemieux also converted a point after.
DiSilvio and sophomore Mikey Hubbard were in the right place at the right time with a fumble recovery on a botched Wayland punt. DiSilvio was in the process of downing the ball when a Wayland player picked up the ball. DiSilvio knocked the ball loose and Hubbard picked it up and returned it to the house.
“I was just there waiting to touch it, then their guy tried to grab it,” DiSilvio said.
“That was a huge fumble recovery on punt coverage that gave us some life,” Lamusta said. “He is the snapper, so to make that run and get involved in that play was excellent hustle from a young guy. Luke was also heads up to be able to jar the ball loose from the punt returner and Hubbard was right there to scoop it up.”
Sophomore Aaron Attubato hauled in one reception for seven yards.
DiSilvio led the Pioneers’ rushing attack with 17 yards on five carries, while senior Spencer Liu picked up 11 yards on three carries.
Despite the loss, Lamusta was happy with the Pioneers’ effort.
“Brown, DiSilvio and Lemieux helped offensively with some explosive plays, but ultimately, we had trouble moving the chains and getting the run game going down the stretch. They played hard right to the end against a solid Dual County team.”
The Pioneers hope to close out the season with a win against traditional archrival North Reading on Thanksgiving Day, but it won’t be easy.
The Hornets are on a roll at 9-1. The No. 5 seed in the Division 1 tournament, North Reading squares off against top-seeded Shawsheen Valley Tech in the semifinals Friday night.
The Pioneers have won Turkey Day bragging rights for three consecutive years.
“We’re eager to get a win for our seniors,” Lamusta said. “They have put a ton of time in for this program over the years, loved the ups and downs, and would like to get them one on Thanksgiving Day.”
