Football Archives - 2002-2007 Teams, Photos, Stories

2007 Football News

Item defensive player of the year Tony Johnson of Classical stands with Paul Halloran of the Agganis Foundation and speaker Peter Holey at the Item All-Star dinner Monday at the Hilltop Steak House. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Item Gridiron Gala Honors North Shore Standouts

By Matthew Roy / For The Daily Item, 12/10/07

SAUGUS -- The high-school football season officially came to an end on Monday night at the Hilltop Steak House as the 25 finest football players on the North Shore got their day in the sun at the 62nd annual Item Football All-Star Dinner.
The Item/Agganis Foundation Defensive Player of the Year went to Classical's Tony Johnson.
Johnson won the award despite having every team Classical played this season game-plan around his talents. In all, the senior linebacker recorded 68 tackles, 11 for losses, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown against Gloucester.

2007 Item North Shore Football All-Star Team

QUIVARI JACKSON, Lynn Classical - 5-8, 160-pound senior ... Played wide receiver and running back on offense and cornerback on defense ... Ran for 807 yards on 108 carries ... Scored 10 rushing TDs ... Caught 14 passes for 310 yards and seven TDs ... Had 23 tackles, eight solo and 15 assisted ... One fumble recovery and one forced fumble ... Good kick returner.

TONY JOHNSON, Lynn Classical - 6-3, 216-pound senior linebacker/tight end ... Had 68 tackles, 25 solo and 43 assisted; 11 tackles for losses, eight sacks ... Had two forced fumbles, and recovered one fumble for a TD ... As a tight end, he caught 16 passes for 227 yards and scored three TDs ... Great blocker ... He also punted ... NEC all-star

Honorable Mention   Alex Watler, Sebastian Bejin, Dillon O'Toole, Chad Quintana, Stanley Sam, Sam Smith, Billy Thibodeau

Varsity Football Team 2007

Freshmen Football Team 2007

Classical Football Team Wants a Win over English to Cap Off a  Successful Season

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, Tuesday, November 20, 2007

All that separated the Lynn Classical football team from taking the field tomorrow (10am) against Lynn English with a chance to claim the Northeastern Conference's North division title.
But when Quivari Jackson was stopped on fourth and two with just under two minutes left against Gloucester, it resulted in the Fishermen driving for the winning score and the playoff berth that goes to the North champion.
Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Fishermen, which saw Classical take a 22-6 lead into the fourth quarter, this season still has been a successful one for Classical, which comes into their annual Thanksgiving Day game with the Bulldogs sporting a 7-2 record and a 3-1 mark in NEC North play.
Classical also is looking for its second straight win over their cross-town rivals following a 26-0 win last season in the rain.
And the Rams would like nothing better than to continue that trend on Thursday.
"It's a great tradition and it brings out the best in both teams," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "We are going to have to come out and be at our best because English is a very physical team and are better than their record shows."
The Classical offense has been one of the most prolific in the NEC this season, averaging 30.1 points per game, and has been held under 20 points on only two occasions (18 in a win over Beverly and 14 in a win against Salem).
Leading the attack has been a brutally effective ground game headed by Jackson.
Jackson has rushed for eight touchdowns and has caught seven others from Alex Watler for a total of 15, ranking him second in the conference behind the 24 of Gloucester's Andrew Fulford.
"Quivari is just an excellent athlete and he has the ability to have big plays when he touches the ball," Durgin said. "And he's done it both running and catching."
Another weapon that emerged during the midpoint of the season was junior Cam Smith, who had his coming out party with two scores against Beverly. He also had a 186 yard, two touchdown game vs. Danvers and added three more in a win over Revere.
Bryndyn Primus and Chad Quintana also have helped to power the ground game.
"A lot of kids have stepped up and the more unselfish we are, the better we are," Durgin said. "Cam has been stellar all year on both sides of the ball and has improved each week."
Senior quarterback Alex Watler had to wait for his turn under center. But he has certainly been able to take over for his predecessor, Michael Quintana.
Watler has thrown a touchdown pass in seven of nine games and has 10 touchdowns and only four interceptions, two of them coming in the fog during a 35-25 loss at Winthrop in week three.
"Alex has been a great leader for us and he's had a nice year. He got his opportunity and has done a nice job," Durgin said.
Providing the power up front has been the offensive line of Brian Kolodziej, Sam Smith, Dillon O'Toole, Chris Nassor and Sebastian Bejin.
"We wouldn't have been successful without them," Durgin said.
The Classical defense also has done the job this season, allowing a total of 120 points in nine games, an average of 13.3 per game. Only Winthrop (35) and Gloucester (26) have gone over the 20 point mark, and the Rams threw a shutout against Peabody in week six.
The defense also came up huge at Salem following the Gloucester loss when there were a lot of questions about the Rams' mental state of affairs. It was that defense which picked off a Colby Boulay pass in the final moments to thwart a potential game-tying drive.
It also has performed well against the conference's top rushers, holding Fulford, Salem's Melikke Van Alstyne and Winthrop's Joe McDermott in check.
"Coach (Derek) Dana has done a nice job with them. They have improved each week," Durgin said. "We're very fortunate to have some very good athletes."
Also playing well on that side have been linebackers Stanley Sam and Quintana along with defensive back Tony Johnson, one of the best in the NEC.
After a 40-6 win over St. Mary's to open the season, Classical had to hang on for an 18-13 win over Beverly when the defense stopped Panther star Greg Pierce on fourth down with 2:00 remaining. Jackson had 202 yards of total offense in the game.
Five turnovers against the Vikings led to a loss but the Rams rebounded to win their next three games against Marblehead, Danvers and Peabody by a combined score of 113-25 to set up an early November showdown with the Fishermen at Manning.
And for three quarters of that game, things were looking rosy for Classical but hulking fullback Anthony Enderle wore down the Rams defense in the fourth quarter, allowing the Fishermen to sneak away with a 26-22 win.
The Rams rebounded with the win over Salem and head into tomorrow's game off a 38-8 win over Revere in the rain. But Durgin knows that Thanksgiving is like a season packed into one 48 minute contest.
"It's a big moment for both teams," Durgin said. "There's a lot of emotion for the seniors and it's always nice if you win on Thanksgiving."

Smith Scores Three TDs in Classical Win over Revere

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, November 10, 2007 

LYNN -- On a rainy and frigid night at Manning Field, the Lynn Classical football team put in a workmanlike effort against Revere.
Breaking open a close game with 18 points in the third quarter, the Rams used a hard-hitting defense and a punishing ground attack to roll to a 38-6 win over Revere.
Despite the win, Classical saw its hopes for a postseason berth evaporate with Gloucester's win over Salem which clinched the Northeastern Conference North title.
"A lot of guys made plays (Friday)," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "Our defense set the tone in the second half."
Classical (7-2, 3-1 NEC North) was in control from the get-go as the Patriots never could put together a sustained drive.
"They out-everythinged us," Revere coach Lou Cic-atelli said. "We didn't tackle, bottom line. And we got manhandled like we haven't been all year."
Classical got the ball first and immediately moved into Revere territory before being stopped on downs. The Patriots (4-6, 1-4 NEC South) took advantage of the stop when Steve Ennamorati hit Mike Imbrascio for a 27-yard completion to the Classical 44.
But the Rams defense stood tall for the first of many times, forcing a punt.
The rains then moved in but it couldn't stop the Rams ground game. Bryndyn Primus ripped off a 57 yard gain to get Classical out of trouble and put the ball on the Revere 32. Five plays later, Cam Smith scored from the seven to make it 8-0 after the first when Primus added the 2-point conversion.
It was still 8-0 early in the second when Classical got a short field after a shanked punt. Six plays later, the Rams had a 14-0 lead when Quivari Jackson went off left tackle from five yards out with 7:01 left in the half.
The Patriots finally solved the Classical defense on the next possession as a pair of runs from Anthony DeFeo moved the ball to midfield. Ennamorati followed with a completion to Jimmy Falzarano for 31 yards. DeFeo promptly bolted 19 yards on the next play to cut the gap to 14-6 with 5:38 left.
That, however, would be as close as the Patriots would get. Smith picked up his second touchdown of the game, a 13-yard jaunt around right end, with 2:42 left to send the Rams to the break sporting a 20-6 lead.
Things didn't get much better for Revere in the third quarter. On the third play of the half, Trea Weathers caught a pass and was stripped. Classical returned the fumble to the Revere 15 and took a 26-6 lead one play later on Smith's third touchdown of the game.
Revere moved into Classical territory on the next possession but Robert Ramsey picked off an Ennamorati pass at midfield and returned it to the one. He scored on the next play for a 32-6 lead with 4:16 left.
Chad Quintana put the finishing touches on the win two snaps latter when he picked off a second Ennamorati pass at the 40 and returned it for a touchdown and a 38-6 lead.

 

Classical's Quivari Jackson (21, with the ball) will lead the Rams onto the field Friday against Revere. Both he, and the rest of his team, have to hope that Gloucester - the other team represented in this picture - loses Friday to Salem in order to keep their post-season hopes alive. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Big Football Weekend for Classical

 

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, 11/8/07

There's lots to talk about this week in preparation of Friday's high school football slate. English's Gary Molea (see accompanying story) is going for his 100th career victory, and Lynn Classical tries to keep its post-season hopes alive in its game at Manning Field against Revere.

But while Rams fans are following their team's fortunes against the Patriots, at least some eyes will be on the proceedings at Newell Stadium in Gloucester, where the Fishermen entertain Salem.

The outcome of that game could have a lot to do with how the post-season goes in the Northeastern Conference/Large picture. Should Salem win, that could ultimately set up a three-way tie for the conference championship, with each team at 1-1 against the other two. That could trigger the tiebreaker (team having gone the longest without making the post-season) that gets Classical into the post-season.
At Manning Field (7), the Rams recovered from a brutal loss to Gloucester two weeks ago by going on the road last Friday to beat Salem, 14-7. But coach Matt Durgin knows that Revere will not be a cakewalk.

Split NEC Makes for Interesting Races

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Put me down as one person who - in the beginning - wasn't crazy about the split of the Northeastern Conference into large and small divisions.

Although I understood it last year, it was a little sad to see Saugus stop playing Classical and English; it's still a little sad that there was no Classical-Swampscott game this season; and the demographics of the various schools involved could force further erosion of long-standing rivalries on the North Shore.

But on the other hand, there have been some good aspects to the split too. Beverly got off to a rough start, but as of last week, the Panthers still had a shot to win the Northeastern Conference/Small. In fact, with a little luck (well OK... a lot of luck) the Panthers could very well still do that.

Beverly lost some early games to NEC/Large opponents such as Classical, Revere and Gloucester. Last year, that would have been the kiss of death, as all the teams were vying for the same playoff spot.

The split meant that there are two playoff spots in the NEC now, and Beverly could reinvent itself for the part of its season that really counted ... the NEC/Small games. Unfortunately (for them), Swampscott didn't have to do much reinventing. The Big Blue have only lost once - to Gloucester - and it really looks as if they'll be tough for either Danvers or Marblehead to slow down.

But if you're Beverly, you have to hope that it happens, because it's your only shot. But ... at least it's a shot. Last year, the Panthers would have had none.

Similarly, with two losses, Classical would have been, for all intents and purposes, on the outside looking in as well. But because one of those losses was to Winthrop (NEC/Small), the Rams could still mange to go to the post-season if Salem defeats Gloucester, and then beats Beverly on Thanksgiving (provided, of course, that the Rams take care of business and beat Revere and English).

Such a scenario - and again, one must caution that it would be a supremely tall order for Salem to go up to Gloucester Friday and upend the Fishermen - would create a three-way tie for the league title, with Classical getting the nod because it hasn't been to the post-season since 1980.

So complain all you want about the split, but here it is November, and the second-to-the-last week of football, and we have races in both the upper and lower divisions of the Northeastern Conference.

Agganis/ Daily Item Player of the Week

 Classical's Tony Johnson is this week's Agganis Foundation/Daily Item  defensive Player of the Week.  Johnson was a standout in Classical's victory last Friday over Salem.         ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA

 

Classical Outlasts Salem

By Gordon Vincent / For The Daily Item of Lynn, Saturday, November 3, 2007 

SALEM -- It was almost the same story, but with a better ending for the Lynn Classical High football team.
A week after a bitter loss to Gloucester, the Rams looked like they might succumb to another fourth quarter comeback against Salem until Bryndyn Primus intercepted a pass with 40 seconds left as Classical held off the hard-charging Witches, 14-7, Friday night, at Bertram Field.
"An excellent win; our best of the season," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "They were coming down the field and it looked like it might be 'Here we go again,'" but the kids just gutted it out."
The Witches (4-4; 3-1 NEC Large) suddenly go from foes to friends for the Rams (6-2; 2-1). If Salem beats the Fishermen at Gloucester next Friday and Classical beats Revere at home, it would create a 3-way tie atop the standings heading into Thanksgiving.
"Oh yeah, we're big Salem fans now," Durgin said.
Cam Smith and Alex Watler scored rushing touchdowns for Classical in a game the Rams won without their signature big plays. The Rams' longest play from scrimmage was a 21-yard run by Keshawn Avery.
Defensively, the Rams responded by holding Salem superback Melikke Van Alstyne to just 55 yards on 17 carries, and he picked up nearly half that total with a 25-yard scoring run that closed Classical's lead to 14-7 with 8:03 left in the game.
The Rams came back with a drive that took six minutes off the clock but ended when Salem's Felix Gomez sacked Watler at the Witches' 35-yard line.
After Tony Johnson trapped Van Alstyne for a 13-yard loss on first down and a penalty on the Witches for too many men in the huddle, Salem quarterback Colby Boulay connected on three passes and ran an 8-yard draw to move the ball to Classical's 30.
Van Alstyne gained one yard on the next play, and then Boulay tried to hit a receiver along the right hashmarks, but Primus jumped the route and made a sprawling interception at Classical's 23-yard line. Watler kneeled down twice to run out the final 40 seconds.
"We knew Classical was a tough team with a lot of speed, but our kids played hard for 44 minutes," Salem coach Scott Connolly said.
Classical couldn't take advantage of a blocked punt at Salem's 29-yard line by Quivari Jackson and the first quarter ended in a scoreless tie.
The Rams continued to enjoy good field position in the second quarter and drove 51 yards in nine plays for their first touchdown. A 19-yard run by Jackson set up a 4-yard sweep by Smith. Jackson's gritty run for two points made the score 8-0 with 4:12 left in the first half.
Classical scored its other touchdown on its first possession of the second half. The Rams drove 56 yards in 10 plays, the last of which was a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Watler on fourth down. The try for two was unsuccessful and Classical led, 14-0, with 4:29 remaining in the third quarter. Salem's scoring drive began with nine seconds left in the third quarter and covered 80 yards in 10 plays, three of which were completed passes by Boulay. That softened up the Rams' defense for Van Alstyne's 25-yard scoring run around left end.

 

Classical Faces Very Good Salem Football Team

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, 11/01/07

The Classical football team played as well as it could last Friday against Gloucester and was less than six feet from pulling off the upset win.
But the Rams couldn't gain those two yards with just under two minutes to go and Gloucester drove for the winning score in a 26-22 game.
Now the Rams are faced with the task of trying to regroup in just six short days and get ready for a Salem team that has a share of first place in the Northeastern Conference's North division with Gloucester.
"We need to come ready to play on Friday or we're going to be in for a long night," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "You really don't know how they're going to bounce back until then."
The Rams (5-2, 1-1 NEC) are still in the hunt for a postseason berth, but need a little help to make that happen. But getting a win over Salem isn't as easy as it used to be in past seasons and Durgin knows that.
"Coach (Scott) Connolly has done a nice job with the program over there," Durgin said. "They're in first place and its going to take an all out team effort from us.

For Classical to be successful, the Rams will have to find a way to hold talented running back Melikke Van Alstyne in check.
The senior did everything but fill the Gatorade buckets last Friday against Peabody. Van Alstyne rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which gave Salem a 20-14 lead in overtime. Then for the second time in three games, Van Alstyne made a game-winning play on defense as he forced and recovered a fumble on the Tanners lone snap in the extra frame.
Quarterback Colby Boulay has also give Connolly's team an added dimension with a solid passing game.
"They are excellent on defense and on offense," Durgin said.

Gloucester Comeback Astounds Fans 

By Matt Porter, Globe Correspondent,  10/27/07

LYNN - What do you say after your team scores 20 points in the final minutes of a game that could decide the conference."I don't know," said Gloucester coach Paul Ingram with a shrug. Ingram may not have had the answer, but his Fishermen did.After Lynn Classical scored 22 straight points to take a 22-6 lead, Gloucester clawed its way back and stunned the crowd at Manning Field, scoring three times in the fourth quarter to take an emotional 26-22 victory."We were dead," said Ingram as his players celebrated and tears flowedon the Rams' side. "I'm so proud of the kids not to give up. They're tough as nails."

Before the fans had time to settle in, Gloucester was on the board. Fullback Anthony Enderle capped a six-play drive with a 38-yard score.But Classical gained momentum on their its next drive. Alex Watler found Bryndyn Primus for a 16-yard gain before a 15-yard roughing the passer call brought the Rams to the 24. Watler found Quivari Jackson for 25 yards and the score. Primus then ran for a 2-point conversion and an 8-6 lead.Enderle fumbled in the third quarter, and Classical's Tony Johnson picked it up and bolted 51 yards for the score. Primus ran in the 2-point conversion for a 16-6 lead. Cameron Smith scored on a 3-yard run to give Classical a 22-6 advantage.With 8:27 left, Lynn Classical punted. From Gloucester's 41, Rich Gallant found Taylor Burbine for a gain of 19. After Enderle rumbled for 8 yards, Gallant threw an incomplete pass while pressured by Classical's Stanley Sam.Then Enderle took off, breaking through the middle for a 42-yard touchdown that brought Gloucester within 22-12. Andrew Fulford was denied on the conversion.After a punt, Gallant pump-faked and let off a long throw, but Jackson intercepted it at the 30. With five minutes on the clock, Gloucester looked to be out of it.But Jackson found no running room, and Gloucester took over with 3:57 left.Gallant found Fulford for a 22-yard gain, firing up the Fishermen sideline. He connected with Burbine for 8 more. From the 25, Gallant went to the corner of the end zone, where junior Dylan Maki caught his first pass of the season. Fulford rushed to make it a 22-20 game.The Fishermen again denied Jackson. On fourth and 2 from the Rams 49, a gang of Gloucester linemen stopped Jackson for no gain.Enderle ran through a stunned Classical line for 36 yards, then 13 more. From the 2, Fulford sprawled across the goal to put the Fishermen improbably on top with 1:14 left. Kyle Habecker intercepted Watler's Hail Mary with no time left.

 

Classical's Quivari Jackson celebrates his touchdown with teammate Sebastian Bejin against Gloucester Friday. Watching is Chris Nassar (58). (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Gloucester Rallies Past Classical in Final Seconds

By Gordon Vincent / For The Item, Saturday, October 27, 2007 

LYNN -- In Gloucester, this game will be known as "the Miracle at Manning Field."

The Fishermen (8-0) scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including the winner with 1:14 left, to emerge with an incredible, improbable 26-22 victory over Lynn Classical, Friday night, at Manning Field.

"This is the greatest win I've had ... so far," Gloucester quarterback Richard Gallant said. "We all knew we could come back. We all knew we could win."

Needless to mention, this was a bitter defeat for the Rams (5-2), who probably saw their hopes for a Northeastern Conference Large Division championship and a postseason berth evaporate in a span of less than eight minutes.

The moment that will be discussed was Classical coach Matt Durgin's decision to go for a first down on fourth-and-two from Gloucester's 49-yard line with 1:53 left. Quivari Jackson was stopped for no gain.

"We went for it. We put the ball in our best back's hands," Durgin said. "We wanted to win. We didn't come here to just survive."

With no timeouts left, Gloucester covered 51 yards in just three plays, two of which were runs of 36 and 13 yards by bruising fullback Anthony Enderle, who ripped the Rams for 173 yards on 14 carries. Andrew Fulford took care of the final two yards with a run up the middle.

Classical got the ball back at its own 26 with 1:08 left, but only picked up one first down before facing a fourth-and-10 from its own 43-yard line with just seven seconds left. Alex Watler's desperation heave for Quivari Jackson was intercepted by Kyle Habecker, setting off a wild celebration for Gloucester.

"This was a huge win for us; just tremendous," Gloucester coach Paul Ingram said. "I was scared as hell coming down here, because I knew how good Classical is and I know how much speed they have. I knew hard it was going to be."

Both teams scored on their first offensive possessions of the game. Enderle capped off a quick-and-easy 65-yard drive with a 38-yard run up the middle, and the Rams answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Watler to Jackson on a fourth-and-10 gamble.

In the second quarter, Gloucester twice moved the ball inside Classical's 20, but was turned back both times as the Rams took an 8-6 lead into halftime.

On Gloucester's first offensive play of the second half, Gallant and Enderle failed to connect on a handoff at midfield. Tony Johnson scooped up the fumble and ran untouched into the end zone, and Bryndyn Primus's PAT run gave the Rams a 16-6 lead.

After a Gloucester punt, the Rams went 63 yards in nine plays, the best of which was a 30-yard run by Jackson, who started on a sweep to his left and cut back to the middle of the field before he was tackled at the Fishermen's 5. One play later, Cam Smith ran over right guard for a touchdown. Chad Quintana's 2-point run made the score 22-6, with 1:28 left in the third quarter.

The teams traded punts and the Fishermen took over at their own 41 with 8:27 remaining in the game. Gallant hit Taylor Burbine for a 10-yard pickup and then avoided a big sack by throwing the ball away on second down. On the next play, Enderle rumbled 42 yards for a touchdown. Fulford thought he had the front right corner on the 2-point conversion, but the officials ruled he was stopped just short and the score held at 22-12.

"That run (by Enderle) really gave us a spark," Ingram said. "We didn't play well in the first half and up to that point in the third quarter, but I think when we scored on that run, the kids started to believe we could come back."

After a punt, the Rams looked like they put the game away when Jackson intercepted Gallant at the Classical 29-yard line, but the Fishermen held the Rams without a first down and took over at the Classical 45.

Gallant completed two passes for 20 yards and then found Dylan Maki in the back right corner of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Fulford ran in a 2-point conversion and the Fishermen trailed, 22-20, with 2:43 left in the game.

That set up Gloucester's big stop on fourth down and the winning touchdown that kept its undefeated season alive.

"We told them (Rams) before the game to make sure when it's over you can look each other in the eye and know you played as hard as you could," Durgin said. "Everyone walked off the field tonight looking each other in the eye."

Seems Like Old Times for Classical

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, Saturday, October 27, 2007

LYNN -- It isn't often that a home team is at a disadvantage on its own field, but you wouldn't blame the Classical football players if they felt that way.

Last night's 26-22 loss at the hands of Gloucester had all the eeriness of the 2001 classic in which Gloucester scored in the last minute of the game to rip the hearts right out of the Rams ... and spoil their dreams of a postseason playoff game.

The loss last night may not have been as sudden. There was still over a minute to go when Gloucester's Andrew Fulford scored on a two-yard run that brought the Fishermen all the way back from a 22-6 deficit in the third quarter.

But that didn't leave the Rams -- and their fans -- any less stunned.

The loss has just about the same implications this time as it did six years ago. Back then -- even in a united Northeastern Conference -- it was basically Gloucester, Classical and everyone else. That game -- played at the old Manning Bowl -- was a nip-and-tuck affair that saw Classical leading with less than a minute to go. All the Rams had to do was hold on for one minute.

But they couldn't. Two Classical defenders collided and Gloucester completed an improbable touchdown pass that pulled the game out and sent the Fishermen to the postseason.

This year's loss may have been more excruciating, only because it took longer to develop. Classical led 22-6 midway through the third quarter, but the Fishermen scored a touchdown (but missed the conversion that would have made it a one-possession game). As the clock wound down, Classical hung on as best as it could. And by the middle of the fourth quarter, it looked as if there may have been an upset brewing.

But here's why Gloucester's undefeated: The Fishermen were not going to go away.

"We knew that," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "We knew they weren't going to back down. They're too good. We expected them to come back."

First, it was a 42-yard run by Anthony Enderle, that, with the conversion, made it 22-20, with just over two minutes to go. By then, the Gloucester line had just completely taken over on both sides of the ball. Classical couldn't move it ... and couldn't stop Gloucester from moving it.

Classical recovered the onside kick (they all must have been watching the BC-Virginia Tech game Thursday night), and it looked as if the Rams might be able to run out the clock.

No dice ... although they managed to move it eight yards on three tries, setting up a fourth-and-two from the Gloucester 49 with 1:53 to go. It also set up one of those "horns of a dilemma" situations. Do you punt, and give the team you haven't been able stop the entire quarter the ball? Or do you gamble, and try to eke out the two yards and then run out the clock?

Most fans screamed for a punt. Durgin did the same thing Pete Carroll did with Southern California two years ago in that epic national championship game against Texas. He wanted no part of watching Gloucester take the ball downfield again.

"We played for the win, not just to survive," was his explanation.

He didn't want to come out and say it, but it's evident he felt that his team -- which played its heart out -- was just spent.

Quivari Jackson got the call ... and Gloucester stopped him. The rest fell into place as most people suspected it would. Even with no timeouts, Gloucester just marched down the field, with Enderle running twice for 47 yards and Andrew Fulford taking it the final two for the score.

Classical had a chance to come back -- and actually got a first down. But with the Gloucester line free to pin its ear back and charge, it wasn't much of a chance.

And that's all she wrote.

Quivari Jackson, of Classical and Greg Pierce of Beverly are The Agganis Foundation/Item players of the week. Jackson (106 rushing yards, 62 receiving yards) caught two touchdown passes and ran for another in a 40-0 win over Peabody. Pierce (221 yards on the ground) rushed for all three of his team's scores in a 19-14 decision over Saugus.

Classical vs Gloucester Football - The Big Game 10/26

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, Thursday, October 25, 2007   Edited,SB

Manning Field is sure to be filled to capacity on Friday . First up on the agenda will be the surprising Lynn Tech, which is off to its best start in years at 5-0, playing host to also-unbeaten Greater Lawrence in a battle for first place in the Commonwealth Conference.

Following that will be two of the heavy hitters in the Northeastern Conference's North division.

Gloucester, unbeaten and ranked sixth in eastern Massachusetts, makes the first of back-to-back trips to Manning to take on Lynn Classical, which comes in at 5-1 and 1-0 in North play.

"They are a very, very good team and we need to be at our best," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "They are one of the top teams in the state and their program is consistently good year after year."

The 7:00pm game on tap at Manning on Friday is one that many people had circled when the high school football season kicked off in September.

To put it nicely, the Fishermen have been a thorn in the Rams' side for many a season. Three times since the year 2000, Classical had a chance to win the NEC title. But on all three occasions, the Rams' postseason dreams were thwarted by the Fishermen, who took the conference title each time.

This season, Gloucester (7-0, 2-0) has been put to the test only once (a 21-14 win over Swampscott) while the Rams have played only two close games, an 18-13 decision over Beverly and a 35-25 loss at Winthrop.

The offensive talent on display for both teams could lead to the Manning Field scoreboard operator being quite busy.

Gloucester possesses a dominant running game, led by the North Shore's leading scorer, Andrew Fulford.

Fulford has rushed for 773 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 84 carries. He also has returned an interception for a touchdown during a season in which he has already broken the school record for touchdowns (41) and could be on pace to break his own record for points in a season (206).

But it's not all Fulford all the time for the Fishermen. Seniors Brian Harnish and Anthony Enderle had rushed for a combined 637 (320 and 317) yards while sophomore Taylor Burbine has run for 292 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a score last week against Revere.

Quarterback Rick Gallant is the man in charge of orchestrating the Wing-T offense. And when he's not handing off to his bevy of talented backs, he usually is throwing in tight end Cam Marston's direction. Marston has caught nine balls this season for 267 yards and two touchdowns.

That ability to score points from anywhere on the field has Durgin's attention.

"They have so many weapons that they make you defend the whole field," Durgin said. "And when you look at them on defense, they swarm to the ball and are quick and tough."

Not that Classical doesn't have its fair share of weapons either, led by quarterback Alex Watler, who has thrown nine touchdowns and amassed nearly 600 yards in the air.

Running back Quivari Jackson has very quietly put up a season that is much like his contemporary in Fulford. Jackson has rushed for seven touchdowns and has caught six passes for scores while going over the 100-yard mark rushing on three occasions.

Fellow tailback Cam Smith has run for 244 yards and three touchdowns in the last three games while Bryndyn Primus also has put up a 100-plus-yard game this season.

"We can't turn the ball over against them," Durgin said. "There really is little room for error."

The Classical defense also has played well for most of the season, holding opponents to just 11.5 points a game, and only twice (against Marblehead and Winthrop) has the opposition scored 18 or more points in a game.

Chad Quintana and Classical have a chance to stake their claim as contenders in the Northeastern Conference/Large Friday. PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA

 It'll be a hot time at Manning Field Friday

By Steve Krause/The Daily Item, Wednesday, October 24, 2007

It isn't often that we have two Lynn teams involved in virtual do-or-die football games this late in the season. But it's rarer to have them both happen on the same night ... and the same field.

But that's what happens this Friday when Lynn Tech takes on Greater Lawrence (3:45) and Classical plays Gloucester (7) at Manning Field.

Let's start with the nightcap first. With the disclaimer, of course, that anything can happen on a high school football field, it is highly likely that Classical represents Gloucester's last big hurdle en route to a Northeastern Conference/Large championship. After the Fish tangle with the Rams, the combined record of Gloucester's last three opponents (English, Salem and Danvers) is 5-15 (with seven of those losses by Danvers).

But the Rams can do more than play spoiler. A win could put Classical in a terrific position to win the NEC/Large itself, even if road to the title would be a bit harder. After Gloucester, the Rams play Salem and Revere in advance of their annual Thanksgiving game against English. The combined record of those three teams is 8-12.

Naturally, you can't assume anything. All games - and especially rival games - have an element of the unpredictable about them. And when it comes to Classical-English, that's more unpredictable than most.

Still, you'd have to say that all other things being equal, Friday's game could go a long way toward determining who makes it into the post-season next month.

Tech has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season - for a number of reasons. First, the Tigers have struggled mightily over the last five years; and second, because it would really be nice to see Gary Sverker rewarded with a post-season game after such a long and distinguished coaching career with the Tigers.

But it'll be a tall order. Like Tech, Greater Lawrence is unbeaten. They've beaten some of the same teams Tech has defeated. The only invariable is that the Reggies handed 5-1 Georgetown its only defeat. Two things about that, however. First, Georgetown is in the small division; and second, it is the only school either team has played thus far that has sustained a winning record.

So on the face of it, the game looks to be an even match.

Steve Krause is sports editor of The Item

Lynn Classical's Quivari Jackson catches the ball and lands in the end zone for a touch down Friday against Peabody at Manning Field. ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA Jackson Leads Classical to Rout Over Peabody By Gordon Vincent/For The Item, Saturday, October 20, 2007 LYNN -- No letdown, no rust, no looking ahead. Nothing but another solid performance from the Lynn Classical football team. Coming off a bye and with Gloucester coming to town next week, the Rams (5-1) took care of what was in directly in front of them by whipping Peabody, 40-0, Friday night, at Manning Field. Quivari Jackson (168 yards from scrimmage) scored three touchdowns, two on passes from Alex Watler and another on a 3-yard run. Cam Smith, Chad Quintana and Gary Sisson added one touchdown apiece. As dominant as Classical was on offense, its defense was even better. The Rams' first unit held the Tanners (1-5) to one first down. For the game, Peabody picked up just 48 total yards. "I was a little concerned about us being rusty, but the kids really wanted to come out and play a football game," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. The positives were few for Peabody, which really couldn't muster much of anything offensively or stop Classical on defense. "This is kind of a low point," Peabody coach Dick Woodbury said. "We just can't seem to get 11 people to do things together. That's the frustrating part. I know we're capable of so much more." Late in the first quarter, Classical's Bryndyn Primus recovered a fumble at Peabody's 38-yard line and four plays later Smith rolled around right end to make the score 6-0. Early in the second quarter, the Rams got good field position when Peabody punter Justin Provencher couldn't handle a low snap from center and was tackled at the Tanners' 33. Jackson handled the ball on three of the next four plays, the last of which was a 3-yard scoring run. Classical made it 18-0 at halftime when Watler (a typically efficient 4-for-4 night with 2 TDs) hit Jackson on a post pattern for a 25-yard scoring strike. By that point, the Classical student section - which braved weather that got worse as the game progressed - starting chanting "We want Gloucester." Watler and Jackson hooked up again for the same play early in the third quarter, this time from 37 yards out to make the score 26-0. Quintana capped off a 53-yard, 12-play (all runs) drive with a 1-yard run up the middle. Classical converted two first downs on the drive. Sisson sprinted in from 72 yards as the Rams' second team offense got on the board with 4:21 left in the game. "It was a very good all-around game for us," Durgin said. "We did a good job controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball."

Renewed Challenged - Classical Plays Peabody in Football Again

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, 10/18/07

Classical's talents certainly have the attention of Peabody coach Dick Woodbury, who has already seen the likes of Arlington, Cambridge and Gloucester this year.

"They have a fine quarterback (Alex Watler) and three very good receivers and backs," Woodbury said. "They are tough to defend because they have a lot of weapons. It's a challenge for us."

To say this season has been challenging for the Tanners might be a rather huge understatement. Peabody was behind the 8-ball from day one after losing seven players to injuries in a loss to St. John's Prep in the opener and though the Tanners have been getting healthier, the results haven't quite come yet.

"We haven't had the win/loss record that we wanted, but the thing is we have a lot of positive things going," Woodbury said. "The kids are hanging in there and that part is really good. They know this team is young and decimated by injuries but everybody out there is giving a good effort."

Peabody starts only two seniors on offense and that inexperience has showed at times. But the maturation process seems to be working as the Tanners installed a new spread offense in the two days before the Gloucester game.

And despite losing 39-0 to the Fishermen, the Tanners only turned the ball over once and were in the game for a while before a 70-yard touchdown run by hulking fullback Anthony Enderle broke their backs.

That effort was something that Woodbury was happy to see.

"We were in it against Gloucester for a while," Woodbury said. "Their football knowledge and skills are starting to come back and it's showing up in their attitude and what they are able to do."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cam Smith of Lynn Classical was The Agganis

 Foundation/Item Offensive Player of the Week

 for his performance in last Friday night's 32-7 win over Danvers. Smith rushed for 186 yards and 

scored a pair of touchdowns in the game. Lynn Tech's John Jones was the defensive winner. Jones was a standout on both sides of the ball in the Tigers' 36-0 win over Minuteman Saturday. He intercepted a pass, scored a sack, had eight tackles and scored a touchdown.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Classical Defeats Tenacious Danvers Team

By Gordon Vincent / For The Daily Item, Friday, October 5, 2007 

LYNN -- The 32-7 final score is a bit deceiving. Though Lynn Classical proved it was a better team, Danvers hung around long enough to earn some points for courage.

Cam Smith and Quivari Jackson scored two touchdowns apiece as the Rams improved to 4-1 on Friday night at Manning Field.

Danvers (0-5) scored first, however, and trailed by just two touchdowns until Classical finally put the Falcons away with less than five minutes left in the game.

"I give Danvers a lot of credit for coming in and playing hard," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "We made some mistakes, and we can play better, but Danvers made us work for it tonight."

The pivotal play in the game came with the Rams leading, 8-7, early in the second quarter. A Danvers punt left the Rams at their own 6-yard line. After Jackson was tackled for a 2-yard loss on first down, Smith (186 yards, 11 carries) went up the middle for a 96-yard touchdown run.

"Yeah, that was a big play for them," Danvers coach John Sullivan said. "We thought we could play field position at that point, and we got a big stop on first down. But then they popped that run."

Smith added a 12-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. Jackson (131 yards from scrimmage) hauled in a 34-yard pass from the always-efficient Alex Watler and scored his other touchdown on a signature serpentine 48-yard run.

The only negative for Classical's offense was the loss of halfback Bryndyn Primus, who sat out the second half after injuring his right shoulder. Guard Reggie Douyan also apparently hurt his leg late in the game.

The Rams' defense bottled up Danvers halfback Mike Vinagro, who gained just 25 yards on 13 carries. Classical yielded just two first downs and 40 yards from scrimmage in the second half.

"I thought (Classical) played very unselfishly on offense, and they tackled hard on defense, which is obviously a tribute to their coaching staff," Sullivan said.

Danvers scored after Smith fumbled a punt at the Rams' 19-yard line late in the first quarter. Five plays later, Chris Martin ran in from 12 yards out to give the Falcons a 7-0 lead.

Classical answered with a 69-yard touchdown drive. On fourth-and-7 from the Danvers 34, Watler hit Jackson on an out pattern at about the 10-yard line and he beat one defender to the end zone.

The Rams held Danvers on a three-and-out, setting up Smith's big run, which accounted for a 16-7 score at halftime.

On its first drive of the second half, Classical wasted a chance to score when Jackson had a touchdown called back due to a holding penalty, and later Danvers recovered a fumbled exchange at the Falcons' five.

Classical got the ball back about three minutes later and Jackson scored on a 48-yard run that started to the left. At about the Falcons' 20, Jackson got a crushing block from Tony Johnson, cut back to the middle and beat everyone to the end zone.

After Danvers came up short on fourth-and-1 from its own 33, the Rams put the game away with a workmanlike drive that featured six running plays. Smith rolled around right end for a touchdown with 4:45 left in the game.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Quiet Type : Dillon O'Toole

Dillon, in the center, with Quarterback Alex Watler and Tight End Sam Smith.

Reprinted from The Boston Globe, Julian Benbow reporter

Not all linemen are built the same. Dillon O'Toole is a 6-foot-1, 280-pound offensive tackle for a Lynn Classical team that eats football fields in 10-yard chunks. Last weekend, the Rams piled up 533 yards on Marblehead , thanks in no small amount to the line that O'Toole mans. He's one of the biggest bodies on the team, yet he's one of the smallest voices. He speaks in short soft bursts, and looks over at the practice field where all the other linemen are as if to say this conversation's nice, but he's got hitting to do.

How he became a lineman is simple. "Too big for all the other positions," he said.

He likes the job fine, he said, "Because I get to push people around every play."

What's so great about the hitting?

"I don't know," he said. Helps to get all the aggression out."

Has he ever touched the football before?

"Like in a game? No."

How about in a practice?

"No."

Any desire to?

"No. No hands. Probably wouldn't be able to hold onto the ball."

So, theoretically, you may never score a touchdown in your career, he is asked.

"Yes."

And you're OK with that?

"Ummm . . ."

Then he trod back to practice with the rest of the linemen.  

--------------------------------------------------------------

Chad Quintana rushed for a touchdown in the Rams' 42-13 win over Marblehead Friday night. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

Rams Win 42-13 over Marblehead

By Gordon Vincent / For The Item, Saturday, September 29, 2007

MARBLEHEAD -- Anyone wondering how the Lynn Classical football team would react after its first loss of the season last week need not have worried.

The Rams (3-1) rolled up 561 yards of total offense and scored on six of their first seven possessions in a 42-13 rout of Marblehead, Friday night, at Piper Field.

Classical quarterback Alex Watler only threw two passes, but both were touchdown strikes, of 35 yards to Quivari Jackson and 31 yards to Cam Smith.

Jackson also scored on a 4-yard run, while Bryndyn Primus (142 yards-9 carries) added a 71-yard touchdown run. Chad Quintana and Jasper Grassa each rushed for one touchdown.

"We had a very good week of practice that led to a good all-around effort," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "We came in and worked hard to prepare for a good Marblehead team that was coming off a big win."

The Magicians (2-2) were unable to move the ball against the Rams the way they had the previous week against Salem.

Classical held Marblehead to minus-10 yards of offense at halftime and the Rams' defense didn't yield a first down until Hayes Richardson hooked up with Taariq Allen for a 63-yard touchdown pass with 5:21 left in the third quarter.

The Magicians' other score came on a 38-yard strike from Richardson to Tim Morris with 3:38 left in the game.

"They just kicked our butts, plain and simple," Marblehead coach Doug Chernovetz said. "They're bigger, stronger, better athletes who are well-coached, and we didn't come to play. We thought (a) 2-1 (record) was going to get it done. We thought all we had to do was put on the uniforms and everything was going to happen. You can't do that in football."

Classical took the opening kickoff and moved 55 yards in nine plays, with Jackson going up the middle for the first score. On their next possession, the Rams were faced with a third-and-11 from Marblehead's 35 when Watler heaved the ball toward the back of the end zone, where Jackson made a tremendous leaping catch.

Marblehead appeared to have scored a touchdown late in the first quarter when Richardson picked up a punt that appeared to go off Smith's fingertips. Richardson raced 52 yards into the end zone, but the officials ruled Smith never touched the ball.

Four plays later, Quintana scored on a 17-yard run. Classical's fourth score of the first half came on a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard post pattern from Watler to Smith.

Jackson appeared to score a touchdown on the Rams' first offensive play of the second half, but it was negated due to a block in the back. No matter, as Primus took the next carry 71 yards for a score to make it 35-0.

The lead increased to 42 points when Grassa capped off a 44-yard drive with a 6-yard run.

Marblehead finally scored on the first play of the ensuing series on a pass that Allen caught at about the Rams' 30. He then beat the pursuit to the end zone.

Morris' touchdown was the last play of a 67-yard drive. Richardson hit Morris on a medium-range route and Morris raced down the left sideline.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classical Offense Dizzies Opponents

By Julian Benbow  |  Reprinted from The Boston Globe, September 27, 2007 

Lynn Classical's offense is built for the big play: The play doesn't just move the chains from one 10-yard interval to the next, but from one side of the field to the other.

It's a potent offense that prompted running back Quivari Jackson to say, "We have four downs and, out of those four downs, I think in my mind we always have a chance of breaking it for a first down or longer."

"Our offense," said the senior, "the way it just flows, the way our chemistry is, is just crazy."

In that offense, terms like wide receiver, running back, and tight end are fluid. So many different players get touches so many different ways that labeling them would only confuse you.

Take the 5-foot-8-inch, 165-pound Jackson, who makes the field look like it's shrinking when he runs. In theory (and in the program), he's a running back, but Classical coach Matt Durgin often refers to him as a wideout.

But that's what makes Classical's offense unique. It uses athletes that other teams in the Northeastern Conference don't have in a way that those teams can't, not just pounding the ball, but airing it out.

That offense makes you rethink simple concepts like "offense sells tickets, but defense wins games." No, the best defense is never going to beat a good offense. But what if Classical's offense is enough to make defense unimportant?

"Our offense is difficult to study," Jackson said. "One play they might stop us, but the next play we might go for a pass in the backfield; we might fake a run, or go out to the flats for a pass; or we fake a pass and we're really running. I don't know. This offense, I think it's probably one of the best in the conference."

Like many of the top offenses in the conference, the Rams' attack is anchored by an explosive feature back. It stands out because of all the other options it features - fakes and misdirection, screens to the flats, and passes that stretch the field.

"We have a system," said Durgin, now in his 10th season. "We've been running this system for a long time. We change it up if we've got a kid who can run or throw. But we've got a system and it's been good to us."

On paper, Jackson is a running back, but he's an all-purpose threat. So far this season, he has run for five touchdowns, caught a pass for another, and kicked an extra point.

Senior back Cam Smith and junior fullback Chad Quintana play beauty and the bulldozer out of the backfield.

"Our running backs all can come out," Jackson said. "Plus they don't know if we're blocking, and when you run down the field as fast as we can, for a safety it's hard for them to adjust. So they're looking run and we start to break and it's hard for them to catch up. By the time the quarterback throws the ball to us, we're already off to the races for the end zone."

But Tony Johnson is the most interesting piece of the puzzle, a 6-foot-3-inch tight end and wide receiver who has become a favorite target of first-year starting quarterback Alex Walter.

"Tony Johnson's a freak of nature," Quintana said. "He's a wide receiver who's 6-3. You really can't do anything with that. I don't think there's a cornerback in our conference who can guard him."

Those are the kinds of players that make Durgin's system most functional.

"We've been fortunate to have some good athletes," said Durgin, whose team is averaging 27.7 points a game in a 2-1 start. "We have three or four good backs. We try to give the ball to the guy who's hungry and wants it. It's healthy competition and, so far this year, they've done a good job."

If an 18-13 win over Beverly two weeks ago gave Classical confidence, a 35-25 loss last week to Winthrop put the pressure back on, making tomorrow's game against Marblehead (2-1) crucial.

Aside from snapping a three-year losing streak, the win over Beverly - a member of the NEC Small division - meant nothing in the conference standings. Neither did the loss to Winthrop, also a Small team. Classical's playoff road in the NEC Large essentially runs through Gloucester. The two teams are to meet Oct. 26.

In a run-dominated conference, Durgin's system may be the biggest edge Classical has on the rest of the conference. "It keeps the opponent's defense on their feet," Jackson said. "They don't know which person to stop at what time, and who's going to get the ball or who's going to be going out for a pass or who's going to this or that. The speed and the diversity of our offense, it's a great deal for the other team to stop."

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Classical Prepares for Improved Marblehead Squad

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, Wednesday, September 26, 2007

You don't have to tell Lynn Classical coach Matt Durgin that Marblehead is a much-improved football team over a season ago. The proof is in the Magicians' performance on the field.

With wins over playoff-tested Ipswich and Northeastern Conference Large foe Salem, the Magicians have become one of the NEC's feel-good stories of the early season.

On Friday night (7) at Piper Field, the Rams hope to avoid the fate that befell the Tigers and Witches.

"This will be a big challenge for us," Durgin said. "We're playing on the road and against a good Marblehead team. They absolutely have our attention."

The last time Classical took the bus ride to Marblehead, the Rams were seemingly a heavy favorite on paper. But football games aren't played on the white stuff and the Magicians made life miserable for Classical, which eventually escaped with a one-point victory.

If the Rams are going to get a win on Friday night, cleaning up the big mistakes made last week against Winthrop is a necessity.

Classical coughed up the ball five times, three coming on fumbles, and watched as the Vikings made the Rams pay for every mistake in a 35-25 win at Miller Field.

"We made mistakes and paid for them. We need to be more consistent," Durgin said. "I think we're a good team but we need to play four quarters."

For Marblehead, it was a Salem mistake that turned that game around last Thursday.

The Magicians were trailing 7-6 in the third quarter and Salem was driving for another score, but fumbled. Lineman Sam Perlow scooped up the loose ball and raced 80 yards for a touchdown that gave Marblehead a lead it never relinquished.

Marblehead didn't give up that lead thanks to a defense that kept Witches running back Melikke Van Alstyne in check following a 39-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

That defensive ability has Durgin's attention and could make life difficult for his quarterback, Alex Watler, and the Rams' fleet of swift tailbacks.

"They have good quickness on defense and are physical," Durgin said.

Offensively, the Magicians have ridden the back of their two-headed monster in the backfield. Nick Haller and Mike Sahagian have provided a boost for Marblehead running the ball while quarterback Ian McKinley has engineered the offense efficiently, throwing four touchdown passes in three games.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt Durgin

Classical Football Falls to Winthrop in Exciting Game

By Jonathan Weiner/For The Item,Saturday, September 22, 2007

WINTHROP - Any team that's 2-0 and about to face a winless club in its next game knows enough to fear that ballclub. That was Classical coach Matt Durgin's fear when his Rams club went to Winthrop last night to play the Vikings.

Durgin's fear came true, as the Vikings overcame a 13-0 deficit to bounce Classical, 35-25, at a very foggy Miller Field.

The Rams (2-1), who had taken a 7-0 edge on fullback Chad Quintana's 8-yard run, had just widened their lead late in the opening quarter, taking advantage of quarterback Will Milano's fumble at his own 21.

Classical recovered at the 17. The Rarms picked up minimal yardage to the 13, and on fourth-and-six, quarterback Alex Watler hit receiver Tony Johnson at the five. Teammate Quivari Jackson's score on the next play gave Classical a 13-0 edge.

Yet Winthrop bounced back with a solid drive to cut into Classical's lead. On second-and-five from the 37, Milano found teammate Chris Beranger for 18 yards to Classical's 45.

Moments later, on the first play of the second quarter, halfback Joe McDermott galloped 27 yards down the far sidelines to Classical's 13. The Rams held Winthrop for negative yardage, but Belanger gained nine on a fourth-and-two from the 11, and Milano called his own number three plays later to put Winthrop to within 13-6.

Classical went three-and-out on its following possession, and the Vikings took over at their 15.

An offside call against Classical gave Winthrop a first down at its 29, and McDermott would later add a first down to the 40 on a third-and-four. Beranger burst threw the Rams defense two plays later for a 57-yard jaunt to give Winthrop the lead for good at 14-13.

"We had the momentum in the first quarter, but lost it," said Durgin. "Through my experience in coaching, you fear these (winless) teams when you play them, and Winthrop was hungry. They're a good team, though they lost a lot (of players) from last year (the Super Bowl-winning squad)."

Classical entered Winthrop territory when it got the ball back on a 17-yard screen to Jackson to the 36. Yet the Rams fumbled it away, and defensive back Kenny Quist brought it back to the Classical 15. McDermott increased the lead three plays later with his eight-yard score, and the Vikings held a 21-13 halftime edge.

"That turnover (before the half) was big for us," said Winthrop coach Sean Driscoll, who won his first game as Vikings coach. "We started off slow, especially with the fumbles, and we were flat. We bounced back, hanging in there with them, and we stayed strong. That's one of the better teams that we'll play."

Winthrop inflated its lead at the beginning of the half, again utilizing a 15-yard penalty versus the Rams that brought the Vikings to Classical's 27. Winthrop converted a third down to the 16, and McDermott ended the drive with his second score of the contest from nine yards out.

Classical bounced back with a 92-yard drive, with the key play being a 28-yard scamper by Quintana to the Vikings 28. Watler connected with Johnson on a fourth-and-four moments later to Winthrop's

10, and Jackson carried the ball into the end zone on the next play. Yet the Rams couldn't connect on the two-point conversion, and Classical was behind 28-19.

McDermott scored for the third time midway through the final quarter, and Johnson added a 15-yard reception from Watler on the game's final play. "We were inconsistent all night long," Durgin added about his club. "We fought well at times, but Winthrop made the plays when it had to."

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Workouts - Great Preparation

-----------------------------------------------------------

Beverly's Pat Abate is taken down by Classical's Stanley Smith (above) and Bryndyn Primus during last night's loss to Classical. ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA

Classical Football Team Hangs on to Defeat Beverly

By Gordon Vincent/For The Item

LYNN -- In a game of big plays, the biggest of play all ended up a half-yard short.

The Lynn Classical High football team turned back Beverly on fourth down at the Rams' 19-yard line with 2:38 left in the game to preserve an 18-13 win, Friday night, at Manning Field.

"It came down to that play and we were able to make it," Classical coach Matt Durgin said. "(Asst.) coach (Derek) Dana just told the kids to dig in, and they did."

Classical (2-0) held a tenuous 5-point lead when the Panthers (1-1) took over at the Rams' 40-yard line with 5:37 left in the fourth quarter. Beverly picked up 12 yards on two plays and then Greg Pierce (14 carries-215 yards) gained six to give the Panthers a second-and-four.

An illegal shift penalty knocked Beverly back five yards and then Classical's Tony Johnson took down Pierce for a loss of one yard to set up third-and-10. Mark Theriault scrambled for five, and Beverly called timeout before fourth down.

The call was a run off left-guard by Pierce, who came up about a half-yard short. Quivari Jackson, who accumulated 202 yards from scrimmage, ripped of a serpentine 53-yard run on the next play. The Rams picked up another first down four plays later and ran out the clock from there.

"The bottom line is we didn't pick up that first down when we needed to on that fourth down play," Beverly coach Dan Bauer said. "We didn't play very well in the first half, but I don't want to take anything away from Classical. They have a lot of speed and they tackled hard."

The Rams scored all their points in the first half, on a 48-yard pass from Alex Walter to Jackson, and a pair of runs by Cam Smith.

Beverly answered with two touchdowns from Pierce, on runs of 98 and 65 yards.

"We wanted to control the ball and keep their offense off their field," Durgin said. "We did a good job of that, but Pierce was still able to make a couple of big plays. He out-ran us twice, and we have good speed."

Classical cashed in on its first possession. Four plays into the drive, Watler threw a pass that Jackson hauled in between two defenders in the middle of the field. He cut to the right and beat them both to the end zone. The PAT kick was no good and the Rams led, 6-0, just 4:19 into the game.

Classical drove to the Beverly 33 on its next drive, but Curtis Manuel picked off a pass intended for Jackson at the 2-yard line. On the next play, Pierce broke through a gaping hole and raced all the way to the end zone. Beverly's PAT kick also failed and the score was 6-6 with 1:37 left in the first quarter.

The Rams drove 55 yards in 10 plays on their next drive. The big play was a 17-yard pass from Watler to Jackson on fourth-and-five from the Panthers' 23. Smith bowled over two plays later to make the score 12-6.

Classical scored again on its next possession, another grinding effort that covered 71 yards in eight running plays. Smith ran the final 19 yards around left end to put the Rams on top, 18-6, with 2:20 left in the first half.

Beverly fumbled a chance to score at the Rams' 22 on its first drive of the third quarter, and then Classical turned the ball over on downs at Beverly's 35. Pierce took a pitchout to the right and broke into the secondary and then out-raced everyone to the left corner of the end zone. Llazar Cuko's exta point kick made the score 18-13 with 8:28 left, setting the stage for the drmatic finish.

"We've got great respect for Beverly, so this is a big win for us," said Durgin, whose team had lost three straight to Beverly. "We grew up a bit tonight."

Marquee Matchup pits Beverly vs. Classical By Matthew Roy / For The Daily Item of Lynn,      Wednesday, September 12, 2007 It's rare to see two of the top teams in the Northeastern Conference meeting each other in the second week of the season. But that's exactly what will happen on Friday night (7) at Manning Field as Beverly and Lynn Classical get together. Both teams come in to the game at 1-0 after getting wins in drastically different ways. The Rams took on St. Mary's last Friday at Manning Field and put on an offensive show. Trotting out one fast back after another, Classical ran up 420 yards of offense en route to scoring 28 first-half points in a 40-6 win over the Spartans. The Classical defense was just as stout as the offense, holding St. Mary's to four first downs and 35 total yards. "(Classical's) defense really gets after it," Beverly coach Dan Bauer said. "There is a lot of tradition between these teams and they've had a lot of good battles." As good as Classical's performance was last Friday, coach Matt Durgin knows an even better effort will be needed to upend Beverly. "They are a very good football team," Durgin said. "(Greg) Pierce is the real deal and Dan has done a nice job with them. We have to play well on defense." The Panthers, meanwhile, had their work cut out against Lynn English on a steamy Saturday afternoon at Hurd Stadium. After falling behind 13-7 in the second quarter, Beverly roared back thanks to the efforts of Pierce, who carried 22 times for 254 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the fourth quarter of a 28-13 win. The Panther defense also played well, forcing two turnovers and holding English without a point in the second half. "It was a good start for us last week. But there still is a lot of work to do," Bauer said. "It's a short week for us and we're preparing as best we can for Classical. Last season, the teams played one of the more exciting games of the season at Hurd Stadium. Beverly's all-everything running back, Pat Bailey, helped stake the Panthers to a 21-0 first-quarter lead before Classical quarterback Mike Quintana tried to bring the Rams back with his left arm. In one of the season's top passing performances, the NEC's co-offensive Player of the Year hit on 18-of-24 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams outgained Beverly 332-252, but came up on the short end of a 31-22 score. Two of Classical's top performers in that game, Quivari Jackson and Tony Johnson, each had stellar performances against St. Mary's in the opener. Jackson ran for 111 yards and a touchdown while Johnson caught four passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Alex Watler, who was 7-of-14 for 120 yards in his first varsity outing. "Alex did a nice job, but we need him to keep improving each week," Durgin said. "He is very dependable." The diversity of Classical's attack is something that has Bauer's attention. "You can't just focus on one player with them," Bauer said. "They have a lot of good backs and (Watler) looked good against St. Mary's. He knows what's going on out there and gets the ball to their playmakers."

Classical's Darrell Lane Jr., left, and Jaquan Huston take down St. Mary's Rich Barrows Friday at Manning Field. Barrows scored the lone touchdown for St. Mary's on a 65-yard kickoff return. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Wins all-Lynn Opener vs. St. Mary's

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item of Lynn, 9/7/07

-------------------------------------------------------

First Football Game this Friday vs St. Mary's at Manning Field

By Matthew Roy / For The Daily Item of Lynn, Wednesday, September 5, 2007

It seemed like a mismatch on paper last season at Bertram Field between Lynn Classical and St. Mary's. But, to steal a cliché, "That is why they play the games."

The Spartans made life miserable for Classical all game long, playing the Rams scoreless for three quarters, but the Rams used two second-quarter touchdowns to take a 14-0 win.

On Friday night (7), the teams will play again, only this time the game will be at Manning Field -- something that is sure to add just a little more excitement to the season opener.

"I expect there will be a lot of excitement and a lot of people there," St. Mary's coach Jeff Smith said. "That was the game last year that helped get us in the right direction. We played better after that and playing physical teams like Classical helped prepare us for our league."

If the Spartans are going to find success on Friday, they will be relying on an experienced running back in Kwesi Foster as well as wide receiver Stephen Harper and lineman Anthony Campbell.

"The first game is always the hardest," Smith said. "You don't necessarily have everything put in yet because of such a short preseason, so it's difficult to judge how far along you are."

Classical coach Matt Durgin also knows how tough the first game out can be.

"As coaches, you want more time to get ready. But the kids are ready for a game," Durgin said. "You don't know how the kids are going to react and you hope that you've done enough in practice to have them ready."

One thing helping the Rams get ready is a boatload of experience in the backfield and on the outside. Tony Johnson and Quivari Jackson will give first-year starter Alex Watler a pair of deep threats on the outside.

"Quivari and Tony are two very good athletes and Alex has been getting better with every practice," Durgin said. "He's been around for four years and he knows what it takes."

Watler will have a fleet of speedy running backs to call on. Calvin Harris, Bryndyn Primus and Chad Quintana all saw plenty of time last season and will be joined by relative newcomer Cameron Smith to give the Rams plenty of options in their double-wing running attack.

"We definitely have depth at running back, and that's good, because it will let us give the ball to the guy who is hungry," Durgin said.

Playing under the Friday night lights is a nice way to open the season, but Durgin also knows that going against another Lynn team makes it just a little bit better.

"It's a good way to kick off football in Lynn. It's under the lights and both teams will be excited," Durgin said.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's What's up Front that Counts for Classical this Fall

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, 9/6/07

Speed and strength have always been the buzzwords for the Lynn Classical team, and if things work the right way, that may be the key this season too.

The Rams, 7-3 last year, have the skill and speed players. They always did, and they always will. It's the strength part of the equation that would appear to be up in the air at this point.

The team must replace its entire offensive line, and the faster that happens, better off Durgin's team will be.

"That's our big concern," Durgin says. "We're replacing an entire front line. The faster they improve, the better we'll be."

This year, the Northeastern Conference is split into large and small divisions, with Classical in the upper half, along with Peabody, Gloucester, Salem, Revere and English. Gloucester would appear to be the favorite at this point, an assessment with which Durgin agrees.

"I'm hearing they're the top team," he says, "but you have to be ready to play everyone. If you're not ready, you're going to get beat. So you have to be fired up for every game."

Outside of the line, Durgin's biggest concern would be quarterback, where he'll have to replace Michael Quintana, who was last year's NEC co-offensive player of the year.

That task falls to senior Alex Watler, who - says Durgin - will be equal to the task.

"He's very reliable," said Durgin. "He's excellent in the classroom, and (coach) Derek Dana has done a nice job working with him. We expect good things from him."

The Rams may go as far as Anthony Johnson and Quivari Jackson can take them, however. Johnson established himself last year as an impact player as an outside linebacker, and he is also a presence as a tight end on offense.

Jackson is the team's top receiver and was also an all-league defensive back.

"They're both good athletes, and they can make big plays," Durgin said.

Also returning is Chad Quintana, Michael's brother, who will join Johnson as a linebacker on defense while playing fullback on offense.

As for the line, there are some names that stand out. The first is Sebastian Bejin and the second is Billy Thibodeau.

"Billy's unselfish," Durgin said. "He made the move from fullback to guard, and he gives you everything he has. If we have everyone playing like Billy, we'll be OK."

Durgin will also rely on Robert Ramsey, "who's not a real big kid, but he's quick,a nd he moves well."

Ramsey will line up at noseguard.

Other potential standouts on the line are Stanley Sam, "who comes every day, works hard, doesn't say a word ... and he's another guy who gives you everything he has."

Another returning starter is running back Cameron Smith.

Other returning lettermen are junior running back/defensive back Calvin Harris, junior lineman/linebacker Brian Koloziej; senior linebacker Darell Lane; senior two-way lineman Dylan O'Toole; Sr.; senior running back/defensive back Bryndyn Primus; senior tight end/defensive lineman Sam Smith; and senior running back/defensive back Tarleh Teah.

"We have a good group of athletes," Durgin says, "but we have to stay healthy."

Durgin feels the Rams can compete in the NEC upper division.

"Hopefully, we'll be in the mix," Durgin said. "We expect to come out and be competitive."

-------------------------------------------

2006-07

     "I'm very happy for the kids. They played hard against a good team and came out with a win," Durgin said. "We needed to build a little momentum going into the Thanksgiving game."

     That would be as close as the Rams could get. After turning the ball over on downs early in the fourth, Classical put together a last-ditch drive thanks to Quintana's passing. But a sack and a Bailey interception on the game's final play sealed Beverly's win.

Classical Football Team Makes Winthrop Earn It

By Matthew Roy, The Daily Item of Lynn ,  Saturday, October 28, 2006

LYNN -- For a long time on Friday at Manning Field, it looked like it was going to be another in a series of blowouts for Winthrop . Someone, however, forgot to tell that to Lynn Classical.

     The Rams staged a gallant charge back from a 22-point halftime deficit, but couldn't overcome a 23-point second quarter by Winthrop as the Vikings moved closer to the Northeastern Conference title with a 30-20 win.

     "That was a team with a great heart," Winthrop coach Tony Fucillo said. "They were prepared for us and gave us all that we could handle."

     Classical (5-2) nearly had the comeback to end all comebacks, but just ran out of steam down the stretch as the Vikings made several big plays. Despite that, Classical coach Matt Durgin was proud of his team's effort.

     "Sure, you feel bad for the loss but I'm proud to be coaching these kids. Never once did they quit and they came in and played tonight," Durgin said.

     The ebb and flow of emotions in front of a packed house started right away. The Rams marched right down field in the first quarter, reaching the Winthrop 29 before Jason Griffin intercepted Mike Quintana's pass.

     "That was a great play by him to take the ball away from the receiver. Jason is a fine DB," Fucillo said.

     Winthrop (7-0) didn't waste much time in taking advantage of the turnover. Griffin ripped off 22 yards to the Viking 42 before James Fucillo found his favorite target, Anthony Giuliano, for a 58-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

     The Vikings got the ball back again late in the quarter after a punt and turned to their trademark ground game.

     Matt Murray, Joe McDermott and Griffin did the work during a 14-play march. Fucillo also completed a pair of 10-yard passes to Giuliano and a 15-yarder to Griffin before finding tight end Mark Shannon for a 19-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.

     "They made a few plays and we had a couple of mental errors," Durgin said.

     Classical responded quickly thanks to Quintana's throwing.

     He found Chad Quintana for 16 yards and then struck paydirt with just over six minutes left in the half. Quivari Jackson got behind the defense and Quintana hit him in stride for a 44-yard score. Nate Guy's rush closed the gap to 14-8.

     Then it was Winthrop 's at-bat and the Vikings hit a homer. A short kick put the ball on the Viking 42 and Winthrop moved to the Classical 38, where Griffin ripped off 18 yards to the 20.

     Joe McDermott followed with a 19-yard dash to the one, where Matt Murray would plunge in. A conversion pass to Shannon from Fucillo gave the Vikings a 22-8 lead.

     Classical tried to respond with 1:30 left but Quintana was sacked and lost the ball. Winthrop recovered at the Rams 15 inside the final half-minute.

     Two plays later, Nick Leonard lined up for a 29-yard field goal, but a penalty backed the ball up to the 16. That's where Winthrop dipped into the bag of tricks. Fucillo turned a fake field goal into a 16-yard TD pass to Travis Kratman as time expired, handing Winthrop a 30-8 halftime lead.