Published December 12, 2018
By JAMES CRANNEY
LYNNFIELD — Last Monday night, the players, coaches and parents of the 2018 Pioneer football team gathered at Lynnfield Middle School for their annual banquet. Despite not meeting the always high expectations for the program finishing 3-8, the team still had plenty to celebrate.
First year head coach Pat Lamusta made it clear to his audience that despite critics calling the season a “rebuilding year,” it was far from it. The number one word coach Lamusta used to describe his team was “resilient.” Time after time throughout the season, the Pioneers would find themselves down but never, under any circumstances, would they give in. Lamusta felt the play that exemplified this most came in the season’s penultimate game against Salem.
THE CAPTAINS for the 2019 Lynnfield football team were announced at the annual end of the season banquet. Pictured along with head coach Pat Lamusta (far right) are, from left to right, John Lee, Clayton Marengi, Mike Julian and Anthony Floramo Jr. (Kerrianne Allain Photo)
In the closing minutes on a rain-soaked Bertram field, Lynnfield trailed the Witches by four points. The offense had struggled all night trying to move the ball in the rain, but on a crucial 3rd-and-7 the Pioneers resiliency shined. Senior captain Jaret Simpson received the handoff, put his head down and would not be denied the first down. Getting great blocks up front, Simpson picked up the first, then continued running all the way to the end zone to give Lynnfield their third and final victory.
After explaining the team’s toughness, players on the 14-man freshman football team received their certificates for a solid year. Following the freshmen, the eight sophomores received their certificates, then 17 first-year varsity players received theirs. Lastly, all 19 returning varsity players were awarded their certificates.
Next came the 12 team awards. Sophomore Bakari Mitchell won the Scout Team Player of the Year; senior Cory Castinetti took home the 12th Man Award; senior Sal Marotta was awarded the Unsung Hero Award; senior Harry Drislane won the Commitment Award; junior Liam Farrell grabbed the Lineman of the Year; junior John Lee captured the “Gutso” Award; senior Leo Quinn won the Special Teams Player of the Year; junior Clayton Marengi was awarded Offensive Player of the Year; senior Cole Moretti captured Defensive Player of the Year; senior captain Jaret Simpson earned Most Valuable Player; senior Marc Cooper took home the Courage award and senior captain Hunter Allain secured the Coaches Award.
For the three wins the Pioneers earned, three players were awarded game balls. In the Manchester-Essex game, senior receiver and defensive back Matt Fiore was presented with the game ball. Sophomore receiver Jack Ford took home the second game ball for his record-tying three touchdown performance against Wakefield. Lastly, sophomore David Capachietti won the game ball from the rainy Salem game.
The Cape Ann League’s Honorable Mentions List included quarterback Clayton Marengi, defensive lineman Cole Moretti, linebacker Jarett Simpson, and defensive back John Lee. The CAL First Team All Stars included offensive lineman Liam Farrell and wide receiver Jack Ford.
Before the night wrapped up, coach Lamusta announced the four captains for the 2019 season: Anthony Floramo, Mike Julian, Clayton Marengi and John Lee. In Lamusta’s closing statement, he addressed all the returning players and made sure they knew the season starts now.
“Take ownership of this team and move it forward,” said Lamusta.
