Lynnfield 21, N. Reading 0: Happy 50th anniversary to this rivalry

LYNNFIELD ? It was a happy 50th Thanksgiving game anniversary for the Lynnfield High football team after the Pioneers put an end to a four-year losing streak with a 21-0 win over North Reading.Click here to see a photo gallery of Thursday’s North reading-Lynnfield game.”I think we did a good job moving the ball,” Lynnfield coach Neil Weidman said. “We also did a good job in the time of position. But this a huge win for the kids, they’re extremely excited.”The Pioneers (3-8) asserted themselves early on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, Lynnfield only allowed one first down in the first quarter. Charles Garlow made a particularly nice play as he jumped on a second down with nine yards to go. The senior outside linebacker read a screen pass to the slot receiver. While he dropped the interception that would have been a guaranteed six points, he did a nice job breaking up a play that looked poised for good yardage.”It is really tough to put together a game plan (for a team like North reading),” Weidman said. “They have a few kids who can play quarterback, so we have to do a lot of planning. But I think we did a good job.”On the ensuing drive, Lynnfield drove the ball all the way down to the one-yard line. However, after a costly false start, the Hornets (4-7) stymied the driveThe Pioneers wouldn’t be held off the board for too much longer though. After holding North Reading on a key fourth-and-inches situation, sophomore Gino Cohee led Lynnfield to the end zone on a short field. The drive culminated on a seven-yard draw up the middle by Cohee. The sophomore quarterback had a sensational performance, rushing for 101 yards while passing for 55 yards.The Pioneers started the second half with a bang, scoring a touchdown in under four minutes. In the game’s most exciting play, AJ Roberto was handed the ball on a double reverse. The sophomore launched a beautiful pass to senior captain Ryan Perkins for a 29- yard reception. Five plays later, Cohee hooked up with Roberto for a seven-yard touchdown pass.The fourth quarter featured plenty of drama for the Pioneers. Up to this point, Lynnfield had only allowed the Hornets into their end of the field once.North Reading finally seemed in rhythm as it quickly moved the ball down field. Dino Rizzo used his arm and his legs to keep the Hornet moving. He made it to first-and-goal at the one-yard line and the Hornets opted to run a draw to the left side. Rizzo lost the ball right before he got to the goal line and the Pioneers recovered.Junior Chris Grassi scored the final touchdown with just over a minute remaining in the game. Senior John Caruso and Roberto each picked up interceptions in the second half.”I’m really happy for the kids, the seniors in particular,” Weidman said. “It (the win) makes for a better weekend and off season.”