Football: Saugus looks to keep momentum on its side

The Saugus High football team hopes to pick up where it left off Friday afternoon (4) at Stackpole Field when the Sachems entertain Austin Prep.After a disappointing opening loss to North Reading, the Sachems came back with a big win (31-12) over Manchester-Essex last Friday night. It was a two-pronged attack for the Sachems, with Nick Benoit running for 97 yards and scoring a touchdown and quarterback C.J. Randolph – one of last weekend’s Players of the Week – rushing for three. It was Randolph’s first game, as he was out for the North Reading loss.The Cougars are 1-1, having defeated Mashpee in Week 1 before falling last week, 42-0, to Stoneham.Other games:Lynnfield at FenwickAt Donaldson Field (7), the Crusaders have ridden the back of Lynn’s Rufus Rushins, who has gone over 100 yards for two straight weeks. By no coincidence, the Crusaders have opened the season with a 2-0 record.Nick Bona filled in admirably in last week’s win over Pope John.Lynnfield lost a heartbreaker two weeks ago, but came back strong to beat an Amesbury team many have projected to be a contender, 31-27. Kyle McGah scored four times in the victory.Winthrop at MarbleheadAt Piper Field (7), the Magicians are 2-0 after a Week 1 victory over Pentucket and last week’s win over St. Mary’s.Ian Maag had a touchdown and 124 receiving yards to lead the way.Winthrop, 1-1, came into Blocksidge Field last week and stunned Swampscott, 21-10. Dylan Driscoll tossed two touchdown passes in the win.Haverhill at PeabodyAt Lee Field (7), the Tanners have taken their lumps in the early part of the season, as they are 0-2 and are coming off a lopsided loss to Danvers.The Hillies are 1-1, winners over Malden and losers to Tewksbury.Gloucester at WeymouthAt Weymouth (7), the Fishermen took it on the chin last week at Andover, falling to the Golden Warriors, 43-7. Andover was already up, 37-0, before Gloucester finally scored, on a 19-yard run by John Good.Weymouth, 2-0, has scored 36 points in two games.Steve Krause can be reached at [email protected].