Special teams carry Winthrop past Saugus

WINTHROP – Special teams errors proved to be costly as the Saugus Sachems were defeated, 13-7, in overtime to the Winthrop Vikings on a brutally cold Friday night at Miller Field.View Photo GalleryRuben Powell returned a blocked field goal for the game-winning touchdown for the Vikings (3-3, 1-0). Powell also brought back a punt 60 yards for to tie the game late with 1:54 left in the first quarter.”That was great alertness by Powell to pick up the ball,” said Winthrop head coach Sean Driscoll.After a three-and-out by the Vikings, Saugus (4-2, 0-1) needed just two plays to score on their opening possession. The Sachems started at their own 40-yard line before Nick Benoit ran for 56-yards to the Winthrop 4. Senior quarterback C.J. Randolph took the next snap on a quarterback keeper up the middle for the touchdown.Saugus would not be able to capitalize on Winthrop’s defense for the rest of the game despite holding the ball for long stretches and reaching the red zone on multiple occasions.”Our defense settled down after those big plays,” said Driscoll.Both teams missed chances to take the lead. The Saugus offense moved up and down the field throughout the game, but they missed a couple of field goals and Randolph threw an interception at the Winthrop 27-yard line in the third quarter. Winthrop turned the ball over in Saugus territory in the 2nd half and they were unable to take the lead on a field goal opportunity late in the game.Winthrop was able to drive to the Sachems’ 5-yard line in the fourth quarter. With 3:07 left in the game, the Vikings mishandled a snap and they turned the ball over on downs.Saugus took the ball on the ensuing possession. They attempted a 36-yard field goal. With the swirling winds, Zach Verrengia’s kick went wide right.This led to the crazy overtime period. Winthrop received the ball first on the Saugus 10. After a 4-yard run, Winthrop quarterback Dylan Driscoll tripped and lost yards on the next two plays. A fourth-down pass was tipped away by a Saugus defender.Saugus reached the 1-yard line. After an offside penalty on Winthrop, Saugus kept their field goal team out there, but Winthrop was able to get their hands on the ball.”Saugus has a very good team. I’m proud of my guys,” said Driscoll.