The Marblehead football team began its season with a 16-9 win at Triton on Friday night.
Defense was the name of the game in a battle between the reigning Division 2A (Marblehead) and Division 3 (Triton) North champions. Triton got on the board first, marching down the field and eating more than 10 minutes on the clock and coming away with a field goal.
Marblehead responded in its second offensive drive, with quarterback Dan Doherty connecting with Seamus Keaney for a 34-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. A safety in Triton’s end gave Marblehead an 8-3 lead at the half.
The Vikings took the lead with 6:36 to play in the third. The Magicians had a great chance on the next drive, but fumbled at Triton’s 10 yard-line.
But the Marblehead defense came up big. Tyrese Hardy snagged an interception, and in the fourth quarter, Doherty found Derek Marino, who had a big night on special teams, with a 27-yard touchdown pass on 4th and 17 to take the 14-9 lead. Derek Testa added the conversion, and Jack McGrath came up with a big interception to seal the deal for the Magicians late.
Marblehead hosts Revere next Friday night.
Gloucester 29, Revere 8
The Patriots struggled to generate offense, scoring their only touchdown with 44 seconds to play. Revere made a couple of miscues to hand Gloucester good field position early, and the Fishermen capitalized. Quarterback Matt Smith ran for a touchdown in the first quarter, and added another scoring run in the second. Ryan Argentino also scored twice for Gloucester.
Danvers 31, Winthrop 0
It was all Danvers as it got the win for new coach Ryan Nolan. Quarterback Justin Mullaney got the scoring started in the first with a 42-yard run, and Tahg Coakley followed with a five-yard scoring run.
Colby Holland logged two touchdowns for the Falcons. Zach Dillon booted a 31-yard field goal late in the contest.
Salem 27, Austin Prep 14
Aneudy Espinal and Vincent Gaskins each had a big night for the Witches in the win. Both ran for two touchdowns apiece on the night, and each recorded a touchdown run of 60 yards or more (Gaskins had one for 63 yards, Espinal had one from 61). Espinal also recorded an interception in the win.
Salem will host Essex Tech at Bertram Field next Friday night.
Methuen 41, Malden 16
Malden will host Lynn Classical next Friday night.
Tewksbury 21, Malden Catholic 18
The Lancers will try to get back on track next Friday night on the road against Masconomet.
