MEDFORD — A stifling defense, along with a couple of back-breaking big plays on both sides of the ball, were what the Lynnfield football team needed Friday night.
The Pioneers led from start to finish, defeating the Medford Mustanfs 31-8 at Hormel Stadium to improve to 2-0.
With Lynnfield on top 12-0 in the second quarter, Nick Boustris picked off an Aidan Barry pass and took it 55 yards into the end zone. Four plays later, the defense forced a three-and-out. John Lee returned the ensuing punt 60 yards to put the Pioneers in control with a 25-0 lead after Blake Peters tacked on the extra point. It was the second straight game in which Lee returned a punt for a touchdown.
“The punt return just sticks out and, once again, John makes an explosive play,” said Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta. “That unit has both starters and role players, but he’s the captain out there and he can really turn a game in your favor in a hurry.
“Defense and special teams were outstanding and we also had and big plays on offense. I’m really pleased with all three phases of our game. Obviously we have some things we need to work on.”
Lynnfield executed its first drive to perfection, marching 68 yards in six plays to take a 6-0 lead on a two-yard touchdown pass from Clay Marengi to Jack Ford (92 yards on 5 catches, 2 TDs). Marengi (9-for -16, 138 yards, 2 TDs, 3 interceptions) came out slinging, completing three-of-three passes on the drive.
An Aidan McCormack interception in the second quarter set up the Pioneers’ next score. Starting for its own 29, Lynnfield went 71 yards in 11 plays, the final a two-yard plunge by Lee to make it 12-0 just seconds into the second quarter. Ford made a huge 45-yard grab to give the Pioneers a first-and-goal.
The Pioneer defense forced another punt on the Mustangs next drive, but the Pioneers turned the ball over on another interception. The Pioneer defense came up big with Boustris’ interception that made it 18-0 with 7:17 left in the half.
Another three-and-out effort by the Pioneer defense set up Lee’s punt return about two minutes later, making it 25-0.
The Mustangs advanced into Pioneer territory for the first time on their next possession, reaching the 30-yard line. But the drive was short-lived, thanks to an interception by Bakari Mitchell at the Lynnfield three-yard line with about 17 seconds left in the half to send the Pioneers into the break on top, 25-0.
Medford advanced into Pioneer territory on the opening drive of the second half. But once again, the Pioneer defense stepped up with Colby Clattenburg picking off another Barry pass at the Pioneer 30. Four plays later, Marengi hit Ford with a 24-yard touchdown pass to put the game out of reach with 8:29 left in the third quarter.
Lamusta highlighted the play of both lines.
“I was really pleased with the play of both lines,” said Lamusta. “The o-line Mike Julian, Mike O’Brien,Owen Blacker, Liam Farrell and Trent Blaian, those five are undersized but they work. And the front defensive three – Liam, Owen and Justin Ndansi – they are just motors and really pressured their offense.”
Lynnfield’s back at Pioneer Stadium next Friday (7) against Malden.
