LYNNFIELD — It’s finally game week for the Lynnfield football team, which means almost a year and a half of waiting to return to game action is finally about to come to a close. And for the Pioneers, it’s an exciting time for a team full of seniors.
“We’re so grateful to be able to get back out on the field, and we know this year is going to be really about the seniors and what it means for them to have a season,” said Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta, who is about to start his third season at the helm. “You can feel the excitement at practice every day, and I think that’s just going to keep growing as we get closer to games and as the weather warms up.”
Lynnfield football is progressing nicely under Lamusta’s eye, with the Pioneers finishing 8-3 in 2019 after winning just three games in 2018. Lynnfield also made a trip to the Division 2 North semifinal last year, falling to Cape Ann League rival Amesbury in a one-score game.
“I think one of the big things we’ve realized is that anytime you can get the ball to your athletes in space, that’s a good thing,” said Lamusta. “We’ve done a good job of that in recent years, but one thing we really want to improve on coming into this season is our ability to run the football.”
But one of those key athletes is no longer on the roster, as quarterback Clayton Marengi graduated and is now on the roster at Endicott College. Marengi re-wrote the record books under center in 2019, earning CAL Baker Offensive Player of the Year honors after setting the program’s single-season passing touchdown record (31) and single-season passing yards record (2,542). He also led the team in rushing yards with 251.
Taking Marengi’s place under center this year will be senior Austin Sutera, who spent last season as the backup quarterback and learned a lot along the way.
“Replacing a guy like Clay, those are obviously big shoes to fill,” said Lamusta. “And it’s not only because of his production on the field, but also because he was always so calm and cool under pressure and he was a great leader. But Austin was right behind him the whole year last year and he learned a lot, and we’re really confident that he can get the job done this season.”
There are also a host of familiar faces returning to the field for the Pioneers this year, with a number of key seniors set to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Leading the way will be senior captains DJ Capachietti (running back/linebacker), Trent Balian (left tackle/defensive end) and Bakari Mitchell (receiver/cornerback).
“Trent is the vocal leader of the line and he’s going to be a key piece for us,” said Lamusta. “DJ is one of the toughest guys on the field on both sides of the ball, and Bakari is a major contributor on both sides for us.”
Other seniors who will see a lot of playing time include Trent Balian’s twin brother Evan Balian (left guard/defensive line), Jack Ford (receiver), Joe LaFerla (running back/outside linebacker), James Considine (receiver), Phil Berquist (linebacker/receiver) and Blake Peters (kicker/cornerback/receiver).
“We have a very veteran group and that’s always good,” said Lamusta. “In a strange season like this one, we’re really going to have to lean on our more experienced guys.”
The Pioneers spent the first week of practice hitting the details hard and working as much as possible before getting in a scrimmage, which was held Saturday against Amesbury. Now that game week is here, it’s time to install the game plan and prepare for the season opener against Triton.
“Anytime you can bless the season with a home game, that’s a special thing,” said Lamusta. “We’re just embracing everything this year. Who knows if we’ll ever play spring football again, and there’s real excitement from everyone on our team. We’re ready to go.”
Lynnfield opens the season Friday evening (5:30) at home against Triton.
