LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Pioneers showed off its aerial prowess Friday night, using the passing game to defeat the Saugus Sachems 28-0 at Pioneer Stadium.
Lynnfield head coach Pat Lamusta called Friday’s win an icebreaker that was well-deserved after a long summer.
“It was important for the players to see that their hard work was going to pay off with a victory like that,” he said. “Really pleased with the execution on defense, (and) on offense. There’s some little things we need to clean up moving forward but overall the enthusiasm, the excitement, they played with intensity and that’s what we want.”
After both sides went three and out to start the game, Lynnfield drained some clock, driving down the field thanks to their passing game. Nick Razzaboni completed five of his six passes for 33 yards on the drive, but James Sharkey ran the ball into the end zone for the first touchdown of the night.
Saugus tried to respond with the ground game, which gave captain Mark MacEachern a steady diet of carries, but unfortunately they were unable to get past midfield. Things got even worse as a snap on the punt went over the punter’s head. On the next play, captain Spencer Riley pounded it home to give the Pioneers a 14-0 lead.
Lynnfield started their first drive of the second quarter and didn’t leave the field empty-handed for a third time. A 37-yard touchdown pass caught by Robert Marley gave the Pioneers a three-touchdown lead.
Razzaboni had a great game under center for Lynnfield. He completed 12/18 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. He threw some dimes and showed impressive arm strength; his head coach was happy with his performance.
“He’s been awesome,” said Lamusta. “He’s a junior stepping into the quarterback role so he has to learn quickly and he’s definitely showing some leadership; he’s showing some creativity. We give him a lot of leeway to make calls at the line. I’m really pleased with Nick’s leadership and how he’s taken on the role and learned so fast.”
Unfortunately for Saugus, the second half started just like the first with the Sachems going three and out. The team was unable to get anything going on the ground and fumbled the snap on a third down. Lynnfield junior Charlie Capachietti made them pay by breaking out for a 62-yard run to put the Pioneers up 28-0
After the game, Saugus head coach Steve Cummings tipped his hat to the Pioneers, saying they played a great game in his eyes. With the Sachems having a younger team, Cummings stressed that it will take some time for his side to show their potential.
“We got some young guys that are just going to get better, better, and better with the more stuff that they see,” Cummings said.
Lynnfield (1-0) has a full week off before hosting Ipswich on Sept. 24 (7).
Saugus (0-1) hosts Northeast next Friday (7).
