LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High School Pioneers are looking to rebound after last season in which they missed the playoffs.
While the Pioneers’ finish of (4-6) last season was not good enough to make the playoffs toward the end of the year, Head Coach Pat Lamusta said the team showed some promising signs.
“There were some major positive developments towards the end of last year’s season, so in one way, we have been saying let’s build on that, particularly in the run game. Towards the end of last year’s season, we were able to run the ball fairly well even against North Reading, who is a very, very good team — they went on to play in the Super Bowl,” said Lamusta.
However, Lamusta acknowledged that even with some good showings late last season, the past is the past.
“So build on that but at the same time — new team, new season, new opportunities to show the league and show our division that we deserve to be in the conversation,” he added.
Lynnfield will be bringing back a lot of guys this season, especially in the senior class with more than 20 players. Lamusta mentioned players like senior captain’s center and nose tackle Chase Goldberg, the running back tandem of Robert Marley and James Sharkey, outside linebacker Steve Dreher, and Charlie Capachietti, who plays both wideout and defensive back.
“Those five guys — look for them to be all over the place,” said Lamusta.
Lamusta also mentioned a stacked junior class with players like Joey Cucciniello, a stud track athlete, and David Tracy, who is vying for the starting quarterback job.
Tracy is battling with senior Nick Razzaboni for the opportunity to lead the Pioneers to a winning season.
“I think the competition piece ultimately moves the team forward because every repetition, every minute of practice matters — you cannot waste a minute. So that is the beauty of having competition at an important position like quarterback,” said Lamusta.
With the Pioneers’ 2022 campaign approaching quickly, Lamusta mentioned a quality of his team last year that he hopes is carried into this season — perseverance.
“In terms of finishing games and playing to the final whistle — our guys last year they never gave up — a lot of the juniors last year that are now seniors, they played, so they were part of that. So I am hoping they bring that competitive ‘take it to the end’ spirit this year as well,” said Lamusta.
On the flip side, Lamusta mentioned things the team is emphasizing, such as having better offensive drives and fixing some special teams holes. One significant aspect Lamusta wants to see improved is the urgency at practice.
“Making the most of practice and being efficient and transitioning and having a game-like approach to practice,” said Lamusta.
With practices opening recently and an impending scrimmage with Peabody, the kids have answered the bell regarding their approach on the practice field.
“I was joking with them — I said, wow, you guys seem excited to practice because of how much energy they brought these first few days. I have been really impressed with their energy this preseason, and I am hoping with our scrimmage coming up against Peabody that we see the fruits of that energy and that focus,” said Lamusta.
Lamusta is excited for the upcoming season, which could be a great one for the Lynnfield Pioneers.
“With a senior class of over 20 players, we have the leadership, we have the depth — there is a lot of potential with this team, so everyone is really excited,” said Lamusta.
The Pioneers will open the regular season on the road against Saugus Friday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
Michael Coughlin Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
