LYNNFIELD — The Pioneers got another taste of game action Tuesday afternoon as they took part in a scrimmage against Essex Tech.
This was Lynnfield High’s second scrimmage of the season and both have been heavily controlled environments, with each team running 10 plays on offense and defense before they concede possession to the opposing squad. While it’s not exactly equivalent to how a regular season game would unfold, Head Coach Pat Lamusta and his coaching staff still use it as a way to gauge how their players are progressing.
“It’s definitely multifaceted in that it’s partly for evaluation, partly to get game feel, and to get live, contact tackling and blocking.”
After a few short gains to start the scrimmage, Lynnfield began to find a groove offensively, specifically in the run game, which is something that Lamusta noted.
“Overall the offense had a better flow today,” he said. The o-line was executing at a higher level than the previous scrimmage, and then we had some younger guys later in the scrimmage step up and make some nice plays too.”
These first two scrimmages help to prepare the team for their last scrimmage, which will play more like a regular football game and Lamusta hopes that the team can continue the improvement that he has seen from them over the last few weeks. “The first two are more structured and the third one is more of a game scrimmage,” Lamusta said. “It’s a nice build up to that.”
Much like the offense, the defense was able to find its own rhythm toward the middle part of the scrimmage. They began to put pressure on the quarterbacks, forcing their throws to land in spots that were susceptible to interceptions, along with a few big hits and turnovers as well. The athleticism on both sides of the ball will be a strong point for Lynnfield this year and Lamusta hopes to see a high motor offense and a physical defense.
“With our athletes, I hope we’re able to get them in space and put up a lot of points, and play physical, regardless of who we play,” he said. “Be able to tackle effectively and score points, that’s the big thing.”
The Pioneers have a quick turnaround before they travel to play Watertown High School. Lamusta wants to make sure the players keep thinking ahead as the games will be fast approaching before they know it.
“We’ve got three work days before Watertown, there’s less time to think,” he said. “We’re still working towards that, but overall very happy with their level of intensity today and focus.”
Lynnfield High is a week and a half away from its season opener where they will play in Saugus Friday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Ryan Vermette can be reached at [email protected].
