LYNN — All five Lynn football programs take the field this weekend. Two, St. Mary’s and KIPP, return with Super Bowl aspirations after making the big game last season. Lynn English, Lynn Classical, and Lynn Tech look to find their rhythms after mediocre 2022 seasons.
LYNN CLASSICAL
Classical is coming off a 6-4 season, one that started exceptionally well. The Rams began 5-1, losing only to the Peabody Tanners – who they play in week 2.
With Everett, Andover, and St. John’s following, Classical dropped all three by a combined score of 93-12. That said, the Rams bounced back with an 18-0 win against English on Thanksgiving.
They were led by Tyren Hoeun (1,105 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Nick Costa (87 tackles, 2 sacks). Quarterback Brian Vaughan returned for the Thanksgiving game and tossed 141 yards and two touchdowns. Hoeun and Vaughan both return this week.
Head coach Brian Vaughan Sr. and company host Central High (Providence) at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
LYNN ENGLISH
English was the opposite of Classical last season, starting the season 0-4 before winning four consecutive games. Through the winning streak, the Bulldogs outscored their opponents 77-6, including three shutouts.
With great blocking, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, Jarvin Simon led the way last season alongside Edwin Castro, who has since transferred to St. John’s Prep.
Those two will be missed, but earlier this summer, coach Anthony LaFratta said “our big core guys are coming back, including two of our four captains.”
English should be fun to watch, too, as LaFratta wants his offense to be more creative and unpredictable. The Bulldogs’ season begins Friday against Lawrence at home (7:30 p.m.).
LYNN TECH
The Tigers went just 3-7 last season, but not without positives. They started the season 2-1, including a 47-0 pouncing of Minuteman Regional.
Now, coach James Runner says he wants to “hit the ground running.” That will be challenging considering seven seniors graduated, including stars Tyler David and Michael Monbleau who both committed to Curry College.
Nevertheless, Runner said he’s confident in his four captains. When asked about keys to winning games this year, he pointed to defensive efficiency and fast starts.
Tech hosts Malden at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday after the Classical game.
KIPP
When talking about KIPP, the elephants in the room are Juan Setalsingh and Vic Mafo, who are both playing in college now. That said, coach Jim Rabbitt said he’s more than happy with the roster he has now.
Chanel Gutierrez, Morenel Castro, Jovan Machado, and Andrew Gonzalez are four returners KIPP fans know well, and just a few Rabbitt mentioned as players poised for big seasons.
He also talked about establishing a strong offensive line, playing every game like it’s the most important, and riding the energy created in the locker room.
In an effort to return to the Division 8 Super Bowl, KIPP takes on St. Mary’s Friday at 5 p.m.
ST. MARY’S
Another program looking to return to Super Bowl status is St. Mary’s, which bested Stoneham in the big game last year.
Despite players like Derick Coulanges, Tommy Falasca, Jack Marks, and David Brown on to the next level, coach Sean Driscoll is more than optimistic of his roster, which includes dual-threat quarterback Tyler Guy, the ever-so-versatile Ernie Panias, and Joel Maggs, who Driscoll said will get college looks after the season.
Without those four stars, however, Driscoll said it’s up to coaches and players to readjust. That starts Friday against KIPP.
