LYNN — You could’ve called it a must-win game in September.
Winless through two games, Saugus’ football team entered the win column with a high-spirited, 12-6 win against previously-undefeated Lynn Tech at Manning Field Saturday night.
“The guys made plays. We put it all together, especially in the second half,” said Saugus coach Steve Cummings. “We went to the locker room trailing, 6-0, and no one was hanging their head. The win gets you some momentum, but I think a lot of guys just caught that confidence.”
Tied, 6-6, in the fourth quarter, Saugus’ Eli Fialho spotted Ryan Shea for a 4-yard, game-winning touchdown.
“Eli gets absolutely smoked by a linebacker coming in, but he just takes it and throws the ball. Jordan (Rodriguez) is able to take it to the 1-yard line,” Cummings said, “then, third down, we’ve got Ryan Shea singled up on the back side. We told Eli that if you’ve got that look, give your guy a shot. He put a great ball and Ryan was able to go up and get it.”
It was Fialho’s second passing touchdown, after his 24-yard strike to Paxton Ferraro tied the game during the third quarter off play action.
“A really good play by a kid (Ferraro) who’s coming into his own,” Cummings said.
Another highlight was when Saugus’ Laith Haddad made a crucial fourth-down stop.
“Laith is the next guy who’s taking over that (middle linebacker) role. He made a couple of huge, huge stops,” Cummings said. “Defensively, coach (Greg) Bluestein did a great job of scheming up what Lynn Tech was doing. They (Tigers) give you a lot of formations and so much to look at.”
Despite the loss – and 11 penalties Saturday – coach James Runner and his Tigers still stand at 2-1 with wins against Malden and Montachusett Tech.
“Testament to Saugus. They’re a tough team and had a good scheme going,” Runner said. “I don’t know if you want to call it a rivalry, but it was a tough, physical game – that’s why we keep them on our schedule.”
Tech struck first during the opening quarter. Anthony Brown raced 35 yards to the promised land and set the tone early. He would’ve had a pair of scores, but a 97-yard return touchdown was called back due to a flag.
“This kid is phenomenal,” Runner said of his 130-pound sophomore.
Saugus (1-2) begins Northeastern Conference play and welcomes Winthrop (0-4) Thursday at 6:30 p.m. This season, the Sachems have scored 24 points and allowed 62.
After a bye week, Tech (2-1) returns to the field Friday, Oct. 10 for a home game against Lowell Catholic at 6:30 p.m. The Tigers have scored 53 points this season and allowed 32.
