<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3AOEft_1H44i5hp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AOEft_1H44i5hp00" width="1200" height="960" ><figcaption>Clark McHugh – Junior Editor</figcaption></figure>For the first time since 2021, the Winthrop High School Football team has advanced to the MIAA Division 6 Quarterfinals. In each of the past 5 seasons, the Vikings have qualified for the postseason tournament (a great accomplishment), but have been unable to overcome the Round of 16 dread. So, what has changed with this team, and are the odds in their favor in their next matchup?Regular Season RecapAfter losing a talented senior class, the Vikings were looking to re-establish themselves as the steady force they’ve come to be. Ending the regular season with a 4-4 record, Winthrop secured some clutch victories to cement themselves in the playoff bracket. The Vikings took the victory in their first game at Essex Tech, followed by wins against Pentucket, Saugus, and Salem. 3 of their 4 wins this season came on the road, showcasing the Vikings’ ability to thrive in unfamiliar environments. The Vikings have a large senior class this year (11 players), headed by co-captains Charlie Ferrara, Desmond Cassidy, Michael Ferrara, and Riley Moccio. This football team is one that has thrived on collaboration. The work of seniors Nate Previte, Domenic Spinale and Michael D’Ambrosio, juniors Dominic Farrell and Stephen Barron, and sophomores Johnny Ferrara, Cam Laudenslager, and Michael Barron have all contributed immensely to the success of this season.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3fOxua_1H44i5hp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3fOxua_1H44i5hp00" width="1248" height="1560" ><figcaption>Michael D’Ambrosio (#12) catching the ball past the Saugus defender ( Clark McHugh – Junior Editor )</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=49waBf_1H44i5hp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=49waBf_1H44i5hp00" width="1248" height="1560" ><figcaption>Captain Riley Moccio (#72) lifting up teammate ( Clark McHugh – Junior Editor )</figcaption></figure>Playoff Round OneWhen the MIAA released the playoff tournament brackets, Winthrop found themselves facing an opponent they knew all too well: the Stoneham Spartans. A mere 35 minute drive from our seaside town, the Spartans were the team to send the Vikings packing last year. However, Winthrop made sure their fate would not lie in the same hands. Coming into the matchup as the #12 seed in Division 6, the Vikings had to make the short drive to Stoneham. Eager Spartan fans filled the bleachers, but Winthrop came with a point to prove.The Vikings started their attack early with an 83-yard touchdown from Dom Farrell. The long TD’s came to be the name of this game. Stoneham got themselves on the board to tie the game up, but unfortunately for them, that would be the only time they scored. Farrell upstaged his previous touchdown with a 96-yard TD in the second quarter. With the help of a stellar defensive showing, spearheaded by Desmond Cassidy’s 16 tackles, the Vikings were able to firmly hold onto their lead going into the 2nd half and ultimately win the game with a score of 22-6.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2TSzIU_1H44i5hp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2TSzIU_1H44i5hp00" width="1248" height="1560" ><figcaption>Edward Leal (#51) and Michael Harrison (#75) cheering with one another ( Clark McHugh – Junior Editor )</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Opq6a_1H44i5hp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Opq6a_1H44i5hp00" width="1248" height="1560" ><figcaption>Michael Ferrara (#0), Dom Farrell (#2) and Domenic Spinale (#7) ( Clark McHugh – Junior Editor )</figcaption></figure>Now Onto the Round of 8Winthrop will now be traveling an hour and a half to Bellingham, a small town near the MA/RI border. The Blackhawks come into this matchup with an 8-1 record, as they are sporting a 6-game winning streak, and have made their identity encompass their two-way playing ability. Bellingham faced one of their Tri-Valley foes in Medway in their matchup last Saturday. In a very back and forth affair, the Blackhawks were able to secure the win on a game-winning field goal attempt. Bellingham is a very strong football team, and certainly pose a challenge for the Vikings, but with their experience playing in tough environments, the Vikings should be able to focus on the man in front of them. I may be slightly (very) biased, but I see the Vikings snapping the Blackhawks’ streak of luck and taking the win on the road. Let’s wish the Vikings luck as they face Bellingham at 6:00 P.M.!</div></body>

Block Source: whsvikingtimes.com

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For the first time since 2021, the Winthrop High School Football team has advanced to the MIAA Division 6 Quarterfinals. In each of the past 5 seasons, the Vikings have qualified for the postseason tournament (a great accomplishment), but have been unable to overcome the Round of 16 dread. So, what has changed with this team, and are the odds in their favor in their next matchup?

Winthrop Football Is Making a Playoff Push

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For the first time since 2021, the Winthrop High School Football team has advanced to the MIAA Division 6 Quarterfinals. In each of the past 5 seasons, the

Winthrop Football Is Making a Playoff Push

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