Hamilton-Wenham hopes to take down Lynnfield
Hamilton-Wenham coach Jim Pugh isn’t looking to make friends in Lynnfield when he says the Pioneers are the New England Patriots of the Cape Ann League Baker Division.
Pugh is hoping his team finds a way to knock off the perennial CAL power tonight. A Lynnfield win would lock up another CAL Baker title, while a Hamilton-Wenham victory would clinch no worse than a share of the title (the Generals still have a league game against Ipswich on Thanksgiving).
“I can’t even remember the last time they lost a game in league play.” Pugh said of Lynnfield. “They are the champions, they are the team to beat. Their kids believe in their system and they are wellcoached.”
Lynnfield (6-0) has been able to run and throw the ball effectively all season long, making it tougher on defenses. Mark Mortellite is one of the top quarterbacks on the North Shore. The running game is keyed by Anthony Murphy and Tyler Murphy (no relation), while the receiving corps is paced by speedy Nick Kinnon, Peter Look, John Lee and Jason Ndansi.
“We have a lot of different people we can rely on,” said Lynnfield coach Neal Weidman. “We’re a little different than we’ve been in the past; we’re not as big in the line, but we’re a little quicker.”
Hamilton-Wenham (6-0) figured to be one of the better offensive teams in the CAL due to the return of nine starters and the Generals haven’t disappointed. Billy Whelan is putting together another solid season at quarterback, and he has two top receiving targets in Cam Peach and Jake Lanciani. Sophomore Ian Coffey has emerged as a premier back.
Many of those same players were on the field last year when Lynnfield rolled to a 32-7 victory. Pugh feels his team is far better prepared to compete this time around when they head to Lynnfield for the 7 p.m. start.
“Lynnfield was more physical than us in that game.” Pugh said. “I think our kids have done a great job of working to get better.”
Elsewhere tonight, Brighton and O’Bryant will battle for the top spot in Boston North. Brighton is coming off its first league loss of the season last week when Latin Academy scored in the final seconds.
Billerica could control its own destiny in the Merrimack Valley Small with a win over Tewksbury. A Tewksbury win, coupled with a North Andover victory over Chelmsford, would create a three-way tie atop the league standings.
The Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small title is up for grabs tomorrow morning when Lynn Tech hosts Greater Lowell in a winner-take-all battle. Over in the ISL, BB&N and Milton Academy are both looking to keep their NEPSAC Bowl hopes alive when they tangle in Cambridge.