Boffo Opening!

As far as opening nights go, you couldn't ask for one much better than this.

The Pioneers celebrated the opening of Manchester-Essex's brand new field by rolling for over 350 yards of offense, forcing four turnovers and posting a shutout until the final play of the game. Touchdowns by Gino Cohee, Jeff Gannon, A. J. Roberto, freshman Kyle McGah and RICK Berardino (I know I have a mental block and keep referring to Rick as "Frank" Berardino, who is the Pioneers' all time leading scorer. I will watch myself in the future.) Throw in a field goal and four PAT's from Steve Ullian and you pretty much have the whole package.

The Pioneers totally dominated a young, inexperienced Manchester-Essex team who got even younger and more inexperienced when they took the field without their number one offensive weapon, quarterback Alex Carr. The key to the Hornet offense did not suit up due to an ankle injury. Sophomore Corey Burnham stepped in but had little success against a fired up Lynnfield defense.

It all added up to a 37-6 spanking of the Hornets and is a nice kickoff heading into the Pioneers' CAL Small league opener against Georgetown next Friday.

Check back Sunday for more on the convincing opening night win.