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IPSWICH | There's no bigger game than the next one.

The excitement in the Marblehead High football team's postgame huddle was a great example of that cliche often used by coaches as a motivational tool. And the silent eyes focused on one barking voice in the Ipswich circle was an even better one.

unior Cara Buckley made an impressive 23 saves as she led Salem to a 1-0 win over Northeastern Conference rival Marblehead. The Witches (1-0-1) got their lone goal from Madaline Lutts in the first half, she was assisted by Jillian Robinson. Salem defenders Ashley Felton, Kerrie Vazquez, Maggy Duffy and Alison Arno all played well in the win.

Marblehead rolled past Saugus 5-2. Sam Terrell, Pat Murphy and Ellery Smith each scored for the Magicians, who also got goals from Nick Belesis, Jess Lipkind and Simon Crowe. Goalie George Kaltsas also played well, making seven saves and stopping a penalty kick in the second half.

Last year's record: 8-5-4

Coach: Sam Yawson (11th year)

Returning starters: Mandy James, Sr. sweeper; Juliet Munroe, Sr. forward; Jessica Sasso, Sr. forward; Katherine Slattery, Sr. midfield; Caroline Humphrey, Sr. defender.

After losing five Thanksgiving games in a row to archrival Swampscott, the Marblehead High football team stepped up in the final game of 2006 to secure their biggest victory of the season, a 6-0 shutout.

Last year's record: 8-11-1

Coach: Steve Ingemi (10th season)

Returning players: Alex Terrill, Sr., F; Andrew Solomon, Sr., Mid; Dave Traynor, Sr., F/Mid; Nick Belesis, So., Mid; Dilon Irving, So., Def; Jacob Evanter, Jr., Def..

Last year's record: 8-6-2 (lost to Triton 1-0 in Div. 2 first round)

Coach: Linda Collins (29th year)

Returning starters: Taylor Callahan, Courtney Colantuno, Gillian Dempsey, Tori Snow, Katlin Taylor, Michelle Manley, Kari Osbourne.

BEVERLY | If the Marblehead High football team was going to have even a remote chance of upsetting Beverly Saturday, Magicians head coach Doug Chernovetz thought it would be essential to boot the ball into no man's land on special teams.