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Fishermen can't take underdog Magicians for granted

Friday, September, 14 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

Tonight's Northeastern Conference matchup between Gloucester and Marblehead may not count toward a berth in the playoffs. But it still means a lot in the minds of the Fishermen and the Magicians.

That hunger should lead to an intense football game at Newell Stadium (7:45 p.m.), as both teams come in at 1-0, and both teams looked very impressive last week.

Gloucester and Marblehead are located in two different divisions of the Northeastern Conference. Gloucester is in the Large Division, which also features Salem, Lynn English, Lynn Classical, Revere and NEC newcomer Peabody. Marblehead is in the Small Division, which features Swampscott, Winthrop, Danvers, Beverly and Saugus. Games that are played between two large teams or two small teams are the only games that count toward a playoff berth and an NEC title.

The Fishermen defeated defending Northeastern Conference and Division 2A champion Winthrop 34-14 last Friday, while Marblehead trounced defending Cape Ann League Small and Division 3A champion Ipswich, 26-7.

"They have given us fits in the past," Fishermen head coach Paul Ingram said. "They have had some good offensive game plans against us. They didn't score much but they controlled the ball and gave us a competitive game."

Magicians head coach Doug Chernovetz points out that his team needs to play mistake-free football if they want to knock off the Fishermen.

"We need to play sound football and eradicate anything that will get us off on the wrong foot," Chernovetz said. "We know how tough Gloucester is but we can't be intimidated. I expect us to come in and play tough no matter who we are playing."

The Fishermen will have to deal with a balanced Marblehead offense, led by tailback Mike Sahagian. The senior captain is the Magicians feature back who tallied 92 yards on 18 carries in last week's victory over Ipswich. Quarterback Ian McKinley also poses a threat to the Gloucester defense. The junior completed seven of 11 passes last week for 135 yards and two touchdowns. McKinley's main target is junior captain and tight end Sam Perlow, the duo connected three times for 62 yards in the season opener.

Defensively, Marblehead is led by linebacker Eric Fader and defensive back Tariq Allen. Both were lauded by Chernovetz for playing well so far this season.

The Magicians have a tall task ahead in trying to contain Gloucester's running attack. The Fishermen used five different backs, who combined for 327 yards and five touchdowns last week against Winthrop. Fishermen captain and running back Andrew Fulford led the rushing charge against Winthrop with eight carries for 137 yards and three touchdowns.

Marblehead will not only have to deal with Fulford. Backfield mates Anthony Enderle, Brian Harnish, Luis Hernandez and Taylor Burbine all get regular carries for Gloucester as well.

On the defensive side of the ball Gloucester is led by a big physical defensive line that features ends Enderle and senior captain Mario Peritore. The duo brings a combined weight of nearly 500 pounds.

Overall Ingram is looking for his team to improve each week, and fix a few mistakes that were made against Winthrop. "We are looking to get better from last week," Ingram said. "We need to cut down on penalties and sure up our blocking assignments. Our main goal is always to progress as the season goes on."

Keys to Victory

Gloucester

1. Pick up where it left off last week: The Fishermen need to keep the momentum going that they gained last week against Winthrop.
2. Control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
3. Stay Focused: Gloucester can not take Marblehead for granted.

Marblehead

1. Make Gloucester throw the football: It's easier said than done but the Magicians must contain the Fishermen's running attack and make quarterback Ricky Gallant throw more than three times.
2. Don't be intimidated: Marblehead needs to come into the game playing physical to show the Fishermen that they can play with them.
3. Play perfect football. The Magicians will have to play mistake-free football to come away with a win.