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Masconomet faces test against Wilmington

Friday, October, 05 By Matt Jenkins
Staff writer

It seems like the games just keep getting tougher for unbeaten Masconomet.

After the Chieftains (4-0) dismantled Bishop Fenwick, 35-14, in the third week of the season, they had to bounce back and play long-time Cape Ann League rival Hamilton-Wenham the following weekend. Then, after their 29-22 victory over the Generals, they immediately started looking at the next challenge.

They didn't have to look very far.

Masco faces its first real test tonight when Wilmington comes to Topsfield. In truth, it's not that beating Hamilton-Wenham and Bishop Fenwick didn't mean anything, but Wilmington (also 4-0) is the first opponent that could prevent the Chieftains from advancing to the postseason. This is a game that truly counts.

"It's a big one," Masco coach Jim Pugh said. "We've got our hands full. We only play five games that count (toward the postseason in the CAL Large), so every one is a big one." For the third straight week, Masco's defense will be asked to contain a very talented back. Wilmington's Ernie Mello is as dangerous a back as you'll find.

He had a night that will go down in Wilmington school lore two weeks ago, carrying the ball 41 times for 393 yards and seven (that's not a misprint | seven) touchdowns in a 47-33 win over Lawrence.

Playing strong, team defense will be a key for the Chieftains tonight.

"Good high school backs will not be brought down by one kid," Pugh said. "You better have people going to the ball pretty quick. Fortunately, that's one of our strengths. We have to do a better job tackling, though. That will be a big part of the game."