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Hornets battle back against Swampscott

NORTH READING | This one was not easy. Then again, it never seems to be when these two teams square off in the postseason.

After falling behind early and facing some rainy conditions, No. 1-seed North Reading fought back to defeat Swampscott, 8-5, in the first round of the Division 3 North sectional. This comes one year after the Hornets needed extra innings to edge out the Big Blue, 2-1, in the quarterfinals.

Tourney's a go for Swampscott after Kinchley no-no

Peter Kinchley picked the perfect time to toss his first no-hitter.

Needing a win to clinch a postseason berth, the Swampscott baseball team turned to Kinchley for yesterday's game with Marblehead. The crafty right-hander responded with an absolute gem in the Big Blue's 2-0 victory.

Crunch time calls for Swampscott, Fewnick

Even if you're not a math whiz, the numbers are pretty simple.

Both the Swampscott and Bishop Fenwick baseball teams have two games remaining in the regular season. Both teams are still on the outside of the Division 3 North playoff picture, looking to squeeze their way in.

Red hot Perry leads Swampscott's Big Four

Swampscott High softball coach Annamaria Addonizio sounded a little breathless on the ride home from Winthrop Wednesday night, like she needed an oxygen mask.

She'll take that feeling anytime her team can pull out a big win in dramatic fashion.

Swampscott needs big wins to qualify for tourney

Swampscott (5-9) would like to get into the state tournament by finishing .500 or better. But since the Division 3 squad plays enough games against higher division clubs, they could qualify by finishing .500 or better against fellow D-3 opponents.

Saggese's late hit keys Danvers baseball over Swampscott

The Danvers High offense has been sporadic all season, but the Falcons keep piling up the wins, the latest being a 3-2 decision over Swampscott at home Monday night.

Justin Mitchell led off the game with a home run for Swampscott, but Jeff Eldridge's run-scoring double tied in the bottom of the first and Danvers scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth as Chris Perry led off with a single, advanced to second on Greg Ladd's sacrifice bunt and scored on Larry Saggese's two-out, pinch hit single. Danvers boosted its record to 12-2 while Swampscott dropped to 5-9.

Change in pitching strategy for Swampscott

Swampscott High coach Annamaria Addonizio discovered that her team was allowing 70 percent of its runs after the fifth inning, so she's changing her pitching strategy. Instead of looking or hoping for a complete game from her starter, she'll insert the reliever most likely in the fifth or sixth inning.

Beverly outlasts Swampscott in 12

After battling for 12 innings | nearly the equilivant of two seven inning high school baseball game | something had to give between NEC rivals Swampscott and Beverly. Zak Levine made sure that the tide broke in favor of his Panthers.

Marblehead comes from behind to nip Swampscott

Eric Fader, Will Beringer and Aaron Reny each scored two goals as Marblehead (6-4) came from three goals down to nip the rival Big Blue, 10-9. Ben Wollersheid scored four times as Swampscott jumped ahead 7-4 before the Magicians rallied. Nick Tobin, Jackson Barber, Mike Cohn and Ellery Smith also notched goals for Marblehead.

Danvers comeback cut short by Big Blue

The Big Blue led 8-3 at halftime but behind four goals from Ashley Sullivan the Falcons came storming back. Swampscott got the last laugh with a 14-12 decision, in spite of three Danvers goals from Erica Veilleux and 17 saves by goalie Nikki Petronio.

Quinn's five goals push Gloucester past Swampscott

In an early season filled with adversity, the Gloucester boys lacrosse team is starting to hit its stride after winning its third straight game.

The Fishermen held off Swampscott, 7-6, at O'Maley Field behind senior midfielder Adam Quinn's game-high five goals. The win was vital for Gloucester, who climbed back to the .500 mark as it tries to qualify for the postseason.

Swampscott looking for .500

The most baffling aspect of the first month of the baseball season has been the performance of Swampscott, which is 1-6 despite boasting one of the deepest pitching staffs around. With games schedule for every day the rest of this week, the Big Blue could quickly climb out of the hole | or find themselves nearly six feet deep.

Marblehead keeps Big Blue slumping

Marblehead sophomore pitcher Evan Comeau probably didn't know a lot about the Swampscott baseball team's recent struggles and he rightfully didn't care. Comeau was more interested in recording his first varsity win, and he did so in masterful fashion by carrying a no-hitter into the sixth as the Magicians upended the Big Blue 4-2.

Carlson's single helps Gloucester outlast Swampscott in eight innings

After watching his team cough up late leads in two straight losses, Gloucester junior second baseman Ross Carlson made sure it wouldn't happen a third time.

Carlson's RBI single with two outs plated junior first baseman Trevor Curley (2 for 4, two runs) to give the Fishermen a much-needed 6-5 upset victory over Swampscott (1-5) in eight innings at Nate Ross Field. With the win Gloucester improved to 2-4, a better record than the Big Blue, who came into the season as a Northeastern Conference favorite.

Big Blue walk off with win

Mallory McGrath's shot up the third base line scored Erin McLaughlin to break a 9-9 tie in the seventh inning as the Big Blue (3-2) walked off with their third straight win, 10-9 over Gloucester. Katherine Gorham and Sam Perry each drove in a pair to key an eight run fourth inning for Swampscott, which benefitted from three Fisherman errors.

Peabody downs Swampscott

Senior captain Mike Berlangieri was a triple winner for the unbeaten Tanners (3-0), qualifying for states in the 100 meter hurdles (11.04), high jump (6 feet) and long jump (20 feet). Junior Dulu Gaye won a pair of events, taking the 300 hurdles (42.5) and 110 hurdles (15.9). Others taking first place finishes included Alex Gomes (2-mile, 9:54.00), Ramses Monteiro (mile, 4:50), Kevin Bettencourt (shot put, 44-10), Nour Shahin (discus, 140-7) and A.J. Grube (triple jump, 39<1/2>).

Dean is dominant as Falcons shut down Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT | There are a lot of frontline starting pitchers in the Northeastern Conference this season. Yesterday, Danvers ace Bobby Dean may have leapfrogged the pack and gone to the front of that line as the league's best.

Haverhill loses first game to Swampscott

Haverhill High found the usual friendly terrain at Haverhill Stadium a bit bumpy, committing four costly errors in a 9-4 non-league loss to Swampscott.

"They put it in play, and we kicked it," said Hillies coach Chip Dunn. "They hit it pretty well, and we didn't do a good job of stopping it, catching it or throwing it. I don't think our guy pitched badly at all."

Nolan's OT Strike Lifts Beverly

Ryan Nolan scored with a minute to play in overtime to deliver a win for the Panthers (2-2), who came from behind to beat Swampscott 5-4. The Big Blue had led 3-1 at the break and saw their advantage erased when Greg Pierce completed his hat trick with under 10 seconds to play in regulation.

Swampscott Girls Track Runners to Watch

Coach: Joe Tenney (9th year)

Last year's record: 6-4

Runners to watch: Lindsay Walsh, So., Distance/Relay/High Jump; Kellie McHugh, So., Sprints/Relay/High Jump; Erica Mazman, Jr., Sprints/Relay/Jumps; Kelly Walton, Jr., Middle Distance/Relay/Discus; Amelia Antrim, Jr., Distance/Relay; Sara Sharp, Jr., Hurdles; Carley Hayes, Fr., High Jump/Hurdles/Sprints

Swampscott Boys Runners to Watch

SWAMPSCOTT

Coach: Dom Finelli (6th year)

Last year's record: 4-5

Runners to watch: Spencer Shonio, Sr., Sprints/Javelin/Relay; Jordan Kelly, Sr., Shot Put/Discus/100/Relay; James Keeter, Sr., Two Mile/Relay; Dan Rakoc, Sr., Mile/800/Relay; Sam Rakoc, Jr., High Jump/Distance/Relay; John Michael Mason, Sr., Sprints/Relays/Long Jump

Swampscott Softball Preview

Last year's record: 10-10

Coach:  Annamaria Addonizio (2nd season)

Returning players:  Carissa Roche, Sr., P; Sam Perry, Sr., C; Meg Magee, Sr., 1B/DH; Katherine Gorham, Sr., OF; Sara Stephens, Sr., OF; Marissa Gambale, Jr., SS; Mallorie McGrath, Jr., INF; Monica Mosho, Jr., OF; Kristin Vinal, So., P/OF; Erin McLaughlin, Jr., OF; Alex Wilson, So., OF/INF; Courtney Fletcher, So., OF/INF.

Talented Batery Makes Big Blue an NEC Contender

With all the camouflaged young men running around baseball fields in Swampscott this spring, the casual observer might mistake a high school practice for basic training.

Rest assured, though, the blue-and-green fatigues indicate not infantrymen, but Swampscott's high school hardballers. They're gearing up for an entirely different kind of battle | one for baseball supremacy in the Northeastern Conference.

Swampscott Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 16-6 (Lost in Division 3 North quarterfinals)

Coach: T.J. Baril (Third year, 30-14)

Key returnees: Hunter Gordon Jr., P; Peter Kinchley Sr., P/1B; Dan Nellhaus Sr., C; Justin Mitchell Sr., P; Stephan Moran Jr., CF; John Beaulieu Sr., INF/OF; Chris Cameron Jr., OF; Keith Morgan Sr., INF

Swampscott stops Salem in OT

A fluky goal with 36 seconds left in overtime was the only thing that could stop the Salem boys lacrosse team's second half run last night.

Powered by Salem senior Frank Lento, the Witches erased a six-goal second half deficit to force overtime, only to lose 11-10 when Swampscott capitalized on a failed clear.

Four-guard offense lifts Pentucket past Swampscott

No one said repeating as the Division 3 North sectional champs was going to be easy.

Pentucket watched its 10-point lead over Swampscott shrink to one inside the final two minutes of play during last night's Division 3 North semifinal. But, thanks to some clutch free-throw shooting, the Sachems were able to hold on for a 60-53 victory.

Swampscott shakes off doldrums, knocks off Wilmington

SWAMPSCOTT | Call it rust. Call it nerves. You can even call it playoff inexperience if you'd like.

But whatever it was, Tara Nimkar, Allie Beaulieu and the rest of the Swampscott girls basketball team shook it off in time to run away from Wilmington, 69-55, in a Division 3 North quarterfinal matchup.

Marblehead stuns Swampscott in OT of tourney opener

SALEM | Marblehead High hockey goaltender Aaron Reny stopped everything short of the kitchen sink last night against arch rival Swampscott in the first round of the Division 3 North tournament.

In overtime, he finally got his reward.

Salem buries Big Blue with 16 treys

Swampscott High coach Paul Moran must have thought Salem was going to set the world record for 3-pointers against his team last night.

The Witches shot trifectas at a dizzying pace, making an improbable 16 of them in thumping the Big Blue, 85-60, in the regular season finale for both state tournament-bound teams.

Swampscott falss to Lowell

The Swampscott girls basketball coach, Jack Hughes, couldn't call it heart-breaking, even if the NEC south champs nearly pulled off the upset of the year against a Lowell opponent that literally and figuratively had an all star at all five positions.

NEC Small champion Big Blue blank Marblehead

Having already secured their first-ever Northeastern Conference (Small) title earlier in the day thanks to Saugus' 2-1 loss to Winthrop, the Big Blue kept the good times rolling with a 3-0 blanking of arch rival Marblehead that night.

Marblehead boys capture NEC Small title with win over Swampscott

The old adage that defense wins games was certainly true last night at packed Swampscott High School.

The Marblehead boys basketball team's pressure defense found a way to quiet the explosive offense of the host Big Blue as the visiting Magicians pulled out a 54-50 thriller over their rivals in the game's final minute. In doing so, Marblehead nailed down the Northeastern Conference South title.

Lufkin's free throws put first place Swampscott away

All it takes for Olivia Lufkin to succeed in a pressure-packed situation is a few words of encouragement.

At least that's all it took last night.

With Lufkin and her Gloucester girls basketball team trailing Northeastern Conference front-runner Swampscott 51-50 with 12.7 seconds left on the clock, the sophomore guard stepped up to the free-throw line with a chance give the Fishermen the lead.

Hambleton, Barton pace Swampscott shutout of Salem

Senior Brendon Hambleton scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season to help Swampscott shut out host Salem, 4-0, at the Rockett Arena.

Junior Conor Barton had 13 saves for his second shutout this winter (and the team's fourth) for the victorious Big Blue (10-4-3).

Swampscott trying for title

Swampscott head coach Geno Faia, in the postseason for the first time in his eight years behind the Big Blue's bench, talking about his seniors and the travails they went through to earn this postseason bid:

Swampscott spoils Danvers' upset bid

Jenna Mazzaferro cut baseline, posted on the left block and made a spinning layup to tie the score with just 34 seconds to play.

The Swampscott senior captain converted the hoop with such confidence that it appeared to be a designed play out of the timeout Big Blue coach Jack Hughes had just called.

Swampscott looking to get grip on the Northeastern Conference

Swampscott has the opportunity to get a real tight grip on the Northeastern Conference Small race when it travels to Winthrop Tuesday. The once-beaten Vikings lost at Swampscott (50-41) early in the season.

Swampscott's Palangi headed to Northeastern

After offering Swampscott High football star Brian Palangi a full scholarship, Northeastern University head coach Rocky Hager asked him to take a few days and consider it.

Hager understandably wanted to evaluate some other offensive linemen for a scholarship opportunity if Palangi had rejected the Huskies' offer. Palangi understood and didn't feel any pressure in responding to the offer.

Tobin, Beverly sink Big Blue in OT

One thing about the Beverly High boys basketball team has become abundantly clear: no matter how dire the situation, it doesn't back down against anybody.

Moreover, the Panthers seem to be at their best in crunch time.

Swampscott inches closer to tourney berth with win over Marblehead

A year ago, the Swampscott icemen had three games to earn one point in order to break a decade-long postseason drought. The Big Blue fell short of that goal, but the sting hasn't subsided. Though the streak extended to 11 seasons, the slump could come to an end as soon as next Saturday after a 4-0 win over rival Marblehead put Swampscott within a point of the postseason once again.

Swampscott out-guns Peabody in NEC showdown

In addition to cramming for school exams all week the Swampscott girls basketball team was also preparing for a huge test on the court.

The classroom grades may not have been handed out yet, but the Big Blue can breath a little easier knowing they passed their on-court exam last night with a 75-67 defeat of Peabody.

White, Gambale thrive on being defensive

Masconomet's Jamie White and Swampscott's Marissa Gambale may have different styles on the defensive end of a basketball court, but they strike a similar type of fear in opposing guards.

It's not unusual for point guards to pick up their dribble just over halfcourt to locate either White or Gambale's position on the court | or even to get rid of the ball before facing the heavy pressure that both players can bring.

Swampscott midseason grade: B

First half analysis: The Big Blue are 7-2-1 since Christmas and have found a goaltender in sophomore Tyler Gallagher to go along with their potent offense and a much improved defensive corps. Very deep and speedy team, too.

Forrest plays stopper for Bishop Fenwick

Craig Forrest had been struggling lately in net for Bishop Fenwick, but he stopped every puck Swampscott shot at him to lead the Crusaders to a 6-0 victory yesterday morning at Peabody's McVann-O'Keefe Rink.

Big matchup next Friday

There is a huge NEC matchup between Peabody and Swampscott next Friday night.

The Tanners will come into the game at 10-1 while Swampscott will likely be 11-1.

This game will be a great measuring stick for both teams. Peabody hasn't lost in the NEC, but some would argue that the Tanners are playing an easier schedule in the Large division. Swampscott, meanwhile, is a Small division team that has to play powerful Winthrop twice. It is widely believed that the Big Blue and Vikings are the two best teams in either NEC division.

Middlebury lands two-sport Big Blue ace Kinchley

Swampscott's Peter Kinchley has led a diversified lifestyle growing up. He's best known as a student-athlete who won a Super Bowl, was a unanimous All-Scholastic football choice and excelled as a pitcher on the Big Blue baseball team as well.

Morgan's career high five goals spark Swampscott past Methuen

Keith Morgan had a career night for the Big Blue (4-3-3), scoring five goals | including three on the power play | as Swampscott moved to over .500 for the first time this season with a 6-4 triumph over Methuen.

Lancers prevail for title; Holt shines

It was a great day for Lancers at the Haverhill Invitational yesterday.

And it was a particularly good day for the Lawrence Lancers, who captured their second straight Haverhill Invitational title, rolling up 199<1/2> points to edge the runner-up Londonderry Lancers (174<1/2>) for top honors.

Marblehead's D too much for Swampscott

The Marblehead boys basketball coach, Wayne Hanscom, was naturally worried. His Magicians hadn't played in two weeks. He was concerned about the "rust" factor.

"It's hard to get into a groove when you're idle that long. Our defense got after it and that was the big factor," Hanscom said last night after his virtual Kiddie Korps (one senior, Damalo Abu, who had six points and 15 rebounds) made a stunning stand in prime time to post a 53-50 victory over host Swampscott before a crowd of about 1200.

Walsh's first varsity shutout leads Beverly

Freshman goaltender Tony Walsh put forth a strong third period to earn his first career shutout in net for the Panthers (5-1-1) in a 5-0 shutout of Swampscott.

Making his fourth career start, Walsh stopped all 20 shots he faced while getting scoring support from Chris Bushey, Ryan Karp, Mitch Hamor, Jack Leathersich and Chris Freni. Three third period goals sealed the deal for the winners.

Saamen, Sachems focus in for title

HAVERHILL | The Pentucket girls basketball team may need to adopt a new motto.

"The bigger the game, the better we play."

Similar to its run in the Division 3 state tournament last season, that again seemed to be the case last night in the championship game of the Haverhill Coca-Cola Christmas Hoop Classic as the Sachems smothered previously unbeaten Swampscott, 51-35.

Swampscott to finals

Tara Nimkar collected 22 points and 12 rebounds and Allie Beaulieu contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to power the Big Blue (8-0). The unsung heroin for Swampscott was Jennifer Mazzaffero, who played the best game of her high school career according to Coach Jack Hughes, netting 9 points and 6 rebounds, and covering down low against some big opponents. The Big Blue jumped to an 8-0 led and never relinquished the lead.

Dangerous Duo

We may only be in the first quarter of the season still, but there seems to be no doubt about which area team features the best duo.

Swampscott is off to a 5-0 start and junior forwards Tara Nimkar and Allie Beaulieu are playing better than any other North Shore tandem.

Swampscott boys reach tourney final

The Goffstown, N.H., High boys basketball team was hoping to be competitive against Swampscott in the first round of the Tanner City Holiday Tournament in Peabody last night. Goffstown never would have imagined its entire team would be outscored by two Swampscott players, but that's precisely what happened.

John Beaulieu a player to watch

When Swampscott coach Paul Moran watches senior forward John Beaulieu, he sees a player he wishes he could've been in high school. That's saying something when you consider that Moran was a prodigious scorer at Swampscott, finishing with 2,000 points before the 3-point basket was legislated.

Fishermen find offense, defeat Big Blue

Coming into the season, it was well known to hockey fans around the Northeastern Conference that Gloucester had a high-powered offense.

Swampscott found that out first hand as the Fishermen were able to net six goals on 40 shots en route to a 6-3 win over the Big Blue on Saturday at the Talbot Rink in Gloucester. In the win, Gloucester topped 40 shots for the second game in a row. They were also able to amass that total in the season opener against Revere on Wednesday, but Patriots goaltender Nick DiMare was able to stymie the Fishermen attack by holding them to two goals in a tie game.

Fishermen pull away late to drop Big Blue

For the second straight game, the Swampscott boys hockey team found itself trailing by two goals in the third period. This time, though, the Big Blue's comeback bid fell short as host Gloucester scored two back-breaking goals in the final minutes to emerge with a 6-3 triumph in Northeastern Conference action.

Swampscott girls basketball scores huge early season win

The Swampscott girls basketball team may have graduated a very talented senior class last spring, but the Big Blue sent a message last night.

Showing that they remain a serious threat to win the Northeastern Conference South, the Big Blue picked up an impressive 50-41 win over a strong Winthrop team at home.

Two late scores salvage a tie for Swampscott vs. Danvers

SALEM | True, the game ended in a tie.

But it felt like so much more to the Big Blue of Swampscott.

Trailing by two goals with under three minutes to play, Swampscott rallied in dramatic fashion as captain Keith Morgan and defenseman Sam Rakoc both connected late, forcing a 3-3 stalemate with Danvers on opening night of the 2007-08 high school hockey season.

Swampscott Boys Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 17-6

Coach: Paul Moran (3rd season)

Key returnees: John Beaulieu, 6-5, Sr., F; Scott Leffler, 6-6, Sr., C; Craig Rodenstein, 6-1, Sr.,G; John Poth, 6-2, Jr., G; Chris Gioisa, 6-3, Sr., C; Mike Nimkar, 5-10, Jr., G.; Trevor Wheeler, 6-2, Jr., G

Swampscott Girls Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 21-2 (lost to Pentucket, 50-40, in Division 3 North semifinals)

Coach: Jack Hughes (6th season)

Key returnees: Tara Nimkar, Jr. F; Allie Beaulieu, Jr. F; Marissa Gambale, Jr. G.

Swampscott Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 9-10-1 (did not make playoffs)

Coach: Geno Faia (8th year, 41-87-11)

Key returnees: Keith Morgan, Sr. C (15-7-22); Danny Rakoc, Sr. LW (6-5-11); Connor Barton, Jr. G (9-10-1, 2.82 GAA, 3 SHO); Brendon Hambleton, Sr. LW (8-8-16); A.J. Zarinsky, Jr. RW (7-5-12); Jake Donahue, Jr. D (1-8-9); Ben Wollerscheid, Jr. D (3-3-6); Alex DiDonato, Sr. RW (2-4-6); Justin Massey, Soph. C (6-3-9); Sammy Rakoc, Jr. D (2-6-8); John Pelletier, Jr. D (0-4-4).

Swampscott football saves its best for last

FOXBORO | Swampscott High's football players said all the right things and gave the Medfield Warriors plenty of respect prior to the Division 3 Super Bowl game at Gillette Stadium Saturday.

But once the game started, the Big Blue wouldn't give them the time of day.

Swampscott defeats Medfield in Super Bowl

The Swampscott football team refused to take anything for granted in the Division 3 Super Bowl today at Gillette Stadium.

The Big Blue didn’t get too comfortable, even when it opened a two-score lead early in the second quarter against a Medfield team that averaged just over 15 points per game this season.

Big Blue defense set for Super Bowl test

Swampscott High nose tackle Brian Palangi had the rare opportunity to walk on the Gillette Stadium turf in Foxboro on Thursday. Something tells you he'll still be talking about it when he's 75 years old.

Staying super in Swampscott

Tomorrow, coach Steve Dembowski and Big Blue, the Swampscott High School football team, will be at Gillette Stadium, marching off the same yards that Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have made sacred to the region's football congregation.

Super Bowl Preview: Swampscott vs. Medfield

3 keys to victory

Swampscott

1. Let the 'D' be the key. Five times this season, Swampscott has limited its opponents to single digits in points, and four other times held them to 13 points or fewer. It's not a coincidence; the Big Blue are a team that thrives on swarming to the ball defensively and gang-tackling before an opposing runner, receiver or quarterback can cause much damage. Swampscott gave up less than 10 points a contest in four November games, and would love nothing more than to force yet another opponent to try and play from behind on Saturday.

Medfield hopes its style makes for a tough matchup for Big Blue

When Matt Schairer's family moved out of Medfield just two weeks before the football season started, there probably wasn't a single person affiliated with the Tri-Valley Conference that thought the Warriors could contend for a league title.

Swampscott football routs AC, advances to Super Bowl

ARLINGTON | The misconception that football fans have about the spread offense is that a team is married to the passing game.

But coach Steve Dembowski's Swampscott High team isn't married to anything | except winning. The Big Blue are as resourceful as any team you'd care to name, as they demonstrated again last night against Arlington Catholic in the Division 3 playoffs.

Swampsott football notebook: Big pass before half sparks Big Blue

Swampscott's passing game had been nonexistent in the first half of yesterday's Division 3 playoff semifinal against Arlington Catholic.

That was, until the final play of the half.

With two seconds remaining unter intermission and nursing a 6-0 lead, Big Blue senior quarterback Peter Kinchley launched a heave toward the right sideline, where senior wide receiver Justin Mitchell came down with it and galloped into the end zone.

Swampscott vs. Arlington Catholic preview

3 keys to victory

Swampscott

1. Maintain good run-pass balance. For all the talk about Swampscott being a passing team, Big Blue coach Steve Dembowski really strives to make his running game a threat and not just something that sets up quarterback Peter Kinchley's aerial attack. More than ever, said Dembowski, they're getting the kind of balance that will keep the opposing defense guessing.

Kinchley accounts for four touchdowns as Big Blue gears up for playoffs

MARBLEHEAD | The unbeaten New England Patriots were resting comfortably at home on Thanksgiving but Swampscott senior quarterback Peter Kinchley still did his best Tom Brady impression as he led the Big Blue (10-1) to an impressive 42-16 win over rival Marblehead (4-7). Marblehead now leads the Thanksgiving series 48-47-7.

Memories flow for Marblehead, Swampscott Old-Timers

Danny Sullivan was emphatic, even 55 years after the final whistle of his last high school football game.

The 1942 Marblehead High School graduate and former Magicians' quarterback was as boisterous as he was proud, talking about his team's annual Thanksgiving Day Game vs. Swampscott.

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Swampscott at Marblehead

Where: Piper Field, Marblehead

Date: Thursday, Nov. 22

Time: 10 a.m.

Coaches: Steve Dembowski, Swampscott; Doug Chernovetz, Marblehead

Captains: Swampscott: Peter Kinchley, Sr. QB/DB; Brian Palangi, Sr. OL/DL; Dorsey Dobias, Sr. OL/DL; Marblehead: Mike Sahagian, Sr. RB/DB; Eric Fader, Sr. C/LB; Drew Guzowski, Sr. OL/DE; Sam Perlow, Jr. TE/DE.

Big Blue rides Kinchley's arm to title

Clemson's Death Valley has been a pit for Atlantic Coast Conference football opponents over the years. Danvers might be inclined to think of Blocksidge Field in the same terms. The fact the Big Blue (9-1) had an opportunity to clinch the Northeastern Conference's small division championship and an MIAA playoff berth didn't help Danvers in its latest bid to snap the Blocksidge Hex.

Kinchley getting it done for Swampscott

Peter Kinchley was on fire for the Swampscott High football team last Saturday, connecting on 20 of 27 passes for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Big Blue's 34-13 win over Beverly.

According to Swampscott head coach Steve Dembowski, Kinchley's numbers should've been even better. "Two of those incompletions were dropped by our receivers," noted Dembowski.

Swampscott takes charge

Beverly's Greg Pierce owned the first 12 minutes of yesterday's Northeastern Conference Small football showdown between his Panthers and host Swampscott at Blocksidge Field.

The final 34 minutes, however, belonged to Big Blue quarterback Peter Kinchley.