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Sean Reardon's second half strike from Nick LoCoco put Gloucester on top to stay as the Fishermen beat Swampscott 2-1. Ben Hannah had an unassisted goal in the first half for Gloucester.

LYNN | Scoring on the first possession of the second half wasn't necessarily the goal for the Swampscott football team last night.

Even though the Big Blue, known for their proficient spread offense, was trailing by a score, Swampscott was simply hoping to gain a territorial edge and wear down Lynn English at Manning Field.

Peabody blanked Swampscott 1-0. Jamie Nocella scored the Tanners' lone goal on a penalty stroke. Courtney DaSilva also played well for the Tanners.

Salem (2-0-2) and Swampscott (0-2-1) played to a 1-1 draw. Salem's Madeline Lutts scored first on an assist from Jillian Robinson. To force the tie, Alex Wilson scored on a Stephanie Lanon assist. Swampscott was aggressive, forcing Salem goalie Cara Buckley to stop 18 shots.

In an entertaining match between Swampscott and Winthrop, the Big Blue saw their 2-1 half lead evaporate as Winthrop went up 3-2 in the second half. However, Janelle Mazzaferro's second goal of the match tied the score in dramatic fashion with only seven seconds left to earn the tie 3-3. Skylar Sabbag also scored for Swampscott.

SWAMPSCOTT | Swampscott's 99th high school football season opened in ulcerated fashion when the resilient Big Big Blue twice repelled major scoring threats by Winchester in the final 89 seconds to hang on for a 14-12 victory when Stephan Khouri blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt to preserve the margin at broiling Blocksidge Field.

DANVERS | It may have been the first game of the 2007 season for both teams, but it's always a big game when Danvers and Swampscott meet in girls soccer.

Danvers and Swampscott are two teams that traditionally battle it out for the top spot in the Northeastern Conference. The past two years they have finished first and second, respectively, and both were looking to gain an edge by winning that first meeting last night.

Last year's record: 9-5-4

Coach: Fred Day (5th year)

Returning starters: Azra Dzino, Sr. forward; Janell Mazzaferro, Sr. forward; Kellie McHugh, Sr. midfield; Allison Colson, sr, defense; Skylar Sabbag, Jr. defense; Marissa Gambale, Jr. midfield; Sarah Burnham, Jr. defender; Monique Bleau, Soph. defender; Casey Connolly, Soph. forward; Jennifer Cleary, Soph. forward.

Steve Dembowski doesn't like to make excuses.

His Swampscott High football team had just seven seniors who received serious playing time last season, so he was forced to use more juniors and sophomores than he would've liked. The Big Blue finished an uncharacteristic 5-6.

Last year's record: 12-4-2

Coach: Art Simms (2nd season)

Returning players: John Beaulieu, Sr., F/Def.; Evan Farr, Sr., Def; John Michael Mason, Sr., Def; Mark Simms, Sr., Mid; Matt Gateman, Jr., Mid/F; Chris Nenshati, Jr., Mid.