Swampscott - Beverly Preview

Swampscott

     I'm not sure of the reason, but both the Northeastern Large and Small have become hotbeds for high powered offenses.  Five teams average over 25 points per game, with Gloucester, Lynn Classical and Swampscott all registering over 30.  The Big Blue's offense has been able to pace them to a 7-2 record, and a win against upstart Beverly will send them to the postseason.

     The Swampscott spread features dual-threat junior quarterback Michael Walsh, who has been responsible for 17 passing and 13 rushing touchdowns this year.  His main targets have been senior Zach Beermann and junior AJ Baker, who have hauled in nine touchdowns between the two of them.  Phillip Larken gives the Big Blue a legitimate ground threat with the ability to break off long runs.  

     On the defensive side of the ball, Swapscott has had their fair share of troubles.  They've given up 25 or more points five times this year and have been killed by the big play, allowing seven scores of 30 yards or more.  In their loss to Winthrop, they consistently allowed the Vikings long drives, seeming over matched at times.  For them to slow the Beverly rushing attack, they'll need their defensive line to do a better job being disruptive, which will allow Joe Nigro and the other Big Blue linebackers the ability to roam free.

Swampscott tid-bits

- Despite scoring a ton, the Big Blue margin of victory this year is just 87 points.

- If Beverly jumps out to an early lead, they'd be wise to keep their foot on the gas; Swampscott has come back to win three times after trailing at halftime.

- The Big Blue have scored 174 second half points, 96 coming in the third quarter.

- Their defense has been strong in the second half as well, allowing 70 points and shutting out Lynn English, Danvers, and Saugus. 

Beverly

     Beverley stands at 4-5, but lets take a closer look at some of the teams they've lost to: Concord-Carlisle is 7-2 and in the drivers seat in the Dual County Small; Lynn English was on everyone's top 25 and is in contention for the Northeastern Large title; Gloucester is our third ranked team and currently enjoying a 22 game win streak; and Lynn Classical is 8-1 and can win the Northeastern Large with a win this weekend at Gloucester.  Long story short, Beverly is a well tested team that will put a hurting on Swampscott if they take them lightly. 

     During their current four game win streak, the offense has gotten some great production from Brendan Flaherty.  The sophomore had five touchdowns last week against Marblehead, and has found the end zone 11 times in the last four games.  Joe Wioncek leads the offense from the quarterback position, and his ability to protect the ball has been a major reason the Panthers are in the position they are in. 

     On defense, the Panthers have been a completely different team of late.  Since their loss to Lynn Classical, they have dropped their points given up per game from 31.4 to 14.8.  They'll need to be closer to 14.8 if they hope to slow a Swampscott offense that is putting up 32.2 a game.  Avoiding arm tackles will be key, as Walsh and Larken have both shown good tackle breaking ability.  

Beverly tid-bit

- Flaherty isn't the only Panther with the ability to put points on the board.  Nick Theriault has put up solid numbers week to week, scoring five times so far this season.

- The combined record of the teams who Beverly faced in its first five games is 31-14, with only Melrose having a record under .500. 

- The Beverly offensive line has been able to consistently open holes and neutralize its opponents top pass rusher.  I give them the advantage in this one. 

- The last time Beverly reached the post season, George Bush was getting ready to enter office.