Sachems Open Football Season

It's been nine months since the football team last competed. Sure they had practices and got to put on the pads last week, but this past Saturday was a little different. This was their first scrimmage of the season. And the first of eight regular season homes to be played on Manchester Field.

It was a three-team scrimmage, Winchester practicing with other varsity teams, the North Vocational School out of Wakefield and the Boston Latin Dragons. While the players were excited to get on the field, they were equally excited to have a chance to play on the new field.

"I love the field, we're just grateful we got it," said trainer Donna Gildersleeve said.

"It's a dream come true, everybody really can't wait to see [the team] in action this season," said Assistant Athletic Director Jack Squeglia. "The fans are going to love it, the parents are going to love it, it's just great."

As far as the game went, Winchester played as well as can be expected in a late August scrimmage. The Sachems are poised to try and continue their eight-game winning streak they ended last year with.

"I'm surprised," said Coach Paul Sobolewski. "We are dominating on both sides of ball, even though we are subbing seven starting players on offense and eight on defense from last year's line up. Some people may see this year as a rebuilding year; I don't see it that way. We want to get to the point where we just reload, fill in the missing pieces and move forward."

The team played well, completing play after play was able to control the flow of the play and imposing their will, forcing several fumbles throughout the morning.

As for the players, they just can't wait to start their season Saturday, Sep. 11 at 1:30 p.m. as the Sachems will host Stoughton High School.

"We're just excited to be back," said Winchester senior Brandon Nowell. "We have eight home games this year and look forward to playing on the new field."

"We're just ready to hit some people," Lars Zandberg said.