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Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 18, 2026 By Dom Nicastro ~ Sachems show fight in opener, golf heats up with back-to-back wins ~ Quarterback Eli Fialho completed The first full stretch of the fall season brought plenty of early tests for Saugus High teams, along with some encouraging signs. The football team showed defensive toughness for much of its opener against Cambridge before the game got away late, while the golf team has suddenly found its stride with consecutive victories. Field hockey also broke through in a big way with a six-goal performance against Everett. FOOTBALL BATTLES CAMBRIDGE BEFORE LATE SEPARATION The final score of Saugus’ 28-0 season-opening loss to Cambridge didn’t tell the entire story of a game that remained competitive into the second half. First-year Saugus coach Greg Bluestein came away particularly encouraged by his defense and the Sachems’ ability to maintain their composure when things went against them. “We were in a tight one all the way through about midway through the third quarter,” Bluestein said. “Defense was playing phenomenal. Coach Dennis Murphy’s defense did a really great job for us keeping us in that game.” Bluestein said the offense was hurt by mistakes at critical moments, and he also took responsibility for a fourth-down play call in the red zone. “I think I made a bad play call on fourth down when we were in the red zone,” Bluestein said. “I put that on me; we need to do better at executing and calling the right plays in the right situation.” five passes for 106 yards. Dawin Camilo Grullon carried nine times for 48 yards, while Isaiah Santiago added 22 yards on five attempts. Ryan Moreira had two receptions for 60 yards, and freshman Dicky Nuzzo III caught three passes for 48 yards. Bluestein said Moreira also had another impressive catch erased by a holding penalty. “Ryan Moreira definitely showed that he was capable of being a playmaker for us,” Bluestein said. Bluestein was especially pleased with the defensive front. Steph Cazeau, Moses Guadalupe Perez, Evan Tran, Leo Exantus and Cooper Middleton helped Saugus generate multiple sacks and pressure that prevented Cambridge from taking advantage of some opportunities downfield. “They came away with multiple sacks,” Bluestein said. “There was sometimes that they had some receivers open down the field that they just couldn’t get the ball off against the D line.” Just as important to Bluestein was how his team responded when Cambridge finally pulled away. “The kids were able to maintain a positive attitude and hold each other up, and nobody panicked and nobody kind of turned on each other, which was the main thing I was looking for,” Bluestein said. Saugus travels to Hamilton-Wenham on Friday, Sept. 18, for a 6 p.m. kickoff. Bluestein expects another physical test. “They’re a physical team. They’re very disciplined,” Bluestein said. “They come downhill on defense. They like to hit, so that’s something that we’re preparing for in terms of the physicality of the game.” Aluminum Aluminum Everett Everett Aluminum Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding Decks • •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Free Estimates • • Replacement Windows • Carpentry Work • Roong • Fully Insured• Fully Insured Fully Insured Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com • Replacement Windows •Roong Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Supplies GOLF FINDS ITS SWING WITH TWO STRAIGHT WINS After opening with a difficult run against Northeastern Conference competition, the Saugus golf team has caught fire. Coach Daniel Bertrand’s Sachems earned a 39-33 victory over Salem on Sept. 14 and followed it one day later with a dominant 55.5-16.5 victory over Peabody. The surge improved Saugus to 3-4. Saugus had dropped matches to Swampscott twice, Winthrop and Gloucester, but Bertrand saw progress even during that stretch. In the second meeting with Swampscott, the Sachems increased their point total from 24 to 29. Several golfers have emerged individually. Nick Rinaldi has been one of the hottest Sachems, compiling a 5-1-1 individual record. He earned wins against Winthrop and Swampscott, tied against Gloucester and then won against both Salem and Peabody. John Morello has put together three straight victories, including an 8.5-.5 performance against Peabody. Jennifer Li has also been impressive, highlighted by an 8.5-.5 victory against the Tanners. Senior captain Artie O’Leary won 6.52.5 against Salem and followed with an 8.5-.5 win against Peabody. Jason Cuddy and Zack Modini also won in both of Saugus’ recent team victories. Against Salem, Cuddy earned a 7-2 win and Modini won 7.5-1.5. Against Peabody, Cuddy won 5-4 and Modini posted an 8-1 victory. Trey Riley, who has been leading Saugus from the No. 1 position, also earned a 5-4 win against Peabody, while Gio Natalucci tied his matchup, 4.5-4.5. FIELD HOCKEY RESPONDS WITH SIX-GOAL VICTORY Saugus field hockey bounced back impressively from a 5-1 loss to traditionally strong Gloucester by rolling past Everett, 6-0. Against Gloucester, Angelina Dow scored off a penalty corner following a strong insert from Sofia McCarrier and a pass from Teaghan Arsenault. Coach Julie Champigny was encouraged by the Sachems’ performance despite the result, particularly a scoreless and competitive first quarter. She also credited Adila Dzindo and Sydney Ferreira for their defense in the circle and goalkeeper Jordyn Ripley Deminski for making diving saves. The Sachems then turned their opportunities into goals against Everett. Bella scored with an assist from Hannah Strout, then Strout scored off an assist from Angelina, and Julia and Teaghan each added unassisted goals. Meri Mogauro scored with an assist from Arsenault, and Strout added another unassisted goal to complete the 6-0 victory. Champigny said the Sachems’ passing and ability to generate shots in the circle have already taken significant steps forward this season. McCarrier, Dow and Strout continued to provide strong midfield play, while the defense completely shut down Everett. The defensive effort was so effective that Ripley Deminski did not face a shot in earning the shutout. Summer is Here!

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