THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 Page 13 Loss to Knights spoils opener at new stadium By Greg Phipps T he atmosphere was laced with anticipation and excitement prior to last Friday’s first-ever Saugus High School football game at the new Middle-High School athletic complex. The stands were packed, and a large congregation of people waited in line for tickets before the game. It was a festive environment, but the actual game did not turn out well for the home team. The tone was set right away when the visiting Northeast Metro Tech Knights ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown. As a result, the host Sachems found themselves on the short end quickly, and they never recovered in an eventual 28-0 loss. It was the second straight 28-0 defeat for Saugus, which fell to 0-2 on the early season. The Sachems are still searching for their first points of 2021, and they will look to turn things around when they travel to face Watertown today (scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff). The 1-1 Red Raiders lost last week after winning their season opener. Against Northeast, the Sachems had a few nice gains on offense with quarterback Sean O’Rourke and running backs Mark MacEachern and Gael Garcia doing some damage. Solid defensive plays were also made by Mekhi Coburn, Drew Gardiner and Braden Faiella, among others. But, overall, the Knights controlled the game from the start. Northeast held a 20-0 lead after one quarter and never looked back. The Saugus defense managed to hold the visitors to just one score after the first period explosion, but the offense was unable to put up any points. Getting off to better starts early in games will no doubt be an important objective moving forward for the Sachems. The new stadium is an impressive facility, with concesSaugus captain Mekhi Coburn was the first to break through the banner before last Friday’s home opener at the new Christie Serino Jr. Athletic Sports Complex. (Photos by Greg Phipps) sion areas, an electronic scoreboard and screen, an artificial turf field and state-of-the-art track, lights, a press box and locker rooms. The venue, which has been named the Christie Serino Jr. Athletic Sports Complex and is located where the old high school once stood, can reportedly hold up to 1,250 spectators. “The kids are really amped and excited to use the field. I’m just glad everything came together; it’s been a long time coming,” Athletic Director Terri Pillsbury told the press before the season. Sachems quarterback Sean O’Rourke stood firm under major pressure on this pass play last Friday. Sachems running back Mark MacEachern looked to get around the corner on this rushing attempt against Northeast Metro Tech. Saugus defenders Braden Faiella and Drew Gardiner teamed up to stop a Northeast Metro Tech ball carrier in his tracks. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, Sept. 26 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Sept. 27 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from Sept. 22. Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting form Sept. 23. Thursday, Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 8 – Founders’ Day Coverage from Sept. 11. Friday, Oct. 1 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from Sept. 21. Saturday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. on Channel 8 – What’s Cookin’? with Amanda Barresi. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** Saugus running back Gael Garcia got free up the middle for a substantial gain in first-half action against Northeast Metro Tech.
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