BY MYAH FILTRANTI AND SOPHIE WEIDMAN

BHS Senior Marcelo Pinto scored three touchdowns to power the Panthers football team to a 28-23 victory against rival Swampscott on October 21.  

“Ever since our team started practicing harder and longer, we knew that we were going to win,” said Panthers Wide Receiver Devon Smalls.

As the last seconds of the game ticked down, Panthers fans in attendance began to celebrate. In the bleachers, horns sounded as Beverly fans threw their hands in the air, danced, and cheered until their voices seemed to wear out. 

“I had a great time,” said Brad Griffin, BHS Senior and President of Panther Sports Media. “I have many friends on the team and seeing them happy is one of the greatest things.” 

On the field, Panthers football players crowded around the running back, Pinto. The game was perhaps a career best for Pinto, who ran for a career high of 247 yards, picking up 89 yards on his third touchdown run of the game. 

On the sidelines, the cheerleaders in orange and black erupted with excitement. Cheerleading stunt group flier and BHS Senior Vivyana Verrette was among the celebrants.

“As soon as the horns went off and the game had come to an end,” Verrette said. “All I heard from the field was the team screaming Marcelo’s name over and over again.” 

Watch Pinto’s career performance here.