DANVERS – In his varsity debut, Chris Vargas showcased the skills of a polished product far more than that of a typical freshman.

Vargas threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns as No. 3 St. John’s Prep opened up the season with a 42-20 win over No. 4 Marshfield in a matchup between two state title contenders on Friday night at Glatz Field.

Vargas’ performance capped off weeks of anticipation for the freshman to take the field.

“Marshfield stacked the box so we had to throw the ball,” St. John’s Prep coach Brian St. Pierre said. “I thought the defense was huge because when Marshfield’s offense gets going they are hard to stop.”

Vargas’ best friend for the night was senior receiver Merrick Barlow. Barlow, who is committed to Navy, hauled in Vargas’ two touchdowns and finished with 149 receiving yards.

“Merrick is a great weapon for us and is going to Navy for a reason,” St. Pierre said. “Along with Merrick, Pearson Scala made some plays for us in the passing game. We need to be better though running the football.”

Along with Vargas and Barlow, Kevin Castro was a highlight for the Prep. Castro scored two touchdowns on the ground and had an interception. The Eagles defense had four takeaways altogether.

The Eagles (1-0) struck on their opening series. On their second play from scrimmage, Vargas dropped back and connected with a wide open Barlow for a 50 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

After the Prep defense forced a turnover on downs, Vargas and Barlow connected again with this time the wide receiver going 43-yards for the score to put the hosts on top 14-0. In the early going the Rams high-paced offense struggled to find a rhythm. Only one Marshfield drive through the first 20 minutes landed in Eagles’ territory.

St. John’s Prep stretched its lead in the second quarter as touchdowns by Castro, Riley Selvais, and Jeffrey Quigley opened up a 35-0 advantage. Marshfield tried to chip away and a Jake Brilliant touchdown run pulled the Rams within 35-14 midway through the third.

The Eagles, however, went on an 11-play, 70 yard drive capped off by a one yard run by Castro to go on top comfortably, 42-13.

St. John’s Prep’s Edwin Castro, left, celebrates his TD with Jack Shrayer during a 42-20 football win over Marshfield on Friday night. (Staff Photo/Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)