2018 Middlesex Freedom League forecast

Published in the September 14, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—Last year, the Melrose Red Raider football team went undefeated against all Middlesex League teams as they steamrolled their way to a Super Bowl Championship and finished undefeated at 13-0. 

But one of the most surprising elements of 2017 was the overall strength of the Middlesex Freedom League, who emerged as one of the most talented in the state. Unlike most years, when Middlesex “Large” opponents generate headlines, it was Freedom teams who earned three North titles and advanced to State Semifinals.

Melrose, Watertown and Stoneham all took home sectional championships, with only Melrose making a Super Bowl appearance at Gillette Stadium.

So how do these teams look in 2018? Here is an overview and prediction:

Burlington (1-0): Last Season 1-10.

Against Melrose in 2017: Loss 34-6.

The Red Devils have already matched last season’s win total after Friday’s 43-33 nonleague win over Bedford. A tremendous performance by running back Jake Doherty (425 yards and 4 TDs) shows that the Red Devils are capable of scoring big. There is no place to go but up for second-year coach Dan MacKay and his Red Devil team. Will Burlington turn a 1-10 season into a 10-1 season? Probably not, but their 43 points represent the most offense since 2016, so expect these underachievers to up their game this fall and make a run at a playoff spot.

Melrose (1-0): Last Season 13-0.

Div. 4 Super Bowl Champs.

Despite playing against a mismatched Malden team (1-10) last Friday night, Melrose aced their first test, with a strong defensive effort and dangerous running games from Chris Cusolito and Kevin Peete, who combined for 5 touchdowns. That duo will be a headache for any team in the division while Melrose’s stingy line, their potent return game and strong backfield should carry the Red Raiders to another Freedom Title.

Stoneham (1-0): Last season: 9-3. Division 6 North Champs.

Against Melrose in 2017: 44-38 Loss. 

This year’s meeting: Oct. 5, away. 

Last year’s sectional champs were a sly and threatening team and surprised many when they powered their way to a Div. 6 North title, falling just shy of a Super Bowl appearance after a defeat by Middleboro.

But they also gave Melrose one of their biggest scares of the season last year when they forced overtime and scored 38 points against a vaunted Melrose defense. The Red Raiders escaped 44-38. This year, the Spartans have lost star running back Trey Pignone but they return with quarterback Deshawn Chase and a dangerous running back Christos Argyropoulos, along with five starters. Don’t overlook the Spartans. They’ll be a handful for Melrose.

Wakefield (0-1): Last season 4-7.

Against Melrose: Thanksgiving Day loss, 35-12.

This year’s meeting: Thanksgiving Day, away. 

First-year coach and native son John Rafferty is expected to help turn the program around, after several .500 seasons for Wakefield. The Warriors didn’t slouch to competition last Friday when they took on a respected Reading team, who beat the Warriors, 37-16. However, the strength of competition should be considered for Wakefield, who may find an easier time batting more familiar teams in the Freedom League. Senior quarterback Mike Lucey is a three-year starter who looked sharp against the Rockets and leads an offensive unit that includes star running back Danny Marinaccio, who will be tough if he returns healthy after a week one injury. Don’t count the Warriors out.

Watertown: (1-0) Last season 7-5

Div. 5 North Champs

Against Melrose in 2017: 28-14 loss. 

This year’s meeting: Sept. 21, away.  

Expect an athletic and speedy Raider team to hit the turf this season. Though Watertown lost many seniors, quarterback Nick McDermott returns one year after breaking the school passing record. Last year, Watertown seemed unprepared for Melrose’s running game, but in their season opener against Arlington Catholic last week, running back Mange Camara scored twice and teammate Karim Monroe opened the game with a 64-yard touchdown run. This is an overachieving team that perseveres despite a limited number of athletes on the roster. They’re sure to give Melrose a run for their money on Sept. 21 when the Red Raiders travel to face Watertown.  

Wilmington (1-0): Last year’s record: 8-3.

Against Melrose in 2017: 27-13 loss. 

This year’s meeting: Sept. 28, home. 

Expect defense to be the calling card of the Wildcats, who put together one of their most successful runs ever last season, including a first-ever playoff win: a 30-0 shutout over a competitive Gloucester team. Wilmington proved their mettle in the Freedom League after a few years of lingering on the outside after a switch from the Cape Ann League. Coach Craig Turner can be credited for turning around the program and leading the Wildcats to a sectional semifinal. They return Andrew Sullivan as quarterback and linemen Pat McAndrew and Bailey Smith. The Wildcats gave Melrose a scare in 2017 when the Red Raiders were forced to come back from a three-point deficit late in the game to win. Wilmington’s stingy lines mean that Melrose will need to use a lot of weapons when the two teams pair off on Sept. 29 at home. Last week, the Wildcats squeaked by Shawsheen, 10-7, and while they didn’t score many touchdowns, they didn’t give that many away either. Offenses beware.  

OVERALL PREDICTION: 

It might be foolhardy to try to predict a league as unpredictable at the Middlesex Freedom, where upsets ruled last year, but we will try anyhow. The Red Raiders will prevail thanks to a combination of running game, defense, playoff experience and coaching, but they better bring it every game because the league remains as hungry and threatening as ever.

Projected Final League Standings 

1. Melrose

2. Stoneham 

3. Watertown

4. Wilmington

5. Burlington

6. Wakefield