THE MHS football team cruised past Malden last week. They travel to Lexington tonight at 6 p.m. (File Photo)
Albanese’s hat trick wipes out Golden Tornadoes, 46-26
MALDEN—The Melrose High football team earned their first win of the season by walloping Malden last Friday evening, 46-26, at MacDonald Stadium in Malden. Melrose improves to 1-1 following a season opener loss against Reading.
It was a statement game for Melrose senior Oto Albanese, who simply had a night earning a hat trick against the Golden Tornadoes. He scored on a 76-yard kickoff return, a 47-yard touchdown pass from Josh Madden and found the end zone on a 42-yard pick six. Melrose also saw scores from quarterback Josh Madden and senior Cam Lippy.
Overall, Albanese earned the game ball.
Says Melrose head coach Tim Morris. “I’m happy for Oto, he had a big night. He’s done a lot for us on both sides of the ball, especially with that pick six. It was a special performance.”
“Overall, this was a team effort,” he continued. “Josh [Madden] is really coming along and starting to feel comfortable out there, both running and throwing the ball. He’s growing into a leadership role.”
Malden, meanwhile, posed much less of a threat than Reading, who beat Melrose handedly on opening night on Sept. 9. Yet, against Reading, Morris saw some admirable work from senior captain Steven Fogarty and Nico Chiulli. “They’re both running the ball very well,” says Morris. “I liked our run game against Reading, but with Malden, when our running game stalled we were able to work other methods and throw more, and create more opportunities. And it was a great chance for Oto to step in the way he did.”
After two efforts, the coach sees areas to improve upon. “We’re still developing our defense, particularly our pass D. We’re raw there, with some players in their first varsity action. Though Marco (Albanese, sophomore) had a nice pick for us.”
Its’ been eleven years since Melrose has played Lexington. Tonight, they travel there for a 6:00 p.m. game. The Minutemen come as a bit of a mystery to Melrose, and have had several coaching turnovers in recent years. No doubt, Morris will conduct extensive scouting but at press time predicts a team with a throwing quarterback, a wing T offense working out of the shotgun and some good skilled position players.
As for what fans to expect? Something new, for certain. Action takes place Friday night at 6:00 at Lexington High. There, Melrose will look to make it two in a row.
Says Morris. “We’re happy with the win. And we have work ahead of us. We’re not a finished product yet.”
