Wilmington has no answers for tough Melrose offense
Published in the October 16, 2015 edition
THE MELROSE Raider football team remains red-hot and undefeated at 5-0 after blowing out Wilmington on the road 41-0 last Friday at Alumni Field. Pictured is senior Ryan Censullo. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — Melrose Red Raider football remains unbeaten at 5-0 after blanking Wilmington 41-0 last Friday night at a rain soaked Alumni Field in Wilmington.
It was an embarrassment of riches for Melrose as nearly ever facet of the team showed up to win. On special teams, senior Mike Cusolito came up huge for the Red Raiders with five total PATs and two first half field goals, including an impressive 41-yard field goal that put Melrose on the board in the start of the game, 3-0.
It was a commanding night on offense as well. Senior running back Jay Tyler dominated with a two touchdown performance. Tyler ran for 120 yards on 7 carries, including a wild, 96 yard rushing touchdown. He scored in the first half with a 6 yard touchdown that helped give the Red Raiders a lead of 20-0. Melrose quarterback Julian Nyland continued his stellar season. Despite the elements, the senior wowed in both throwing and rushing. Nyland made it a 10-0 game in the second quarter with a lights-out, 60 yard rushing touchdown followed by a 60 yard touchdown toss later in the game. After standout running back Mike Pedrini was sidelined from a hit, Melrose coach Tim Morris relied on a spread out offense that didn’t fail.
Before the close of the half Mike Cusolito hit pay dirt again with a 30 yard field field goal before Tyler’s 6 yard touchdown gave Melrose a 20-0 edge going into halftime.
Melrose defense continued to enforce the shutout in the second half while Raider offense continued to impress. Melrose’s Will Brincheiro made a beautiful catch on a Nyland 60 yard bomb for a touchdown that gave Melrose a 27-0 lead, thanks to a good point after attempt by Cusolito.
Tyler left the Wildcats in his dust with his 96 yard run that resulted in his second touchdown of the evening and a 34-0 Melrose lead. Wilmington had no answers, coming up blank in each possession and the Red Raiders finished the job after sophomore Rey Guity ran for a 15 yard touchdown, his first as a Red Raider. That gave Melrose a final score of 41-0.
At 5-0, Melrose remains at the top of Div. 3 Northwest standings and have moved into the Top 20 of most statewide polls. With two more games on the horizon, Melrose is keeping an eye on playoffs but will host Stoneham tonight at Fred Green Field before traveling to Woburn for their regular-season finale.
Playoffs are expected to be announced around October 25.
Middlesex Freedom League Standings
League All Home Away pf/g pa/g
Melrose 3-0 5-0 4-0 1-0 33.6 7.6
Burlington 2-1 3-2 2-0 1-2 22.2 19.0
Watertown 1-2 3-2 1-1 2-1 22.6 19.6
Stoneham 1-2 3-2 2-1 1-1 22.0 18.0
Wilmington 1-2 2-3 2-0 0-3 12.6 24.4
Wakefield 1-2 1-4 0-2 1-2 8.2 18.8
