Div. 3 North champ football team starts season Sept. 9
Published in the September 2, 2016 edition
THE MHS football team returns this season looking to secure another shot at its first ever Super Bowl title. Their season opens on the road at Masconomet on Sept. 9. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — There has never been a better time to be a Melrose Red Raider football fan. Local football enthusiasts eagerly await the return of the Division 3 North Champs after Melrose’s second straight Gillette Stadium Super Bowl appearance last season and a near-flawless 12-1 record, their best to date.
Melrose hopes a third time will be a charm for a long awaited Super Bowl title. The Red Raiders have twice now been the runner up to Dartmouth, falling just 26-21 last season at Gillette. But it’s a new season, a new landscape and, win or lose, Melrose fans can expect another joyride season when the Red Raiders open their season Sept. 9 on the road at Masconomet. Their home opener follows on Friday, Sept. 16 when they host Waltham at 7 p.m. at Fred Green Field.
Despite losing some talent in key positions, Melrose is currently ranked #16 in the state byESPN Boston and #1 in their division by The Boston Herald. That’s with good reason: Melrose returns with a one-man machine in Mike Pedrini. The senior captain has garnered a lot of pre-season press. Recently named a Preseason All State Player by ESPN and The Boston Herald, Pedrini led Melrose in touchdowns last season with over 20 and ran for over 1,200 yards. He can seemingly do it all as a tackle, running back, receiver or punt returner.
Pedrini is not the only weapon that puts a target on Melrose’s back. Senior captain Steven Abbott returns after a big season and even bigger playoff experience in 2015. The receiver will be a go-to player for Melrose’s air game and a menace for opposing quarterbacks, known to the throw the ball into Abbott’s intercepting arms.
For the last two seasons Melrose has touted some of the best defensive lines in the state. Senior captain Colin Casey will resume the role of lineman for Melrose. Casey had a giant season for Melrose last year on defense, so expect Casey to wreak havoc on league quarterbacks.
There are some critical positions open this season, and one of those is quarterback. Melrose graduated Julian Nyland (now playing at Worcester Polytechnic) but in pre-season has brought to the field senior Jack Mays (6’1, 175) who is new in this varsity role but adept in the game and speedy on the turf. Melrose’s other quarterback option at present time is junior Jack Sullivan.
Next week we will take an in depth look at Melrose’s full roster and a preview of their season opener against Masconomet.
Worth noting: a lot has changed in the division this season (see accompanying story) but one that hasn’t: Melrose is still a league favorite and they’re still the team to beat in the division.
Let the games begin.
2016 MHS Football Schedule
Fri 9/09 @ Masconomet, 7
Fri 9/16 vs. Waltham, 7
Fri 9/23 @ Burlington High School, 7
Fri 9/30 @ Watertown, 7
Fri 10/07 vs. Wilmington, 7
Fri 10/14 @ Stoneham High School, 7
(playoffs, TBA)
Thu 11/24 @ Wakefield (Thanksgiving), 10:15
