As program nears tenth year, Red Raiders stay a perennial threat
Published in the March 24, 2017 edition
SNOW WON’T stop the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team from opening their season on April 3 at home against Peabody. Until then, the team will play in scrimmage action this weekend. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team has been a playoff staple in the near-decade they’ve been in existence at Melrose High. The Red Raiders have taken a league title and emerged as division favorites under the six year coaching reign of Matt James. That includes last season, when they earned a #4 seed spot in the Div. 2 North playoffs, and only fell closely to D2 North Champ, Beverly.
This season, there is a lot of movement in the Div. 2 North field. Many teams have lost senior skill players, including Melrose, who lost top scorers and a goalie. But Melrose returns with a trio of offensive weapons that will be tough for opponents to stop. That includes Jack Wells, Corbin White and Mike Pedrini.
“I think having Corbin and Jack will be a tough tandem on offense to stop,” confirms coach James. “They are outstanding players and having Mike [Pedrini] up top is going to be awesome to witness.”
Leading the team as captains this season are Pedrini, White, Cam Rosie and Mike Calvert. All four captains excel in other sports (such as football and wrestling) and that type of athleticism brings a unique element to Melrose’s game: speed and agility.
Says the coach, “Overall, what I’m seeing of the team is a real natural athleticism, they bring different skill sets: beating traffic, screens. In terms of speed and athleticism, it may be the best team we’ve had.”
James identifies the Red Raiders as a fairly young team; a junior-heavy squad with some promising sophomores and freshmen in the mix, especially on defense. That includes returnees Lou Izzi, Cam Rosie and promising underclassmen, Cam Rosie, Will Pzego, Luke Karelas and Gabe Nyland. He also points to new faces like Mark Dewling, Alex Soto and Cody Porcello who have experienced tremendous growth.
“We’ve been very impressed with our freshmen recruits, they showed up varsity ready and that is a tribute to the Melrose Youth Lacrosse program,” the coach says.
The big question is who will assume duty at the net, after the loss of Connor Locke last season. Two promising net minders have emerged in Matt Rocha and Stephen Getsick, whom James considers two very solid options.
The snow is still lingering, which limits Melrose’s outdoor practice time. Still, they are ready for scrimmage action as early as this weekend. They travel for scrimmage jamboree play this weekend at Bridgewater Raynam.
The Red Raider’s season opener is at home against Peabody at Fred Green Field on April 3 at 5:30 p.m.
