Defense prevails in 14-0 shutout over Woburn
Published March 26, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It was like good old times for the Melrose Red Raider football team, who opened their 2021 Fall 2 season last Saturday against an unexpected old friend. The Woburn High Tanners stepped in as a substitute after Stoneham High postponed for a COVID case just two days before their schedule game on Saturday. Fortunately, Woburn was also in need for competition and proved to a worthy opponent, allowing just fourteen points during Melrose’s 14-0 shutout over the Tanners that has Melrose 1-0 the season.
It was a balmy and sunny afternoon at Connolly stadium in Woburn and there was a scattering of Woburn and Melrose fans with select family passes to enjoy an ideal day of football. Both teams played the long game, stretching their possessions into virtual half quarters which ultimately led to a low final score. But that also speaks much about the growth of the Tanners, who did a lot of little things right against the reigning Super Bowl champ Melrose. The Tanners’ effective running game and ability to convert many first downs helped limit the amount of time Melrose held the ball.
But it was Melrose who dominated over the course of the game, and Red Raider quarterback Brendan Fennell returned in prime Super Bowl shape. The senior captain ran for over 65 yard yards on 12 carries and threw for 107 passing yards (5-9) with two touchdowns. Melrose running back Matt Hickey also led in scoring by rushing 75 yards on 16 carries. A key 4th and 1 goal line stand by Melrose defense with 6:00 left in the game helped thwart any hopes for a Woburn comeback and preserved the shutout.
The start of the game saw the teams trade possessions. After a scoreless first quarter, Melrose’s Fennell threw a long toss to senior wide receiver D.J. Darwin who evaded double coverage with a leaping catch at the five-yard line, followed by a dashinto the end zone for a touchdown. A Zach Federico extra point made it a 7-0 game. Coach Tim Morris credited Fennell and Darwin for striking early. “DJ is a Super Bowl starter and a good receiver who was ready for that play. Brendan holds nothing back. He was tough on both sides of the ball, even as outside linebacker. Our seniors came up big today.”
Woburn quarterback Jaden Simonds led an effective running game but two of his three attempted passes were picked off by Melrose, thanks to DJ Darwin and Trevor Botto. The Red Raiders would score again when they started a drive on their own 10-yard line. A series of first down runs by Fennell helped Melrose advance to the Woburn 33-yard line. From there, Fennell threw a beauty of a pass over the middle to Melrose senior Matt Dussault who scored with just half a minute to go before halftime. Another Federico kick gave Melrose a 14-0 lead going into the break.
Woburn defense prevented Melrose from getting too deep in the field during the second half, and was able to secure some sacks on Brendan Fennell. Woburn’s best chance of a comeback came after a long drive that brought them perilously close to the end zone with 6:00 left to go. They reached first down on the 6 yard line and were poised to score. But Melrose defense came up with in their trademark goal line stands and at 4th down denied the Tanners from getting across the line. Woburn attempted another drive with just under two minutes left. But the Melrose defense force a punt and it was ballgame.
Coach Morris gave Woburn all the credit in the world. “Woburn is a well-coached team who is alway tough on defense, they have a double wing, they just grind it out. In this game every possession counted, so I give them credit for that.”
After one game, there is plenty the coach sees that likes. “We did enough to win. We’d like to protect Brendan a bit and maybe be a little more consistent, but we did what needed to win. And we pulled off a shut out. Cant he disappointed with that.”
Win or lose, the real winners were the Melrose and Woburn players and fans who finally got to experience high school football on a glorious day. After a long 14 months, it was a nice taste of normal.
Next up is Watertown, whom Melrose will travel to for an 11:00 a.m. tilt at Victory Stadium on Saturday. Fans can check out the action at wcatv.org.
