Melrose is 2-0 after 42-7 Waltham blow out
Published in the September 22, 2017 edition
REY GUITY had an enormous game for the Red Raider football team, including two TDs, when Melrose crushed Waltham last Friday, 42-7. (Steve Karampalas photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider football team is leaving no questions unanswered as they start the season 2-0 following a massive 42-7 road victory over Waltham (1-1), a team they dominated top to bottom thanks to tremendous offensives and defensive performances, including QB Charlie Stanton who ran and threw for a touchdown and running back Rey Guity, who scored twice, including a massage 87 yard touchdown run. In just two games Melrose defense has given up only two touchdowns while Melrose has outscored their opponents, 74-13.
Melrose quarterback Charlie Stanton had a terrific night for Melrose, including several long tosses and TD passes. Stanton had plenty of targets for his air game, including senior Mike Fennell, who came up instrumental in the win, including a 30 yard TD haul and a 43-yard catch that ricocheted from one of two Hawk defenders covering him and into his arms at the Melrose 2 yard line.That set up a Rey Guity touchdown to give Melrose a 35-7 lead that officially took the wind out of the Hawk’s wings.
The game served as Fox 25 New’s Game-of-the-Week after Melrose and Waltham fans voted to have lButch Stearns and crew join Leary Field in Waltham. But it was Melrose fans who got most of the cheering that night, as the Red Raiders simply dominated on both sides of the ball. Melrose set the tone on their first possession when Stanton threw a 40 yard bomb to Derek DiRaffaele to bring Melrose into the red zone. From there, Melrose’s Isaac Seide ran 30 yards for a touchdown. Melrose forced Waltham to punt and Melrose did nice clock management, grinding out 53 yards on eight drives until Mike Fennell made it a 14-0 game by catching a 20 yard TD pass on fourth-and-goal. On Melrose’s next possession, Rey Guity made it a 21-0 game with an 87-yard TD run.The Hawks finally got on board when quarterback Nick Calieri connected with Evan Clark for a 15-yard gain to the Melrose 25. He then found Anthony Davis for a 18 yard touchdown that made it a 21-7 game with 6:00 left before the half. Melrose made it a 28-7 game when a huge Isaac Siede run brought the ball to the Waltham three and allowed Charlie Stanton to score on a QB keeper.
Waltham threatened to score on the opening drive of the second half but fumbled. Melrose defense meanwhile, absolutely crushed Waltham, preventing any hopes for second half scoring. Among those denying Hawks were Pat Byrnes, Isaac Siede, Adam Caffey and Mike Calvert. Stanton continued to impress with his air time, throwing a monster pass to Mike Fennell on the sideline near in the endzone, and from there, Guity did the rest with a scamped into end zone, his second TD that gave Melrose a lead of 35-7.
Guity showed his talent on both sides of the ball with a timely pick off late in the fourth that set up a Michael Koytikh touchdown for a final 35-7 score in the game.
With two dominating wins, no double Melrose will rise in rankings, and these efforts prove that Melrose’s coaching staff has an expertise at reloaded each season. Tonight, Melrose hosts Watertown at Fred Green Field. Expect a clash of two hard nosed, well-coached teams. Kick off is at 7:00 p.m.
