18 game winning streak continues; Melrose 4-0
Published April 16, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
BURLINGTON—The Melrose Red Raider football team’s winning streak continues at 18 after a 37-6 blowout over Burlington last Friday evening at Burlington High. Melrose remains a flawless 4-0 on the season and this weekend will host Wakefield, in a not-so-Thanksgiving game that takes place at noon on Saturday at Fred Green Field in Melrose. The game will be broadcast at Melrose High Youtube channel at TinyUrl.com/MelroseLive.
Burlington (1-3) came into the game as a low-scoring team who hadn’t given up many points this season against competitive teams like Stoneham and Wilmington. But Melrose burned the Red Devils in every way they could, starting with five, first half touchdowns and a field goal to take a giant 37-point lead at the half. Melrose was simply on cruise control and able to work much of their reserves in the second half.
Melrose senior quarterback Brendan Fennell went 8 of 12 passes for 170 passing yards while senior captain Matt Hickey scored two touchdowns and ran for 90 yards on 14 carries.
The Red Raiders also capitalized on three Red Devil turnovers, two in the first half, to help tally the score even higher. Burlington was led in scoring by Adam Eldeeb, who rushed for over 100 yards. The Red Devils opened the game with quarterback Nick Berglund connecting on a series of passes to receivers who advanced the ball to the Melrose 25-yard line. But Melrose defense clamped down and Burlington turned the ball over on downs.
It took no time at all for Fennell get to work. He and fellow teammate Matt Hickey helped advance the ball to the Burlington 40. Fennell connected with senior Charlie Haggerty on the 20 and he ran it in for a touchdown. A Zach Federico kick made it 7-0, Melrose. On Melrose’s next drive, Fennell launched a beautiful pass to senior Ryan Maher, who took the the ball to the Burlington 10. From there, senior Jake Rowe ran into the end zone to make it 14-0, Melrose. Fennell came up big on Burlington’s next possession when he picked off a Berglund pass and returned it to the Burlington 45. Some fine footwork done by Hickey, Rowe and Liam Maher helped kill the clock and advance the ball to the Burlington 3-yard line. Hickey would score his first touchdown and another beauty of a point after by Federico gave Melrose a 21-0 lead as the first quarter expired.
The Red Devils nearly scored on their next possession, advancing to the Melrose four yard line, but a holding penalty brought them back to the 14. From there, Melrose defense did the job and once again denied Burlington the end zone. On their next possession, Melrose plowed through defense thanks to rushes from Jake Rowe and Liam Maher, to help set up a 22-yard field goal by Melrose’s Federico to take a commanding 24-0 lead. After forcing another punt, Melrose got the ball back again and Fennell launched a 50-yard pass to senior Matt Dussault to advance Melrose to the Burlington 13. Hickey rushed into the end zone on the next carry and Melrose’s lead grew even larger at 30-0.
As halftime approached the Red Devils were getting in their own way. They turned the ball over on their next possession and paid the price as Fennell ran for a 5-yard touchdown and Federico’s kick make it 37-0 at the half.
Burlington finally scored in the second half, making it a 37-6 game in the third after a Ryan McGillivray touchdown.
Melrose put quarterback Trevor Botto into the game and Melrose defense did the rest, keeping the Red Devils out of their end zone to finish the contest with a solid 37-6 victory that kept the Red Raiders undefeated at 4-0 and having not suffered a loss since 2018.
This weekend, Melrose will host Wakefield (1-3) in their annual meeting. While it’s not Thanksgiving, the match up is always widely anticipated. Melrose has beaten Wakefield in their last ten straight contests. The Warriors come equipped with seniors Danny Hurley and Tucker Stikeman and will travel to Melrose for a noon tilt. Fans can watch live at www.wcatv.org or visit the WCATV YouTube page for live streaming.
If Melrose beats the Warriors, they will secure a share of the Middlesex Freedom League. If they beat Wakefield and Stoneham (whom they close the season with on April 24) they will win the division outright. Stay tuned.
Freedom League Standings
League Overall
Melrose 3-0 4-0
Wilmington 3-1 3-1
Stoneham 2-1 2-1
Watertown 1-3 1-3
Wakefield 1-3 1-3 Burlington 1-3 1-3
