Melrose beats N. Reading; hosts Belmont tonight

Published November 9, 2018

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider football team improved to 5-4 on the season with a 28-15 win over North Reading at home Friday, Nov. 2 in non-playoff consolation play. Tonight, they host Belmont in a home finale at Fred Green Field with their last game of the season scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at Landrigan Field in Wakefield. 

Melrose quarterback Brendan Fennell ran two touchdowns to lift Melrose to victory. Billy Pesce had a huge game for Melrose, with a Gronk-like command of the field, plowing through defense most of the night.  

Melrose forced the punt on North Reading’s first possession then launched an 8 play drive for 70 yards that culminated in a 1-yard Kevin Peete touchdown. A good kick by Kemar Bynoe made it a 7-0 game with five minutes left in the first.

ANDY CALVERT delivers a hit for the Melrose Red Raider football team who defeated North Reading last Friday night in non-playoff action, 28-15. (Donna Larsson photo)

North Reading’s Jack Keller returned the kickoff to the Melrose 30 yard-line. From there, quarterback Matt Solecki reached Matt Luciano on a 10 yard touchdown pass. They attempted a two point conversion successfully and it was 8-7 Hornets as the second quarter began. 

The two teams remained in a stalemate going into halftime. When Melrose received the ball after the half, junior Billy Pesce broke out for Melrose on a 20 yard touchdown rush, and a two point run by Melrose quarterback Brendan Fennell make it a 15-8 game, Melrose. 

The Hornets responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 15. Melrose ran ragged in the fourth, with a series of rushes from Kevin Peete who helped set Brendan Fennell up for two rushing touchdowns to preserve Melrose’s 28-15 win. 

For Melrose, it was nice to be back in the winning column. They hope to make it two in a row when they host Belmont tonight at Fred Green Field. 

Belmont was bounced from their first playoff appearance in four years after a loss to Danvers two weeks ago, and are coming off a loss to Burlington last week. They bring to the field quarterback Avery Arno, backs Killian O’Connell and Khaki Joseph and receiver Dijuan Moore. 

For fans who want to see the 2018 Red Raiders at home for the last time before Thanksgiving: kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. 

Special note: Stay tuned for next week’s Thanksgiving Preview, that will highlight the 108th clash between the Melrose and Wakefield football teams, the MHS Marching Band and Color Guard and the MHS Cheer Team.