Unpredictable game sees Melrose fall to 2-4
By JENNIFER GENTILE
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BURLINGTON—The Melrose High varsity football team traveled to Burlington to battle the unbeaten Red Devils on Friday, Oct. 18 and put on quite a show for fans, but were outdueled by Burlington after Melrose’s strong second half comeback fell short, 43-36. Melrose enters tonight’s game against Watertown on the road with a similar record to the Raiders of 2-4 while Burlington remains perfect.
Importantly, Melrose remains in playoff contention with a current Power Ranking spot of 13 among the 16 Div. 4 teams that enter the postseason field. A win over their next two opponents, Watertown (2-4) and Wilmington (0-6) should seal it. Melrose’s strength of schedule (playing several unbeaten teams this fall) continues to benefit them.
Coach Tim Morris’ squad was up against a two headed beast in Burlington senior quarterback QB senior Anthony Gerrior (265 yards 3 TD) and teammate Drew Garvey, who dominated the end zone for Burlington.
But Melrose’s own weapons, quarterback Jack Feeney (200+ throwing yards, 2 TDs), Marco Albanese (2 TDs) and Nick Hitchman were equally effective, as they, and the rest of the boys in red and white, kept a constant threat over the evening, as Burlington squandered a 15-0 lead which led a 22-22 tie before halftime, and later, a 4th quarter score of 36-29 which made it too comfort for Burlington with 7:00 minutes left.
Burlington ran to a 15-0 early lead on touchdowns by Drew Garvey, including and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fumble recovery off of Melrose QB Jack Feeney which Garvey hoofed into the end zone that had fans scratching their heads. Melrose remained undeterred, especially, quarterback Feeney, who made giant connections over the night with favorite receivers Marco Albanese, Max Lanciani and Nick Hitchman, who set up Melrose’s first touchdown of the night with a remarkable one-handed catch right outside the end zone, arguably Melrose’s best play of the season. That set up Melrose on the three-yard line and an Albanese touchdown run. A good kick by Pat Buggy kept Melrose in the game, 15-7.
After another Burlington touchdown, Feeney and Albanese connected again for a 52-yard touchdown to pull Melrose closer 11-14. And Melrose would really scare the Red Devils on their next possession, when they took advantage of a Burlington fumble to set up a 30-yard Feeney touchdown pass to Max Lanciani. Feeney scored a two-point conversion on a keeper to make it a brand new 22-22 game with minutes to go before the half.
But another Burlington touchdown would set the tone for the rest of the night as the two teams went into halftime with Burlington up 29-22. And another Red Devil touchdown in the opening of the third gave Melrose a steep obstacle, down 36-22. Melrose’s Max Lanciani would gain ground on a series of runs, and a Rich Harrison reverse touchdown run kept Melrose in the game, 36-29, with seven minutes to go. Garrier threw a 50 yard touchdown pass to put Burlington up 43-29 and Melrose responded with over a minute left when Feeney scored on a QB keeper touchdown, and a good point after by Buggy kept Melrose within a touchdown with a minute left, 43-36.
Melrose attempted on onside kick but it was recovered by Burlington, ending Melrose’s relentless comeback.
Tonight, Melrose travels to Watertown to face the Raiders, who just fell to 30-0 to 1-4 Wakefield. Melrose is hoping to leave with a win and maintain their healthy Power Rankings as they cautiously eye a post season run.
Stay tuned.
