Melrose falls 15-13 to Masconomet; home opener tonight against Burlington
By JENNIFER GENTILE
THE RED Raider football team lost in overtime, 15-13, during last week’s season opener at Masconomet. (Jennifer Gentile photo)
MELROSE — The Melrose Red Raider football team fell to Masconomet 15-13 in overtime during their season opener at Walt Roberts Field in Topsfield on Friday, Sept. 12. A 2-point conversion pass made the difference for the Chieftains, who handed Melrose their first regular season loss since Sept. 27, 2013.
Melrose and Masco had been locked in a 7-7 tie after regulation facing an overtime scenario that required two points conversion attempts post touchdown. While both Melrose and Masco indeed found the end zone in overtime, it was Masco’s Corey Tines who prevailed in the extra point attempt, giving the Chieftains the 15-13 win.
Melrose faces their home opener against Burlington this Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Fred Green Field for the beginning of Middlesex Freedom League play.
On Friday the Raiders had enjoyed an early lead against Masco thanks to Melrose quarterback Jake Karelas and receiver Brian McLaughlin who found the end zone twice for the Raiders. Karelas first hit McLaughlin with a 55 yard bomb with less than a minute left in the first giving Melrose a 7-0 lead. Overall Karelas enjoyed a solid debut as Red Raider quarterback showing capability in his passing game. Masco played a particularly sloppy first half, turning the ball over twice in the first, including an interception in the arms of Melrose’s Jack Hickey. The Raiders could not capitalize on the errors and both teams went into halftime with a 7-0 Melrose lead.
In the third period Masco scored on their first possession when Scott Foden found the end zone with a 17-yard scamper to tie it, 7-7. That score would remain until overtime. Melrose retained possession first in overtime which resulted in Karelas reaching McLaughlin for their second touchdown of the night. Melrose’s attempt for two was blocked by Masco’s Louis Saladino. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Masco’s Declyn Judge ran for a touchdown and Corey Tines converted the two point pass attempt for the 15-13 win.
Melrose looks to bounce back when they begin league play on Friday against Burlington. The Red Devils are 1-0 to start the season after a season-opener win over Billerica, 22-21.
