Thrashes Lincoln Sudbury, 41-7, to remain 2-0
Published September 27, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
SUDBURY—The Melrose Red Raider football team put the division on notice with a 41-7 blowout over Div. 2 North finalist Lincoln Sudbury, exacting revenge from Melrose’s 35-13 loss last year to the Warriors at Fred Green Field. The win keeps Melrose 2-0 and ranked high in statewide football polls.
Certainly beating the historically tough Warriors was feasible, but the score raised some pleased eyebrows and serves as a statement victory for Melrose, who saw quarterback Brendan Fennell score three rushing touchdowns.
BRENDAN FENNELL was a force as quarterback during Melrose’s 41-7 rout of Lincoln Sudbury. He scored three of Melrose’s 6 touchdowns. (Keith Curtis photo)
The Red Raiders proved their mettle early when they picked the ball off of Warrior quarterback Riley O’Connell on their first possession. From there, Fennell ran for a 45-yard touchdown to give Melrose an early lead of 7-0. Red Raider defense came up big during Lincoln Sudbury’s next position, holding the line on a 5 yard first and goal scenario, thanks in part to the fine work of Jared Karelas and brothers Mical and Micye Duntin, which forced the Warriors to turn the ball over.
Lincoln-Sudbury responded with a 1-yard touchdown by quarterback O’Connell to make it 7-7 but that would be the only score the day for the Warriors, who turned the ball over three times and watched as Melrose made them pay for it. That included a fumble recovery from Sean Herbert, who made it a 14-7 game for Melrose when he reached the end zone off the work of William Pesce, who rushed for 40 yards but fumbled close to the end zone. Fortunately, the ball recaptured by Herbert for the Melrose score.
The Red Raiders would score four more unanswered touchdowns, thanks to yards gained via terrific running from William Pesce (100 + yards) and Matt Hickey. Fennell (100+ rushing) ran for a 14 yard touchdown and a solid extra point by Zach Federico made it 21-7 at the half.
In the third quarter, Fennell found the end zone again and made it 27-7 with an 8-yard touchdown run.
On their next possession, the Warriors threw a pick-six into the arms of Matt Hickey, who returned the ball to widen the lead, 34-7. Hickey was merciless on the Warriors—his final touchdown in the third made it a final score of 41-7.
Melrose coach Tim Morris couldn’t be more pleased with his team’s effort. “This was a total team win. They played great on offense and defense. A solid effort overall.”
Tonight, the Red Raiders travel to Wilmington to play the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. at Wilmington High. Melrose’s home opener is on the horizon (finally!) as they open up against Stoneham at home on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m.
