MELROSE- In an enormous Middlesex League showdown, Stoneham snagged a 12-7 victory over internet hosting Melrose on Halloween evening.
The Spartans (6-2) utilized a run-based T formation offense within the low-scoring victory whereas managing to restrict a Crimson Hawks (5-3) offense that has scored at the least 20 factors in six of its earlier seven video games.
Stoneham head coach Bob Almeida stated sturdy play on protection and total environment friendly play on offense led to the victory.
“For probably the most half I used to be pleased with our offense,” Almeida stated. “We saved driving the ball again and again, after which we’d have these premature penalties. Holding right here, false begin there, nearly value us many instances. However as soon as once more, our protection got here up large and got here to play. That’s a extremely good soccer workforce and a well-coached workforce with an important quarterback. I’m pleased with our guys.”
The primary half was practically completed scoreless till Stoneham sophomore working again Dan Staffieri plunged into the tip zone from one yard away with 25 seconds to play within the second quarter. The 2-point conversion was missed, which gave the Spartans only a 6-0 edge at halftime.
Melrose (5-3) began the second half sizzling when senior QB Jack Feeny hit senior receiver Max
Lanciani in stride for a 65-yard landing move on the fourth play of the third quarter. Stoneham responded straight away by churning out a 15-play drive with Staffieri discovering the tip zone as soon as once more, this time from six yards out. The 2-point conversion was missed once more to maintain the rating at 12-7 with 1:20 left within the third quarter.
Each groups punted on their following drives. Melrose would commit a turnover on downs to
give Stoneham the ball again, trying to drain the clock and ice the sport away.
The Spartans
have been in a position to get just a few first downs however in the end gave the ball again to Melrose on their very own 14
down 5 factors with 2:35 to go. The Crimson Hawks have been in a position to get all the way down to the Spartan 32 with 11 seconds to go. However their final two performs of the sport have been a false begin and a holding name, which ran out the clock for Stoneham to carry on.
“Our O line is a really skilled and good group. 4 of the 5 guys are three-year
starters, solely our heart is new. They have been an enormous cause why we gained. Going ahead we’re gonna have to scrub up some issues. We’re actually battle-hardened. The Middlesex League is a extremely powerful league and we’re the smallest college in it. So it undoubtedly helps put together us for the playoffs,” added Almeida.
Each groups will head into the playoffs beginning subsequent week. Stoneham will compete within the
Division 6 bracket, whereas Melrose will compete in Div. 3.
