Expect a solid season from returning starters
After press time: Melrose defeats Peabody 21-0 (Sept. 5)
THE MELROSE High football team kicks off their 2025 campaign tonight (Friday) at Fred Green Field when they host Peabody at 7:00 p.m. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
BY JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—One year after a playoff-bound 2024 season, the Melrose High football team kicks off its season at home this Friday evening against Peabody at Fred Green Field at 7:00 p.m.
It’s safe to say there are good expectations for this squad, as they return with a great amount of returning starters, including their quarterback, as they aim to return to playoffs, a place they reached last season. They will take on the Tanners this Friday, a team who also made playoffs last year. Expect a competitive game.
Melrose is in good hands, led by senior captains Jack Casey (tight end/lineman) and Jack Feeney (quarterback).
“We’ve had a pretty decent preseason,” reports coach Tim Morris. “We’ve had some good scrimmages against talented teams and we’re healthy so far.” That includes battles against talented schools such as Billerica and Masconomet.
Senior Jack Feeney returns as a college-recruited quarterback, after a great 2024. “He’s a leader student of the game. He can run and throw. We’re in good hands,” says Morris. And, we’re happy to have returning starters like Jack (Casey) who is a leader on our line.”
Add some real play makers like senior Max Lanciani, who scored a slew of touchdowns for Melrose last year, running back Rich Harrison and senior defensive back Tyler Garipay and Melrose is going to be able to get out of the gate quickly this season. Senior Nate Geer is also a versatile player who could see minutes as back up quarterback and a special team leader. Notes Morris, “We’re really fortunate to have these guys returning. They had tons of experience from last year.”
Feeney will have lots of weapons on the field. Look for him to connect with Harrison, Garipay, Lanciani and wide receiver Nick Vassallo.
Melrose’s line remains a work in progress but look for senior captain Jack Casey to lead a team that could be made up of Cole Nault, Graham Creamer and Brian Capodilupo, among others.
The Middlesex League will be competitive as always. Melrose will only play two large teams this fall (Reading, Woburn) and won’t meet teams like Winchester, who is expected to be a huge contender in the ML Large. But they will have to contend with an improved Burlington and Stoneham. There will be no nights off and that’s okay with this well-prepared Melrose team. Says the coach, “We’re going to iron out the wrinkles, just some little things before Friday so we can come out smoothly. We’ll be ready.”
2025 Schedule
9/5/2025 Fri 7:00 PM v. Peabody
9/12/2025 Fri 7:00 PM @ Reading
9/26/2025 Fri 7:00 PM v. Swampscott
10/3/2025 Fri 6:00 PM @ Woburn
10/10/2025 Fri 7:00 PM v. Burlington
10/17/2025 Fri 7:00 PM v. Watertown
10/24/2025 Fri 7:00 PM @ Wilmington
10/31/2025 Fri 7:00 PM v. Stoneham
11/27/2025 Thu 10:00 AM @ Wakefield (Thanksgiving)