Post publication update:
North Reading defeats Essex Tech 35-6 (Oct 10)
Published October 9, 2025
Gridmen (4-0) ready for home-opener after Triton win
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
BYFIELD — The final score in last Friday’s football matchup with Cape Ann League foe Triton, in final summation, might look like yet another drubbing handed down by North Reading. Nevertheless, unlike the first three games of the season, this one was up for grabs through the first half.
The Hornets, clinging to a 28-21 at the break, finally sprang to life and scored three unanswered down the stretch to claim a 49-21 win, their fourth in as many tries.
“You have to give their coaching staff credit,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum, of his stubborn opponent. “It’s a new coaching staff but they’ve done a heckuva job with their offense. At times, they were tough to stop.”
Blum was referring to senior tailback Carl Lucy who toiled for 149-yards on 26 carries and scored all three of the Vikings’ touchdowns. His counterpart, Otto Indelicato, was nearly equal to the task, bookending a pair of rushing TDs to bring his season count to 7.
“We called a run with the left side pulling,” said Indelicato, describing his fourth quarter score, which featured the senior tailback shredding would-be tacklers for 25-yards. “It was a great kickout block by the left tackle Glenn Mello and amazing blocks by the receivers. In the red zone, I just had to use my legs and power through.”
Once again showcasing their versatility was the QB-receiver tandem of Jason Berry and Gavin Brady. The exceptional duo combined with eight catches for 130-yards and a pair of Brady TD receptions. Perhaps the pivotal play of the game belonged to the younger version of Brady, sophomore brother Colin. With the teams tied at 7-7, Berry lofted a precision throw to Gavin who hauled it in and made a beeline for the end zone. Leading the way was Colin, who deftly cleared the path with a key block.
“It was a passing play and he’s my brother,” said Colin Brady, who earlier returned a kickoff 48-yards to set up the eventual go-ahead score. “My attitude is I have to do anything I can for him.”
On the next Triton series, Mello added points off a pick-6 from the 30-yard-line. The Vikings quickly responded, however, with a Lucy 13-yard TD to draw to within a score. But just before the intermission, the Hornets capped a 6-play, 87-yard drive with a Berry to Brady linkup on 4th-and-long for a 28-14 lead.
Triton once again cut into the deficit with a 4-yarder from Lucy but Hornet receiver Ian Baker delivered what proved to be the knockout blow with a 57-yard catch-and-run midway through the third.
“I caught the ball, utilized my blocks along the sideline and then there was just one guy to beat,” explained Baker, who nimbly sidestepped the Viking defender and coasted to daylight for a 35-21 Hornet lead.
“You’re seeing guys grow as players,” said Blum, who is currently undefeated at 4-0. “They’re starting to act older than their ages, making plays and developing quickly. Ian Baker had a great game and Colin Brady is working his tail off. These are two of our younger guys and their success is good news for the team.”
Midway through the final frame, QB Berry (7 carries for 38-yards and 1 TD, 15-of-21 passing for 250-yards) added a 1-yard plunge to further please the North Reading faithful.
After four straight road games, the North Reading Hornets return home tomorrow evening to face the 2-2 Essex Tech Hawks who most recently defeated Ipswich, 30-14.
“It has been awhile and we’re excited,” said Blum when asked about the long-awaited homecoming. “Hopefully, we can use that excitement and energy to refocus in practice and be ready for whatever Essex Tech decides to throw at us.”