Post publication update:
Melrose defeats Wilmington 21-14 (Oct. 24)
Published October 24, 2025
Senior Night shutout for Melrose High football
21-0 Watertown win has Melrose now 4-2 on season
By CORY THOMAS
MELROSE—The Melrose High varsity football team is back in the win column and 4-2 on their season after balanced 21-0 victory over Watertown last Friday night. The night saw two touchdowns from senior quarterback Jack Feeney and a sensational 103-yard interception return touchdown by Cian Sullivan to compete the full sweep. Tonight, they travel to Wilmington to face a very strong Wildcat team (5-1).
With a #12 current Power Ranking, Melrose is cautiously positioned for a potential playoff run but will need to finish the job against tough opponents Wilmington and Stoneham in the coming weeks.
It was the perfect night for football when Melrose hosted the Watertown Raiders on Senior Night at Fred Green Field, and following a nice pregame ceremony where the seniors from MHS football, the Marching Band & Color Guard and cheerleaders, and their families were honored on the field before the key football game that Melrose needed to win to bolster their state playoff resume.
Melrose received the opening kick off after Watertown won the coin toss and deferred their choice to the second half. Senior Max Lanciani returned the opening kick off for 52 yards all the way into Watertown territory and Melrose was in business early. Senior quarterback Jack Feeney led the Melrose offense onto the field. Despite the good early field position Melrose faced a fourth down situation early in the game, going for it but turning the ball over on downs.
The teams traded possessions in the first quarter without scoring as the Melrose defense tightened led by senior captain Jack Casey, who had five tackles in the first quarter. Casey was joined by senior Tyler Garipay in making big plays on defense for Melrose. Watertown drove deep into Melrose territory and had a first down on the Melrose thirteen-yard line. Tyler Garipay shot across the line of scrimmage and tackled the Watertown running back for a loss, sparking the Melrose defense. Watertown’s drive sputtered and they faced fourth down as the first quarter ended.
The second quarter began with Watertown lined up for a field goal trying to get the game’s first points. But Melrose’s defense came up big, blocking the kick and taking over deep in their own side of the field, at their ten-yard line. That quickly changed thanks to a burst of speed and a forty-yard run from junior running back CJ Cinella. For good measure, Cinella added a run of fifteen yards on the next play and Melrose was at the Watertown thirty-five yard line. QB Jack Feeney added a run down to the twenty-three. Melrose ran a couple of unsuccessful plays and faced third and long from the 23, when seniors Feeney and Nick Vasallo hooked up for a pass and catch for a clutch first down to keep the drive alive. CJ Cinella ran the ball down to the four and from there Feeney called his own number several times until he was able to sneak it in past the Watertown defense for the first score of the game. After Nate Geer kicked the extra point, Melrose had the 7-0 lead as the teams entered halftime.
The second half began with Watertown starting their drive from their own thirty-eight yard line. Junior defensive lineman Graham Kreamer had a nice tackle for a loss for Melrose to force Watertown into poor field position. Watertown was unable to convert a third down attempt at a first down, so on fourth down they decided to go for it fourth and four. Watertown was unsuccessful on the fourth down try as junior defensive back Cian Sullivan nearly intercepted the ball, breaking up the play. Melrose started their first drive of the second half in Watertown territory at the forty-five yard line. A Feeney pass to Max Lanciani gave Melrose a first down at the 34-yard line. Following a Max Hoag run of five yards, Max Lanciani broke off a twenty-two yard run down to the Watertown seven-yard line in a goal to go situation. Jack Feeney was able to get Melrose back into the end zone with his second touchdown of the game. Nate Geer was successful on the point after kick and Melrose increased their lead to 14-0 as the third quarter neared its end.
The fourth began with Watertown driving into Melrose territory. Watertown was deep in the Melrose side of the field, and faced a crucial fourth down play from the six-yard line. Melrose’s defense held thanks to a great push from their defensive line behind senior Ian McKeown and a host of others to thwart the Watertown drive. Melrose’s offense took over at its own seven-yard line and got improved field position immediately thanks to a huge momentum turning run of fifty-two yards by sophomore Max Hoag. Unfortunately for Melrose that drive stalled and Melrose went for it on fourth down and was not able to convert. Watertown took over on downs at its own twenty-nine with 6:21 to go in the game.
Watertown continued to drive into Melrose territory as they attempted to get back into the game, trailing 14-0. They had the ball at the Melrose thirty-seven with 4:50 left to play and they faced a crucial fourth and two from the Melrose twelve-yard line. The Watertown quarterback dropped back to pass, he wasn’t just looking for the first down, he was looking for a touchdown as he fired the ball into the end zone. Junior defensive back Cian Sullivan had other plans. Sullivan jumped the route, skillfully stepping in front of the Watertown receiver and intercepted the ball two yards deep in the Melrose end zone. Cian Sullivan saw nothing but the bright green of Fred Green field in front of him, as he took off from his own end zone as the crowd cheered. A quick cut inside around the Watertown quarterback and Sullivan was off to the races, smooth sailing into the Watertown end zone for a game clinching, 102 yard interception return for a touchdown. Surely one of the longest touchdowns in the annals of Melrose High School football history. Geer added his third PAT of the game for a 21-0 lead.
To put an end to the game on Senior Night, senior defensive lineman Cole Nault sacked the Watertown QB as the clock ran out. Melrose earned a key victory in their push to make the state playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Melrose’s record is now 4 wins and 2 losses, they will next play Middlesex Freedom Division foe Wilmington (5-1) on Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. on the road.