By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High varsity football team kicks off their playoff run this Friday evening, Nov. 7, on the road at Masconomet Regional High at 6:00 p.m.
Melrose (5-3) drew the 11th seed in the MIAA Div. 3 playoffs and will battle a 6th seed Chieftain team.
Melrose will battle a red-hot Mascot team who enter the game 7-1 and the Northeast Conference champs. Masco just handed Marblehead their first loss last week in a 45-42 shootout. The Chieftains’ only loss this season was against Winchester and they average about 26 points a game. They have given up 64 points in two games.
Melrose has a recent history with Masco, battling them in early off-season games a few years back so it’s not an unfamiliar program. Masco is, however, having a hot season and Melrose’s first priority will be to contain Jack Fabiano, who had 5 touchdowns in the teams’ 45-42 win over Marblehead last week. He also ran for 295 yards with 6 touchdowns against Beverly earlier in the season. Masco is also led by quarterback Drew Gustafson. Melrose should also keep their eye on receivers Cal Weidman and Liam Ginley, favored targets of their QB.
Melrose defense, however, will be prepared and in their last three efforts Melrose has allowed an average of only 7 points, and are coming off a strong defensive game against Stoneham. Should the boys in red and white contain Fabiano, expect Melrose quarterback Jack Feeney and his crew to make their mark against the Chieftains.