Post-publication update: Melrose falls to Reading 36-12 (Sept. 12)
Published September 12, 2025
Football shutouts Peabody, 21-0, in season opener
Flawless start for Melrose, who travels to Reading this week
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It was the perfect opening for the 2025 Melrose High varsity football team, who kicked off their season with a resounding 21-0 shutout over Peabody at home on Friday, Sept. 5 in front of a big crowd to start 1-0 on the season. Tonight, they travel to Reading to take on the Rockets, who rebounded in 2024 with an undefeated season and Final 4 tournament bid.
Melrose defense shined against the Peabody Tanners, and it was a group effort on offense that saw three different Melrose players score, including Rich Harrison who kicked things off with a first possession touchdown to put Melrose up 7-0.
A chance to match efforts by Peabody and their quarterback Luke Maglione was thwarted on their next possession thanks to strong tackles by Melrose senior captain Jack Casey and a broken up pass by Melrose’s Nate Geer (also 3-3 in PATs). Despite some rushes by Harrison and CJ Cinella, Melrose and Peabody traded possessions in the first. Peabody’s best chance of scoring game in the second when they advanced to the Melrose 25 but saw an end zone pass broken up by Nate Geer. Melrose’s Parker Siebel returned a punt to nearly the 50-yard line and despite some solid rushes by Siebel and Rick Teixeira and a keeper from Melrose quarterback Jack Feeney, Melrose went into the half still up 7-0.
Melrose opened the third in a dramatic fashion, when Jack Casey recovered a fumble on Peabody’s 46 yard line and from there, great rushes from Feeney, Rich Harrison helped set up Nolan Clarke on the 15 and he scored Melrose’s second touchdown of the game to give Melrose a wider lead of 14-0.
Peabody couldn’t get anything going as the fourth quarter opened and Melrose would relay on runs from Max Lanciani, CJ Cinella and Nolan Clarke to set up first downs. Melrose quarterback Feeney connected with Nick Vassallo on a 25-yard touchdown pass for Melrose’s final score of the game and a 21-0 finish.
A clean sweep for Melrose who will likely face a steeper challenge against Reading, who finished an 8-0 campaign in 2024 and a playoff run that advanced them to State Semifinals.
Action takes place, on the road at Reading High, at 7:00 p.m.