Post publication updates:
Melrose falls to Wilmington 38-34 (Sept. 29)
Melrose defeats Winchester 44.5-27.5 (Sept. 26)
Melrose defeats Burlington 41.5-30.5 (Sept. 24)
Published September 19, 2025
Team approaches mid season after Watertown win
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—With Mother Nature on its side, the Melrose High golf team is cruising along this month, already 6 matches into their young season which has seen them picking up 2 wins this month, including a victory against Watertown, 53-19, on Sept. 9 at Oakley Country Club in Watertown.
Nearly every Melrose player prevailed on the day as Melrose cruised to victory over an upstart Watertown program. “Their an up–and-coming team,” says Melrose head coach Rick McDermod on the Raiders. “And we played well against them.”
Taking victories were golfers that have been playing in the following order: 1. Jack Burnham 2. Justin Santoriello 3. Colin Cote 4. Aiden Ryan 5. Cooper Kovacs 6. Cole Matthews 7. Tanner Kovacs 8. Ben Kavanaugh and 9. Aiden Thompson.
This is a group that has showed significant progress over the last year, particularly from his underclassmen. “I’m seeing guys who have worked up to the top 4 spots after one year on the team an that’s the kind of progression we like to see,” says the coach, who pointed out strong season efforts so far from Jack Burnham, Colin Cote and Cooper Kovacs.
An “around the league” look shows Melrose facing stiff competition against Middlesex League competition, including teams like Wakefield and Lexington, whose #1 players may be some of the best in the state. Melrose will host Burlington next Wednesday at Bellevue and host an always-tough Winchester team on Friday, Sept. 26 at Mt Hood.
Coming up soon is the all-important Middlesex League Shoot Out at Bear Hill on Thursday, Sept. 25. This is an event Melrose always excels in. In the coming days they will choose the shooters who will represent Melrose at the event.
“We’ve won the Middlesex League Shoot out 5 years in a row, on the Freedom side,” says McDermod. “It will be more of a challenge this year with Wakefield’s depth but not impossible.”
Also on the calendar is post season play. Sectionals will take place on Oct. 14 and State Finals on Oct. 20.