Better Luck Next Year, Mustangs

Malden Takes 122nd Turkey Day Classic, 13-7

Medford Head Coach Rico Dello Iacono watches his team in action. Photo by Paul Rapatano.

– Allison Goldsberry

Despite a valiant effort, the Mustangs could not pull out a victory against Malden on the 122 Thanksgiving Day match-up of the two long-time rivals.

Medford had several opportunities to turn the game around, with the Golden Tornadoes fumbling the ball and earning numerous penalties. Near the end of the fourth quarter, three penalties in a row pushed Malden deep into Medford territory. The Mustangs grabbed the ball on a fumble, but just couldn’t seal the deal at fourth and goal.

Senior captain Giovanni Sanders continued to lead the team on the field. He provided solid offense and defense and made tackle after tackle for the Mustangs.

Medford’s sole touchdown came in the second quarter on a run by senior captain and quarterback Alex Krasco, followed by a kick by freshman Esad Dzoloto.

Medford played before a large crowd of friends, family, alumni, and fans who showed more spirit than has been seen in a long time, thanks to Head Coach Rico Dello Iacono and his staff. Ironically, it has taken former Everett players and coaches to show Medford players and fans what being a Mustang really is all about.

The Mustangs will finish the season with a respectable 5-5 record. The five games Medford won this season are more than what the team has won in the last three seasons combined. It has been over ten years since the Mustangs had a winning record.

Despite the loss today, the season has been a successful one for Coach Dello Iacono and his team.

• Click here to see stories and watch video highlights of the 2009 season