Mustang Football Earns 1st Win of Season

Updated 3:47PM Saturday, September 17, 2011

Video courtesy MHS-TV 15

– Allison Goldsberry

After going winless last season and losing last week to Revere, the varsity football team roared back to life with a shutout victory over Newton South Friday night.

“The kids played their hearts out…I’m real proud of them,” said Head Coach Rico Dello Iacono.

The Mustangs defeated Newton South 13-0 on the road.  Senior John McGreevey (right) had a big interception in the second quarter, setting the stage for senior captain Nick Olivier (left) to score a touchdown.  Medford’s second touchdown was scored late in the game by junior Nate Clement.

Coach Rico called McGreevey’s interception a turning point and a “momentum changer” for the game. He credits that play, as well as a 56-yard punt by Olivier that set up the opportunity for the interception, with kick-starting the team’s offense.

The Mustang defense was strong, for which Coach Rico credits assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jason Nascimento.

“It was a great defensive scheme by Coach Nascimento,” said Coach Rico.

Senior DeStephanos Marcellus, junior Cedric Nicholas, senior Jesse Szykniej, senior Reginald Fleurival, and junior Jeff Fargo made some key defensive plays for the Mustangs.

To the team and coaches’ credit, the Mustangs not only looked stronger since last season, they looked better since last week’s loss to Revere and even seemed to improve as the game went on. Coach Rico felt it was fitting the team held a thirteenth straight loss at bay by winning 13-0.

Despite the progress, there will be no basking in this victory. The team is already focused on preparing for next week’s match against Haverhill.

“We gotta get ready for next week,” said Coach Rico, adding that Haverhill is a good team.

Medford is now 1-1 and will host Haverhill at 7PM on Friday, September 24 at Hormel Stadium.