STONEHAM — Less than per week after Salem dashed Stoneham’s hopes of returning to the MIAA Division 6 state finals, the Spartans took out no matter frustrations they’d on Reading.
Stoneham (7-5) closed out its season with a 39-0 victory in its annual Thanksgiving Day recreation on Thursday.
“We felt we didn’t perform as well as we could against Salem,” stated Stoneham coach Bob Almeida, whose crew received seven of its final eight video games after an 0-4 begin. “This rivalry means a lot to us and this is the last game on this field. It was just as complete a team effort as we’ve had against Reading in all three phases.”
Said Stoneham quarterback Matt Tran, who threw three landing passes, “The coaches always talked about Thanksgiving being more important than the Super Bowl. To end the season this way means a lot.”
After the sport, the Spartans obtained information that Wakefield defeated Melrose, giving them sole possession of the Middlesex League Freedom title at 4-1 within the league. Stoneham’s league season was full previous to Thanksgiving and the MIAA match.
“To make the final four, win on Thanksgiving and have sole possession of the league title after an 0-4 start is unbelievable,” Almeida stated. “We just took it one at a time and the kids never quit. That was the important thing.”
Reading (3-8) had its string of 5 straight Middlesex League Liberty titles come to an finish.
Stoneham led 14-0 after the primary quarter when its offense ran all however three of the performs from scrimmage. On the opening drive of the sport, Matt Tran threw his first landing cross, 24 yards, to Ty Baker.
On the Rockets’ second play following the following kickoff, Wyatt Romanowski recovered a fumble at midfield. Eight performs later, he was ultimately zone, catching a 10-yard cross from Tran.
Midway by means of the second quarter, Tran threw his third landing cross, 9 yards, to Ben Bruno.
Kevin Gilmartin closed out the half with a 26-yard landing run. Christian Paolini’s kick made it 29-0 proper earlier than the groups went into the locker rooms. Sean Kilty scored the Spartans’ ultimate landing on a 2-yard run with 4:49 left within the third quarter.
“I took the last two weeks off with an injury and it was really frustrating,” stated Kiity, who additionally rushed for a two-point conversion. “I’m glad I came back for Thanksgiving. This was a great team win.”
Will Anderson added a 22-yard discipline purpose within the fourth quarter with 5:09 left.
Source: www.bostonherald.com