Melrose Makes It Official: Middlesex Rules In 2017

By Bob Holmes

You hear it every August in leagues from the Atlantic Coast to the Tri-Valley. Our league is going to be really tough this year. But in 2017 there's only one league in the state that backed up an August cliché with November production.

The Middlesex League, specifically the Middlesex Freedom, has three teams -- Melrose, Stoneham, and Watertown -- that won sectional titles and are one win from playing in a Super Bowl game at Gillette Stadium. No other league has three teams playing in the state semifinals. Take a bow Middlesex.

Here's a quick look at the three focusing on why we're not surprised they won a North title ... and why, maybe, we're a little surprised. Also, a look at the next opponent.

MELROSE (10-0)

Why we're not surprised: The Red Raiders were the league champions and have wins over both Stoneham (44-38 in OT) and Watertown (28-14). They are one of 9 undefeated teams left in EMass and have one of the most electric running backs in the state in Isaac Seide, who ran for 245 yards in the win over Marblehead Friday. If anyone was going to here, it was Melrose.

Why we're surprised: No eight seed has ever beaten a No. 1 seed but Dracut almost beat Melrose in the Division 4 North quarterfinals, 14-10. That's the now 3-6 Middies, and hardly a score that gives you confidence.

Next: Melrose faces South winner Hopkinton (10-0) Saturday at Weymouth High at 2 p.m. The winner faces Nashoba (9-1) in the Division 4 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. Because there is no Division 4 in Western Mass, Nashoba has a bye.

STONEHAM (8-2)

Why we're not surprised: The Spartans have a punishing and relentless ground game led by Trey Pignone and Christos Argyropoulos. The two combined for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the win over previously unbeaten Hamilton-Wenham in the Division 6 North title game.

Why we're surprised: Stoneham lost two of three games in October prior to the start of the playoffs, including an ugly 34-6 loss to Wilmington in their regular-season finale.

Next: Stoneham faces South winner Middleboro (8-2) Friday at Woburn High at 7:30 p.m. The winner faces Littleton (10-0) in the Division 6 Super Bowl. Because there is no Division 6 in Western Mass, Littleton has a bye.

WATERTOWN (6-4)

Why we're not surprised: The Raiders went 5-0 outside the Middlesex League. The determination they showed in coming back from a 10-point deficit in the freezing cold at Lynnfield Friday tells you all you need to know about their make-up. And oh ya, Nick McDermott, John Korte, Mange Camara, Conor Kennelly, and Matt Muldrew ... all tough kids who know how to make plays when they count.

Why we're surprised: The lowest seeded team to win a title at No. 6, Watertown lost its last three games and at 3-4 was lucky the MIAA power ratings in Division 5 North were so forgiving. Clearly this was not a team on a roll.

Next: Watertown faces South winner Dennis-Yarmouth (10-0) Friday at Medford High at 6 p.m. In the other semifinal, Nipmuc (10-0) faces West Springfield (9-1) at Westfield State on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Photo by Mike Carraggi