“Our defense stepped up strong,’’ said senior cocaptain Spencer Walsh. “Last year we were known for giving up the big play. So we knew we couldn’t give that up.’’
It was the third straight nail-biter for Morris’s squad, following wins over Woburn (19-18) and Reading (14-12).
“It had been a long time since anybody beat Reading in the league. It was a nice win for those guys,’’ said Morris. “It lifted everybody’s spirits.’’
In its 3-8 finish last season, the Red Raiders yielded 21.5 points per game while scoring barely over 11. This season, at 5-0, Melrose is scoring (21.5 ppg.) and defending (10 ppg.).
“A lot of people didn’t expect this of us,’’ said Walsh. “As seniors this is our last year. We have a lot of experience.’’
Melrose is not flashy; it’s a team full of workhorses; the Red Raiders hit hard and earn every point they score. And they have yet to play a true home game, using facilities at both Woburn and Reading until their new field is ready next month.
“This year it’s all coming together. The whole team is just having fun,’’ said senior cocaptain C.J. Hanson. “Just out on the playground having fun.’’
Morris said that Hanson and Walsh are providing strong leadership as captains.
“Both have great attitudes and good work ethics,’’ he said. “It rubs off on everybody else around them.’’
“I try to do whatever I can to lead my teammates,’’ said Walsh. “It takes everyone to win the game. We all have to do our job.’’
Melrose can attribute much of its success to its line play, both offensively and defensively, anchored by Jon Babula, Matthew Devir, and C.J. Leach.
“If it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be anywhere,’’ said Walsh, the Red Raiders’ primary back.
“Both the offensive and defensive lines have done a good job for us,’’ said Morris. “It’s a group that has really come together.’’
Senior Luc Sullivan was stellar against Lexington, delivering hard hits.
