The Malden Cyclone Jr. Midgets are on their way to the Eastern Mass
Finals this Saturday to face East Lynn. Malden continued its season with a
2nd half explosion against the Cougars from Chelmsford on Sunday. With the
scored tied at 8-8 at the half, the Cyclones wore down the Cougars and
outscored them 32 to 8 for a convincing 40 to 16 final score. This victory
pushes Malden's record to 10-0 on the season.Malden got into the post-season by posting a perfect 8-0 record during the regular season, compiling over 27 points per game, while only surrendering 5 per game. In gaining the GBL title, Malden had the 1st seed
and faced the 2nd seed from the Merrimack Valley, Acton Boxboro, a week ago Saturday and won 22-12. With the victory Malden was paired against the 1st seed from the MVL, the Chelmsford Cougars. Playing at MacDonald Stadium this past Sunday, Malden had a different view of its home field, as they were bracketed as the visitors and had to stand on the opposite side of the field for this play-off game. Regardless of their stance on the field, the results were very typical as to what had occurred during the season, a Malden victory.
Winning the coin toss and electing to receive, Chelmsford took the
opening kick-off and proceeded to march right down the field on Malden's
usually stout defense. On a very time consuming drive, the Cougars capped
off their drive with a 5 yard TD run, and with a good conversion kick, they
had an 8 to 0 lead over Malden. It was Malden's turn to show how potent
their offense could be. As they marched down the field on runs by Franklin
Huynh and Domingo Jenkins, Malden found themselves in a fourth and six on
Chelmsford 12 yard line, but were only able to pick up 5 and half, as they
turned the ball over on downs. Shocked to be down as each team had a turn
with ball, Malden's defense knew they had to make a stand, as not to fall
behind by two scores so early in the game. Behind the play of DEs Raymond
Sainristil and Kenny Bartolo, Malden forced the Cougars to punt after three
quick plays.
With the defense coming to life, the offense followed suit. With great blocking by Billy Scola, Thomas Ruddock, Adley Flerime, Darren Dias,
Craig Powers and Chris Fevilien, Malden was able to march right down the field. Domingo Jenkins capped off the drive with a 1 yard plunge up the middle behind C Cruz Desrochers. Jenkins also evened the match with the two-point conversion kick off the hold of QB Jake Martino. This is how the half would end, deadlocked at eight.
Getting the ball to start the half was just what the Cyclones needed. Behind the offense line of Khalil Kaba, LeVenche Fransois, Brad Murray,
Thomas Amisano, Danny Powers, George Kenny and Jovani Jean, Malden once again
marched down the field. With carries by Richard "Go-Go" Gomez and Jenkins,
the Cyclones were at the Chelmsford 25 yard line when Willie Metellus broke
off tackle and gave Malden a lead they would never relinquish. After another
three and out for Chelmsford, Malden's offense was able to score again.
Behind key blocks from Devin Fitzpatrick and Calum Daly, the Cyclones were again inside the 10 yard line off Chelmsford, and just as before, Jenkins powered his way into the endzone for a 20 to 8 lead.
Just as it seemed Malden was securing some breathing room, Chelmsford
answered quickly with a 40 yd TD pass. Converting the kick pulled the
Cougars back with in 4 points at the end of the third quarter with the score
Malden 20 and Chelmsford 16. In attempt to get the ball back, the Cougars
tried an onside kick, which was covered up very nicely by Patrick Provitola.
Malden wasted little time in regaining a two score lead, as Huynh took the
handoff and darted 50 yards for a touchdown and a 26-16 Malden lead.
Knowing they were going to need to score fast, the Cougars went back
to the air, but Malden's secondary of Metellus, Anthony Ferratusco and Corey
Oliva were up for the challenge as they forced Chelmsford into a three and
out. Back on the field Malden's offense was rearing to go. Once again it
Huynh's speed causing the damage, as he took the pitch on third down, hit the
corner and no one was going to catch him. Malden had upped its lead to a
commanding 32-16 advantage.
Now the Cougars were desperate and Malden's D knew it. Under constant pressure from LB Anthony Boulay, DT Provitola and DEs Bartolo and Sainristil, the Chelmsford QB threw an interception to Metellus. It was then
Metellus, on the first carry after the pick, who got Malden inside the five
yard line on a great run off tackle only to be caught from behind. On the
next play QB Jake Martino made a great fake rolled to his left and hit TE
Robbie DeSantis for the final TD of the game. Raymond Sainristil made the
kick and a 40-16 final.
Malden will now face East Lynn for the Eastern Mass title and berth into the New England Semi-Finals. Go Cyclones!
Next Game: Sat. 11/15/2008 - 1:30 p.m. B: East Lynn (10-0) at Malden (7-0)
At Medford Hormel Stadium
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