Two of the top football teams in the Northeastern Conference squared off at SSG Christopher N. Piper Field Friday night, with the Marblehead Magicians getting the best of the Masconomet Chieftains in a 21-7 final.
With the win, Marblehead upped its record to 5-2 while Masco, which had only tasted defeat once before Friday, fell to 6-2.
The Magicians flew up the MIAA Division 4 power rankings, now checking in at No. 5 behind Duxbury, Scituate, Grafton, and Malden Catholic, respectively.
Back to the action. Marblehead found its fast start when Finn Gallup connected with Rylan Golden (3 catches, 121 yards) who did the rest of the work, sprinting to the endzone for an 80-yard touchdown. After a Finn Bresnahan extra point, the Magicians jumped out to a 7-0 cushion.
Masco didn’t go away, however, driving upfield before Jack Fabiano scored on a 4-yard rush. But before the end of the opening quarter, Marblehead found the endzone again as Yandel Garcia ran one in from 2 yards out.
The teams entered halftime with Marblehead holding a 14-7 lead.
The home team upped its advantage in the third quarter when Colt Wales connected with Crew Monaco for a 23-yard score to make it 21-7.
Masco failed to find any points for the remainder of the game – call the Magicians’ defense a true calling card. It held the Chieftains to less than 100 yards rushing and 138 yards through the air.
On the ground, Wales led the Magicians with 44 yards rushing, while Gallup ran for 20 yards and Yandel Garcia added 18 on seven carries. Through the air, Wales went 6-for-7 with 81 yards and a touchdown, while Gallup went 4-for-7 with 94 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Marblehead wraps up its regular season Friday night in Danvers. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.