GLOUCESTER – The Battle of the Super Running Backs was as advertised tonight as Melrose High School RB Mike Pedrini (21 carries, 165 yds rushing; 3 catches 55 yds receiving) sqaured off against Gloucester High School RB Christian Sanfilippo (36 carries, 204 yds rushing; 1 catch, 18 yds receiving). When it was all over, Sanfilippo amassed 222 total yards from scrimmage to Pedrini’s 220. But Sanfilippo outscored Pedrini, 2 touchdowns to 1, and the Fishermen came away with an 18-6 win.
Gloucester (7-1) scored on long drives in each of the first two quarters. After Pedrini’s 80 yd TD run on the first play from scrimmage was called back due to a penalty, the teams exchanged punts before the Fishermen put together a 7 play, 60 yd td drive. Jermaine Edward scored on a 17 yd sweep to the right to give Gloucester a 6-0 lead with 1:58 remaining in the first frame.
With 1:48 left in the first half, Christian Sanfilippo scored from 5 yds away to finish off an 18 play, 86 yd td drive to make it 12-0, Gloucester.
A Melrose (5-3) dirve stalled at the Gloucester 2 yd line as time ran out in the first half.
The Red Raiders cut the score in half when Pedrini broke loose on a 75 yd run for a td with 4:27 left in the third quarter.
Sanfilippo salted the game away on a 2 yd td plunge with 4:32 left in the game to give Gloucester the 18-6 lead.
Another Melrose drive at the end of the game stalled at the Gloucester 12 yard line at the end of the game.
Gloucester defensive back Nate Young made at least two touchdown saving tackles against the Red Raiders.
The Fishermen play at Marblehead next Friday night.
Game broadcast OnDemand below:
