North Reading Stuns Medfield, Overcomes 13-Point Deficit in 21-20 Win

UPDATE: North Reading has pulled off a stunning comeback, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat Medfield 21-20 in the Division 5 quarterfinals on Friday night at Calvin George Fisher Field. This remarkable victory propels the fifth-seeded Hornets into the state semifinals, where they will face the top-seeded Shawsheen.

With their season on the line, North Reading’s defense delivered a stellar performance, shutting out Medfield in the second half. Head coach Ed Blum praised his team’s “great fundamental, team defense,” as they limited the Warriors to just one first down in their first three drives of the second half. Medfield, which had been averaging high-scoring games all season, went into halftime with a 20-7 lead, thanks to three rushing touchdowns from different players.

The Hornets’ comeback began with Otto Indelicato scoring on a wildcat play, narrowing Medfield’s lead to 20-14 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. The momentum shifted dramatically as quarterback Jason Berry, who completed 19 of 25 passes for 224 yards, connected with standout receiver Brady McCormack for a critical touchdown early in the fourth quarter. McCormack, who has surpassed 2,000 rushing yards this season, was kept in check during the game, unable to break free for any long runs.

As the game drew to a close, Medfield made a final push, driving down to North Reading’s 18-yard line. However, the Hornets’ defense held strong, forcing back-to-back incompletions to seal the thrilling victory.

“It was awesome,” Blum said, reflecting on his team’s resolve. “In moments of adversity, they pulled for each other, and that elevated them to dig a little deeper.”

This dramatic win not only signifies a major milestone for North Reading’s football program but also demonstrates the resilience and determination of the players. Fans and supporters are now gearing up for the highly anticipated semifinal matchup against Shawsheen, set to take place next week.

Stay tuned for further updates as North Reading continues its journey in the state playoffs.