North Reading Stuns Medfield with Epic Comeback, Advances to Semifinals

UPDATE: In a thrilling turn of events, the North Reading Hornets overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat the Medfield Warriors, clinching a dramatic 21-20 victory in the Division 5 quarterfinals on Friday night at Calvin George Fisher Field. This stunning comeback propels North Reading into the state semifinals to face the top-seeded Shawsheen next week.

With their season on the line, North Reading’s defense delivered a stellar performance, shutting out Medfield in the second half. Coach Ed Blum praised his team’s resilience, stating, “The kids played great fundamental, team defense. They just dug deep and made a lot of plays. It was incredible.”

Medfield, who entered the game boasting a formidable offense, seemed in control after taking a 20-7 lead at halftime. The Warriors scored three rushing touchdowns before the break. However, North Reading’s defense tightened significantly after halftime, allowing Medfield just one first down in their first three drives of the second half.

North Reading’s offense came alive as Otto Indelicato powered into the end zone from one yard out, narrowing the gap to 20-14 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. The Hornets’ quarterback, Jason Berry, also found his rhythm, completing 19 of 25 passes for 224 yards. His connection with star receiver Brady, who recorded 7 catches for 100 yards, proved pivotal.

Just a minute into the fourth quarter, Berry faked a toss and pitched to Brady, who dashed into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown. The successful extra point kick from Xander Villarroel gave North Reading a 21-20 lead, igniting jubilation among the players and fans.

The tension surged as Medfield mounted a final drive in the closing moments, reaching the Hornets’ 18-yard line. However, North Reading’s defense held firm, forcing back-to-back incompletions to secure the victory.

Coach Blum reflected on the emotional drive behind the win, stating, “When you get in moments of this adversity, it’s doing it for each other and digging a little deeper. Them pulling for each other elevates them.”

North Reading’s remarkable comeback not only ends Medfield’s season but also sets the stage for an exhilarating semifinal clash against Shawsheen. Fans are left buzzing with excitement as the Hornets continue their quest for a championship title.

As anticipation builds for the next game, the resilience and teamwork displayed by North Reading may inspire other teams facing similar challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling story unfolds.