Medford falls to Malden 20-8 in Thanksgiving classic

MEDFORD – Jayden Mcguffie was just too much to stomach for the Mustangs defense this Thanksgiving.

The Golden Tornadoes sophomore running back rushed for three touchdowns, including a game-breaking 87-yard end zone scamper to open the second half, as Malden topped Medford 20-8, in the 138th meeting between the two schools.

The win was Malden’s first Turkey Day victory in three years, while maintaining the all-time series lead at 70-59-10.

“Sometimes it’s just not your day, and that’s what happened to us today,” said Medford coach John Curley, whose team ended the year at 5-6. “It just wasn’t our day.”

Tied 8-8 at halftime, Medford appeared on the move driving the ball deep into Tornado territory. But a key fumble recovery shifted the momentum, leading to Mcguffie’s game-breaking sprint down the left sidelines. The long TD run put Malden ahead to stay,

“We played an OK first half,” said Curley. “We came out driving the ball in the second half and fumbled. They capitalized on our mistakes. That’s the game of football. I don’t think a team wanted it more, things just didn’t go our way. It’s sad to say that, but its reality.”   

A fleet-footed running back with breakout speed, Mcguffie made his mark from the opening snap.  The sophomore jetted 66 yards to paydirt for his first TD giving Malden the 6-0 edge just 20 seconds into the contest. He also added the two-point conversion run as the Golden Tornadoes grabbed the early 8-0 lead.

“We wanted blood,” said McGuffie. “We just stuck to our assignments, and I got good blocking.”

Medford battled back with a flurry, backed by the sheer determination of Guilherme Martins. The senior brought his team into the red zone off a handful of carries, including a key 13-yard gainer. Demi Georges took it from there. The senior busted up the middle on a short three-yard strike, before rolling in on the ensuing two-point conversion run tying the contest at 8-8 with 6:32 remaining in the quarter.

The Mustangs defense did its best to hold Malden in check during a scoreless second quarter tied 8-8 at halftime.

Medford threatened in the second half getting as close as the 3, but a key fumble ultimately led to their undoing.  Malden recovered the pigskin and Mcguffie made them pay. The sophomore trucked down the left sidelines on a mammoth 87-yard touchdown run to reclaim the 14-8 lead with 9:01 remaining in the third quarter.

“Once they caused that fumble and scored that TD run, there was the momentum,” said Curley. “We battled back on defense. We just couldn’t pull it together and handle their wildcat.”

The McGuffie capped his memorable night with a 1-yard rumble for his third TD of the game with 2:59 remaining on the clock.

Although disappointed with the end result, Curley felt his team left it all out on the field. This year’s senior class included quarterback Travers Moodie, Samuel Dieurestil, William Batistia, Flerentin Jean-Baptiste and Brendan Nobre. David Crohan, Ryan Mabardi, Manuel Chavez, Michael Jules, Ernstno Orphe, Devon Santos and Jayden Cesar, also showed plenty of heart.

“It stinks, but I think they played hard,” said Curley. “I think they played for four quarters. I don’t think they gave up. They can hold their heads up high with pride today while eating their turkey.”

2025 Medford football results

Date    Opponent       Score

9/5       @ Everett      34-7 L

9/18    Vs Lynn Classical    20-0 W

9/25    Vs Revere     43-14 L

10/2    Vs Somerville           14-6 L

10/11  @ Northeast Metro   34-0 L

10/17  @ Lynn English        32-12 L

10/24  @ Chelsea    22-6 W

10/30  Vs Saugus     14-0 W

11/7     @ Dracut       22-6 W

11/13  Vs Arlington Catholic           58-34 W

11/27  Vs Malden     20-8 L