Medford High football team ready for kickoff

The familiar sounds of helmets clashing is music to John Curley’s ears.

The Medford High coach is excited to be striking up the band once again Thursday night, as the Mustangs kickoff its home opener against Lynn Classical at Hormel Stadium.

“Football has always been such an integral part of my life,” said Curley, entering his seventh year with Medford.  “The start of the season is very exciting to show off all the work we've put in since last season.”

The Mustangs have a lot to live up to. The team is coming off a sensational 5-1 run in the Greater Boston League last season, tying for a share of the league championship. The year was capped with a storybook ending in a convincing 34-14 Thanksgiving Day victory over arch-rivals Malden in the 137th meeting between the two schools.

But that was then, and this is now.

Medford was thrown back into the fire following a tough 34-7 loss to Everett in week 1 action, Sept. 5.

Fresh off a bye week, the Mustangs are quickly learning that any repeat success will have to be earned.

“Our philosophy has been to make sure we are bringing energy, focus and purpose to every practice,” said Curley, whose team lost nine graduating seniors over the summer. “The performance on game day will only take you as far as your preparation was during the week. If we can have everyone at practice learning, flying around, and being coachable, we can beat anyone on our schedule.”

Leading the way for the Mustangs this season are tri-captains Trav Moodie, Guilhereme Martins and Demi Georges. Moodie will call the plays at quarterback, while Martins and Georges remain in motion at running back. The power trio will also provide added grunt work on defense. Moodie will play defensive back with Martins and Georges fortifying the linebacker crew.

“They all practice and play very hard,” said Curley. “They lead by example and are prime examples of how Mustangs should perform and carry themselves on and off the field. Gui is the vocal leader of the group who picks players up when they're down and is the first to celebrate a teammate for their success.”

The talented trio fronts an interesting mix of returning lettermen. They include linemen Michael Jues, Ernsto Orphe, and Franco Sepulveda.

“They play big parts on both sides of the ball and set the tone in the trenches,” said Curley.

Senior wide receiver Samuel Dieurestil is expected to be a key cog in the air attack.

“He’ll be the number one target on offense and will look to make plays and move the chains in the air,” said Curley.

Meanwhile, newcomers like Junior David are also getting acclimated to their surroundings. The freshman scored his first varsity touchdown in the road opener against Everett. He picked up 57-yards on a pair of receptions, including an end zone jaunt. David also added five tackles, including one for a loss against the Crimson Tide, making a great first impression.

According to the coach, the Mustangs' depth at the skill positions will be key.

As defending co-GBL champs, the Mustangs know they’ll have their work cut out for them, especially in a highly-competitive field.  

“There are lots of different opinions on who the favorite is,” said Curley. “Every GBL opponent always gives us a good fight, so we're going to need to be prepared and play an excellent game to have a shot.”

So where does Medford fit in the mix?

“Hard to say,” said Curley. “We won the GBL last year, but every game was hard fought, and each team has new players and contributors. We feel like we can compete with everyone in our division, but everything will be hard fought.”

Mustang football fans wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Medford High football team play host Lynn Classical, Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.

2025 Medford High Football Schedule

Date     Opponent                         Time

9/5        @ Everett                          34-7 L

9/18     vs. Lynn Classical       6 p.m.

9/25     vs. Revere                         6 p.m.

10/2     vs. Somerville 6 p.m.

10/11  @ Northeast Metro     10:30 a.m.      

10/17  @ Lynn English             6 p.m.

10/24  @ Chelsea                       6 p.m.

10/30  vs. Saugus                       6 p.m.

11/27  vs. Malden                       10 a.m.