Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 18, 2026 ‘Three’s a Crowd’ for Malden in season-opening win, 26-20 Trio of Powers, Charles (3 TDs) and McGuffie (193 yds. rushing) combine to crank out nearly 400 yards of offense By Steve Freker W hat a true “Opening Night” it was for Malden High football in this game. Not only was it the first game of the season for the team for the 2026 campaign, it was also the career debut for two of the most prolific performers. Add in another dominating performance by tried-and-true star runner Jayden McGuffie (19 carries, 193 yards, 1 TD), and Malden had itself a big win in its first night of the new season, 26-20 over visiting Lynn Tech. In a game that seemed far more dominating for Malden than the final score, the Golden Tornados (1-0) never trailed and showed a lot of reasons why they intend to be reckoned with in the Greater Boston League this year. Malden turned the tide over last seasons by prevailing in its season opener, having fallen to the same Lynn Tech Tigers team last season in the first game in Lynn. Malden meant business early and held tough late when the Tigers — to their credit — did not lay down and cut the lead to a single score at the end. For the bulk of the game, Malden controlled the play on both sides of the ball and ended up having a monster night offensively, piling up close to 350 yards overall. Leading the way was a “usual suspect” in star running back Jayden McGuffie, as well as a pair of newcomers in first-year senior quarterback James Powers and senior wide receiver Jemiah Charles. McGuffie, a record-setting junior, scored the first touchdown for Malden, a 12-yard burst over left end with 3:31 to go in the first quarter. A point-after kick attempt was no good and Malden led, 6-0. McGuffie was his usual workhorse self, carrying the ball 25 times for 193 yards, adding to the career total, which already makes the all-time leading rusher at Malden High have close to 4,000 yards. Malden continued to play a physical game on both sides of the ball and came up with a big defensive spark when Lynn Tech got the ball and drove 65 yards Lynn Tech 0 6 6 8—20 Malden MALDEN 26, LYNN TECH 20 6 6 6 8—26 First quarter Malden — Jayden McGuffie 12-yard run (kick failed) Second quarter Malden — Jemiah Charles 65-yard pass from James Powers (pass failed) Lynn Tech — Daniel Mendaz 79-yard kickoff return (run failed) Third quarter Malden — Jemiah Charles 59-yard pass from James Powers (rush failed) Lynn Tech — Xavier Rodriguez 11-yard run (pass failed) Fourth quarter Malden — Jemiah Charles 19-yard pass from James Powers (Jayden McGuffie run) Lynn Tech — Xavier Rodriguez 44-yard pass from Dylan Chavez LEADING THE WAY: Flying out with the U.S. and Golden Tornado flags to lead the Tornado team onto the field are members of Malden Public Schools/Malden Recreation first-ever Middle Schools Grade 7-8 football squad. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) to the Tornado 19-yard line early in the second quarter. On a thirdand-goal play, a Lynn Tech pass was intercepted in the end zone by Malden defensive back Josh Bly. Bly had a solid game overall with multiple tackles as well as a fumble recovery later in the game: in the third quarter. Lynn Tech turned the ball over four times, mostly due to Tornado defensive pressure. Malden then scored again on a bomb toss from Powers to Charles — 65 yards and touchdown. The Powers-to-Charles Connection proved to be the magic touch all night, as the
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