THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 11 IMPRESSIVE DEBUT: In his first-ever game in a Malden High uniform, quarterback James Powers shined, throwing three touchdown passes. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) two connected three times for scores, including a 59-yard TD catch by Charles in the third quarter to put Malden ahead, 18-6. A third TD for Charles — and TD pass #3 for Powers — was a 19-yarder in the right corner of the end zone in the fourth quarter. McGuffie scored a two-point conversion on Charles’ third TD catch in the final period. For the night, Charles had “go check the records” numbers — 4 receptions, 3 TDs and 156 yards receiving. Powers, in his first game playing Malden football, coming out for the team in his senior year, completed 8 of 11 passes for 175 yards. *** EXTRA POINTS: The Golden Tornado football boss was pleased with the opening night performance. “It was a good start for us as a team, especially on offense. We got the job done putting up some good numbers,” said Malden Head Coach Witche Exilhomme. “We expect a good night, every night from Jayden [McGuffie] and we got it. It was great to see James [Powers] and Jemiah [Charles] break out like that and get our passing game going.” Exilhomme pointed to the play of the offensive line — led by senior 6-5, 345 two-way tackle Noah Granderson — as a key to the win. “Those guys opened hopes for Jayden and the other backs and also proINTERCEPTED! Malden’s Josh Bly (4) leaps high in the air to intercept a Lynn Tech pass in the end zone. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) tected James [Powers] and gave him time to set up... Malden’s defense did a solid job overall on the night, limiting Lynn Tech’s offense when it had to, especially in the second half. Josh Bly, senior captain Dante Bell and sophomore Brendan Gillis played lockdown defense in the secondary and linebackers Jamaurie Brown and Ryann Viera were strong up front along with junior Jamal Hakkaoui on the defensive front... Malden will renew a former longtime Greater Boston League rivalry in another non-league game Friday night when it travels north up Route to Tanner Country to take on the Peabody Tanners in a 7:00 p.m. game. Malden junior Jayden McGuffie (2) burst through a trio of Lynn Tech runners on his way to another gain. He ran for just under 200 yards (193) in the Tornado victory on Friday night. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) It was “Blue and Gold Spirit Night” on Friday at the Malden vs. Lynn Tech game hosted and sponsored by the Golden Tornado Club, the booster club for MHS Athletics, as shown by the fans with the colorful beads and pompoms, which were distributed free of charge by the club. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) Junior captain Jayden McGuffie (2), at left, and senior captain Noah Granderson, at right, lead the way as the team stands during the National Anthem. (All Advocate Photos/Henry Huang)
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