THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 26, 2025 Page 23 LEAGUE | FROM PAGE 15 ed for the MIAA Power Rankings system and a legitimate shot at the playoffs. When Everett went out the GBL door in search of better odds of making the cut for postseason play and a shot at another Division 1 Super Bowl, another door opened for other teams to challenge for the title the Crimson Tide had all locked up for many years. Step right up, Medford! Medford Mustangs Football broke a whopping, 40-year GBL title drought when it topped Malden on Thanksgiving Day to complete a championship season, finishing 5-1 in GBL competition — also its best league record in 40 years. Medford used the “All Justin Marino-All the Time” mode last year, with the 2024 GBL MVP quarterback giving a new definition to “do-it-all.” Marino moved on to his freshman year at Endicott College, and the Mustangs have a brand-new look, but are expected to compete once again for the title. Somerville blasted its way to 71 points and a pair of wins in its first two games to open this season, before running into a solid Malden High Golden Tornado defense, as the home team Malden owned the night in a 14-12 win. Don’t discount the Highlanders from the title battle, however, as they possess at least three solid, shifty, flat-out fast running backs and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Somerville will have to be reckoned with before the flag is won in the GBL. Malden, too, is revamped and ready to roll. Head Coach Witche Exilhomme likes his mix of younger players and veterans, and his best player — star running back, sophomore Jayden McGuffie — is one of top players in the state. “We believe we can compete with anyone this season,” Coach Exilhomme said after the win on Thursday over Somerville. “We just have to keep that balance with offense and defense.” Just two games into the new season, McGuffie is already on the radar once again, after a 255 yards, 2 TDs performance in the win over Somerville. Lynn Classical, another perennial challenger, has a new coach this season for the first time in seven seasons. Lynn English has been right in the hunt in most of its games since they got a new coach last season. *** GBL Girls Soccer race ramping up early, lots of contenders Medford Girls Soccer has run out to an early lead in the Greater Boston League race, with the Mustangs at 4-0 to kick off the new season. But, like some of the other GBL league sports, there has been a resurgence of competition from lots of other potential contenders. Somerville (3-1 GBL), Everett (2-1 GBL, 3-3 overall) and Malden (2-2 GBL, 3-2-0 overall) are all right behind the Mustangs in the standings, and those teams believe they can compete for the top spot this year. “Our loss to Medford (2-0) was one of the best games we have played this season,” said Malden Head Coach Rick Caceda. “We had a tough day against Somerville, but we have won or had a chance to win in every other game we have played.” Classifieds Advocate adCall now! 617-387-2200 vertise on the web atwww.advocatenews.net FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT
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