Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 26, 2025 GAME | FROM PAGE 1 Coach Exilhomme would be only the third Malden High Hall of Famer to coach on Thanksgiving, following former Head Coach Paul Finn and another. Also with a win on Thanksgiving Day, it would be three in a row for Medford, which it has not done since 1999, when it finished off a streak of eight holiday classic wins in a row, from 1994-2001. Malden has dominated since 2000, going 18-7 in the third century of this ancient game. Heading into Thanksgiving Day, Malden is led by sophomore running back and team captain McGuffie, who has rewritten the Golden Tornado record books with a season for the ages individually, with single-season records in scoring (168 points), touchdowns (24), 2-pt. conversions (15) and yards rushing (1,727 on 184 carries). The offense is led by senior captain and quarterback Billy Gavin, in his first year as a starter, who has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards. His favorite receiver has been fellow senior captain Manny Perez, who has caught 21 passes for 507 yards and 4 TDs. Malden’s defense is spearheaded by linebackers senior Johnathan Ventura and freshman Arthur Sewell. Defensive ends 6-4 Waslin Etienne and 6-3 Colin Okoth, both seniors, have had strong seasons for Malden. Malden Coach Exilhomme said the game plan for Thanksgiving is to keep possession of the ball offensively and lock down any “big play” potential for Head Coach John Curley’s Mustangs. “If we have possession of the ball, they can’t run any plays, it’s as simple as that,” Coach Exilhomme said. “We expect them to rely on their running game and know we have to tackle and not let them have that big run or other big play.” Malden is coming off perhaps its best game of the year, a 2826 win over visiting Boston Latin School at home on Nov. 9. The Tornados had no turnovers and played well in all three phases of the game. It also cut down on penalties, only four all game, which had been a crusher in several losses this year. “We have to repeat that type of effort and more,” Coach Exilhomme said. “We are expecting a solid effort from our players and we will be giving it everything we have to get the win.” Defensively is where Malden has been subpar and has had trouble stopping opponents consistently at times. The preseason loss of its top defender, 6-5, 310 lineman and junior captain Noah Granderson, has hurt immensely. “We want to win the game mostly for our seniors who are playing in their final game,” Coach Exilhomme said. “It would be great if they can put it together and finish the season the right way, with a win.” Malden-Medford Football Game #138 will be broadcast live on Thanksgiving Day: 10 a.m. — Go to “On the Sideline” YouTube. Medford High’s student-run Sports Talk Show By Steve Freker A nyone unable to make it to the big game on Thanksgiving Day can catch it LIVE on YouTube, thanks to the Medford High School student-run Sports talk show, “On the Sideline.” For the third consecutive year, “On the Sideline” will cover the game “Live” and broadcast all the action on its YouTube channel. Just Google “On the Sideline” and Medford to get access. This Thursday, November 27, at 10:00 a.m., Medford’s 138th Thanksgiving Day football game against Malden will be held at Hormel Stadium in Malden. The rivalry between the two teams started generations ago in 1889 and is the oldest running high school rivalry in the nation! On the Sideline Youtube channel, starting at 10 a.m. will be streaming the game live with commentary. Tune in to all the action thanks to the Medford High School student video production class. Jayden McGuffie (2) celebrates another touchdown with sophomore classmate Nathan Schonton (7). McGuffie rewrote the Malden Football record books this season with single-season records in yards rushing (1,727 on 184 carries), touchdowns (24), two-point conversions (15) and scoring (168 points). (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) Maldonian selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year T On the Sideline, a YouTube talk show from Medford High School Video Production, will livestream Thursday’s Malden-Medford 138th Thanksgiving Game online. wenty-two members of the No. 24 nationally ranked Endicott College football team have earned Conference of New England postseason honors, as recently announced by the league office. Davenche Sydney was selected as the league’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. Sydney has not allowed a single sack this season, culminating in a 95% player grade at the tackle position over 10 contests. His consistent, high-level play has Endicott’s offensive line ranked No. 2 nationally for fewest sacks allowed at 0.30 per game.
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