IMAGE GALLERY: WHS Football Earns Critical Comeback Win

With a tightly contested Middlesex League Small School Division, every game the rest of the way is a big one for the Wilmington football team. Friday night was no exception, and the Wildcats stepped up to the occasion.

Entering the most recent action, Wilmington, Burlington, Watertown and Melrose were all tied for the second best record in the league . 

Following Friday, things are a little clearer, but not much.

The Wildcats came back from a fourth quarter deficit to earn a 19-14 win over Melrose, improving the locals to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the league. Following the loss, Melrose is now 1-2 in league play and 6-2 overall.

gave Wilmington a 7-0 edge early on with a six-yard run in the first quarter, and then extended the advantage with a 40-yard run on a brisk night at Alumni Stadium.

But Melrose struck back with a pair of touchdowns to take a 14-13 lead that lasted until less than two minutes remaining in the game.

Quarterback Matt Ferreira led his team down the field one final time, however, as he scored from four yards out to jolt the hosts into the lead. The Wilmington defense help, and sealed the critical win in the final minutes.

Things don't get much easier for the Wildcats the rest of the way. Head coach Mike Barry's charges next play Watertown (6-2, 1-2) next week before closing league play with what could be a decisive game against Burlington (5-3, 2-1).

Wakefield remains the only unbeaten team in the Small School Division, with a 7-1 mark overall and a 3-0 Middlesex mark.