Lezama Leads Wildcats to First Win Over Dedham

It has been a long season for the Milton Wildcats (1-9), who have lost nine straight games before their dramatic comeback win over the Dedham Marauders (2-8) 35-28 on Friday, November 11, at Milton's Brooks Field.

During the first half the Wildcats were on their game as Matt Lezama caught a 27-yard TD pass from Liam Collins for Milton's first score. Milton would score again as Colin O'Brien broke free running 47 yards for the Wildcats second score. Joe Kennedy would kick the extra points putting Milton up 14-0.

The Marauders were sluggish at the start, but struck back tying the game at half-time 14-14. 

Dedham came out in the second half with the momentum, attacking the Milton defense and scored a TD on their first possession taking the lead 21-14. 

As the game seemed to be slipping away from Milton a composed Liam Collins marched the team down the field and then threw a 26-yard pass to Terry Walsh. At first Walsh nearly dropped the pass, but used his knees and hands, finally securing the ball and running in for the touchdown. 

With the score tied Dedham had no intentions of giving the game to the Wildcats and came right back scoring another TD and taking the lead back to the Marauders 28-21.

Coach Jim Bowes then made a game-changing move. "We have been working on what is known  as "The Wildcat" formation all week," said Bowes. "Running back Matt Lezama took over the duties as quarterback taking the direct snap from the center."

The move suddenly turned the game around as Lezama was almost unstoppable as the crowd cheered. In the forth quarter Lezama burned the Dedham defense as he ran for a 38-yard touchdown tying the game 28-28.

Lezama would break free again and run 50 yards for a TD, but it would be called back because of a penalty.

Milton then forged up the field and Lezama ran 9 yards into the end zone for the winning TD. Kennedy's extra point kick was good. 

"We haven't won a game all year and I kept telling these kids to believe. Dedham came back at the half and tied the game. But these kids came back and found a way to win the game. Matt Lezama was great as a running quarterback. Now we get ready for Braintree on Thanksgiving Day" said Coach Bowes.

Lezama (264 yards rushing) was presented the game ball after the game by Coach Bowes as his teammates cheered.