Former Coach Gus Giardi Leads Braintree Past Norwood Behind Mike Ranieri’s 200 Yards
In a dramatic Bay State League matchup featuring a dramatic homecoming for former Norwood coach Gus Giardi, the Norwood High School football team dropped a heartbreaker to Braintree, 25-20. For Giardi—who took over a Braintree program that went winless the previous year after being ousted from Norwood two seasons prior—the victory carried profound personal meaning.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of big games,” Giardi remarked, “but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the biggest game I’ve been in… There’s a sweetness to life, and it was today on the field.”
Braintree was propelled offensively by running back Mike Ranieri, who amassed 200 yards rushing on 22 carries with three touchdowns.
Norwood vs. Braintree Game Highlights & Scoring
Mustangs Take Early Lead
- Initial Response: After Braintree opened scoring on a 20-yard run by **Brian Kerns**, Norwood’s **Joe King** electrified the crowd with a 46-yard kickoff return.
- Taking the Lead: **Aaron Walkins** scored on a 7-yard touchdown run, and **Jason Nutting** added the extra point to put Norwood ahead 7-6.
Second-Half Battle & Late Rally
- Ranieri’s Surge: Mike Ranieri notched touchdown runs of 46, 14, and 53 yards (the latter following a fortunate deflected third-down pass caught by **Brendan Powers**) to build a 25-14 Braintree lead.
- Mustang Fight: Quarterback **A.J. Grant** engineered a late-game surge, tossing a 40-yard bomb to Walkins (leading to Walkins’ second TD) and connecting with **Mike Thomas** for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 1:35 remaining.
- Final Tally: Trailing 25-20, Norwood’s on-side kick attempt fell short, allowing Braintree to run out the clock.
Norwood Coach Joe Smith Reflects on Tough Loss
Norwood coach Joe Smith noted the razor-thin margins that decided the contest, pointing specifically to the miraculous deflected catch that extended Braintree’s drive. “It was a good play by the Braintree kid (Powers),” Smith observed. “If they don’t get it, we get the ball back with a chance to take the lead.” Despite a relentless fourth-quarter comeback spearheaded by A.J. Grant and Mike Thomas, the Mustangs came up just short in a thrilling gridiron battle reported by Bob DiCesare for The Patriot Ledger.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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