By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Walpole High football, led by head coach Chris Sullivan in his seventh year, faced off against undefeated Needham on a Friday night under the lights. Sullivan, who has been with the Walpole varsity program since 2006, continues to build on the program's storied history, including its seventh Super Bowl title in 2008. Last season, the Timberwolves faced Bay State Conference rival Milton in the Division 3 Super Bowl.
The game took place on a crisp New England fall evening, with the stands packed for Walpole’s 300th-anniversary weekend. The crowd featured youth football and cheer teams, the high school band, and a student body dressed in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Walpole’s captains, seniors Noah Mackenzie, Joe Malone, Dylan Burgess, and Aidan Abate, led the team. Mackenzie, the Timberwolves’ quarterback, is committed to Division I Stonehill College on a full scholarship for 2025. He showcased his leadership with a strong arm and the ability to extend plays on the ground.
Needham struck first with a short touchdown run in the opening quarter, taking a 7-0 lead. Early in the second quarter, a Walpole interception set up a touchdown pass from Mackenzie to Matt St. Cyr. Mateo Filipi's extra point tied the game at 7-7.
After the kickoff, Walpole forced a Needham punt. Mackenzie then led the Timberwolves downfield, highlighted by a 47-yard completion. The drive stalled, but Filipi hit a field goal to give Walpole a 10-7 lead.
Just before halftime, Needham threatened to score but was intercepted again by Walpole near the 8-yard line. Joe Carter helped the Timberwolves run out the clock, sending them into halftime with a 10-7 advantage.
The second half began with Needham pinning Walpole on their 1-yard line. The Timberwolves moved the ball to midfield but were forced to punt. On the next play, Needham's Aiden Williams broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run, putting Needham ahead 14-10.
In the fourth quarter, Walpole mounted a final drive as Mackenzie spread the ball to receivers Cash Cantrell and St. Cyr. However, a Needham interception at the goal line ended the threat, and Needham added a late touchdown to seal the 21-10 victory.
Walpole’s defense, led by Joe Malone, Mason Falcone, and Michael Cesario, held strong throughout the game, with two interceptions and a key sack by Cal McCabe. Despite the loss, Walpole's record stands at 1-4, and the Timberwolves remain in the hunt for the postseason. The top 16 teams with at least three wins qualify for the playoffs, and as last year showed, anything can happen.
Walpole will face their 2023 Super Bowl opponent, Milton, on the road on Friday, Oct. 18.
