Masco could not convert on fourth down, keeping the game scoreless, and that was a big factor in the win.

"He was an all-league nose guard in his first season starting," said Wilmington head coach Bob Almeida. "He always plays hard for us, and it showed against Masco when he came through with a big sack. He started the season playing fullback for us when we had some injuries, and he did a good job. I think that it might have hurt him playing fullback and effected him during some of the games during the middle of the season, but he really did well. Matt always gives everything he has in every play he is in."

Marden, who is also a member of the band and often directs them at halftime during home games, is proud of the season he and his teammates have had.

"I got just about everything I wanted this season," said Marden. "Even though the season did not turn out the way we wanted, we still will finish with a winning record. Hopefully we can finish with a win over Tewksbury."

Like his fellow senior captains, Marden was thrilled with the final result of the Masco game.

"We knew they were a great team, and we knew what we needed to do to win. We worked hard that week, and it really paid off. We dominated them in the first half, and the defense came through in the second half to get the win."    

When asked about his most memorable time on the team, two games come to mind - defeating Masco and North Andover to win the league title last season.

"We played so well in those games, and it was great to beat two great teams like that to get the championship," he said. "We were so geared up for those games, and I think I played my best football then."

When talking about the team this year, Marden thought the chemistry and leadership of the team was the biggest part of their success.

"We had a team that got along really well with each other," said Marden. "Even when things were not going well we were able to pick each other up. I also feel like we had great leadership on the team, and a lot of individual leaders. Each guy knew the job they had to do, and we all played as a team.

"Even against North Andover, we did not quit late in the game, and still worked together. The coaches had a lot to do with that. They looked at a lot of film and really prepared us in practice to come up with a game plan to give us the best chance to win. They were the biggest key to our success.

Marden can't wait to face the Redmen on Turkey Day.

"I can't wait to play in that last game against Tewksbury," said Marden. "I think this game is almost like a league of its own, and like a playoff game. You start the season, and look forward to this one game. We know we will have to play our best football, and with Stephen (Downs), Rich (Barry) Nick Manent, and Nick Hogan having an extra week to heal up from some injuries they had during the season, I think we have a great chance to win this game." Wilmington travels to Tewksbury Thanksgiving morning.