Chouaib Saidi also contributed to this article.
On November 13, 2025, Malden had one last chance to showcase their abilities at home in a game against the Lexington Minutemen. Malden entered the matchup with a record of 2-6 and Lexington with a record of 3-6.
The Minutemen opened the game with a huge kickoff return from their 25 to Malden’s 35. This set them up for a 1-play touchdown drive after their running back took a carry through the middle, to the outside for 6 on the only play of the drive. After a successful field goal, the score was 8-0 early.
After an unsuccessful onside kick, Malden’s response drive started with a penalty for a false start at the 49, forcing them back five yards. After two short rushes and an incomplete pass, running back Jayden McGuffie completed a 6-yard rush; a pass was then completed to wide receiver and Blue and Gold reporter Manny Perez, and McGuffie was able to finish the drive with a rush for a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, bringing the score to 8-7.
After two more touchdown rushes by McGuffie, he was able to break the Malden High School record for most rushing yards in a season of 1727. However, Lexington was able to respond and end the first half, which was tied at 20-20.
The Minutemen also held on to the ball for the remainder of the third quarter. As the Minutemen pushed closer to the end zone, Malden found themselves on their own two-yard line. Fortunately, Senior defensive tackle Jahiem Francillon made a crucial tackle, causing a turnover on downs to earn the ball back.
As the time was running out, Malden started on their own 18-yard line. The quarterback handed the ball to McGuffie, who took off for an 82-yard touchdown rush, earning the lead once again for Malden. After another successful two-point conversion, the Tornados still had eight minutes left to defend their lead. Lexington was able to reach Malden’s 21-yard line with a minute and a half left on the clock. After a timeout and a couple of short gains, the Minutemen faced fourth down and two.
The energy shifted when a holding penalty was called on Malden, giving Lexington a first down, followed by a false start on Lexington with 13 seconds left. With three seconds left, on third down, Lexington completed a touchdown pass, bringing the score to 28-26. The Lexington Minutemen decided to attempt a two-point conversion, with a rush towards the left end zone. The Malden defense was able to read the play as McGuffie made the final tackle, keeping the final score of 28-26.
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