So Close

For the past two seasons, the Stoneham High School football team has flirted with a Massachusetts state championship, and in each year they came up a game short losing in the final game of the season. This year they hoped that the third time would be the charm, but it was not to be as they were defeated in the semi-finals by Ipswich High. This is the story of yet another near miss and the frustration experienced by the team.

For the past two seasons, the Stoneham High School football team has flirted with a Massachusetts state championship, and in each year they came up a game short losing in the final game of the season. This year they hoped that the third time would be the charm, but it was not to be as they were defeated in the semi-finals by Ipswich High. This is the story of yet another near miss and the frustration experienced by the team. Coach Bob Almedia pumps up the Stoneham High School Spartans prior to the start of the semifinal state championship game at Woburn High School, in Woburn, MA.
The Stoneham High School Spartans take the field for a game against Stoneham at Stoneham High School. Stoneham lost the game by a final score of 34-6.
The scene at Stoneham High School, Stoneham, Mass. before a game against Shawshen Tech. Stoneham went on to win the game by a score of 44-39 to advance to the D4 North Championship game.
In an emotional moment, Stoneham High School Senior Thiago Delmedia listens to the national anthem prior to the Senior night game against Wilmington High School. This was his final game on his home field.
A Stoneham High School player clutches his helmet during post game huddle in a game against Shawshhen Tech at Stoneham High School. Stoneham won the game 44-39 to advance to the D4 North championship.
Stoneham High School Senior, Cristos Argyropolous, goes airborne after getting hit during the Massachusetts State semi-final game against Middleborough High School, second-half action in Woburn, Mass.. Stoneham lost 27-14 and was eliminated from the playoffs.
In a moment of frustration, Stoneham High School Coach Kevin Yiannacopolous screams at his team from the sidelines during a game against Wilmington High School in Stoneham, Mass. Stoneham went on to lose by a score of 34-6.
Stoneham Senior, Cristos Argyropolous, is tackled during a semi-final playoff game against Middleborough High School, third quarter action at Woburn High School. Stoneham went on to lose the game by a score of 27-14.
Stoneham players can only watch as Shawsheen scores a touchdown, third quarter action, Stoneham, Mass.. Stoneham ultimately won the game, 44-39.
Stoneham High School senior Joe Dantona stares in disbelief during final seconds of a playoff game against Middleborough High School in Woburn, Mass. As a result of the 27-14 loss, Stoneham was eliminated from the playoffs.
The scoreboard tells the sad story for Stoneham High School as time runs out and their season comes to an end. For the third year in a row, Stoneham came within a game of making the trip to Gilllete Stadium for the state finals.
A dejected Stoneham High School junior Dante Messina sits in the the locker room after Stoneham's season came to an abrupt end with a loss in the semi-fail playoff game against Middleborough High School. The final score was 27-14.