Grinding It Out: MX Football Finishes 5–3 After a Resilient Season

Adversity, leadership, and standout performances from its senior core defined the campaign.

 The Middlesex varsity football team closed out its 2025 season with a 5–3 record — a year defined by injuries, resilience, and strong leadership from its veteran players. Despite a rough preseason and constant lineup adjustments, the Zebras battled through and found their identity late in the year. Senior captain Frankie ’26, a two-sport athlete committed to Union College for football and lacrosse, was central to that turnaround. “We faced a lot of adversity starting in the preseason with injuries,” Frankie said. “But we were able to overcome a lot of the obstacles we faced and have a great season.”

This year’s group leaned heavily on adaptability. When players went down, underclassmen filled critical spots. It wasn’t always smooth, but the effort paid off by midseason as Middlesex began to find rhythm on both sides of the ball. “Staying consistent was definitely the biggest challenge,” Frankie said. “We had a lot of guys who had to fill in at different positions. Keeping a level head through the ups and downs took time, but by the end we figured it out and finished strong.”

The highlight came in the win over Brooks — a complete performance that showed how far the team had come. Middlesex dominated in all phases, with the sideline energy matching the crowd’s. Despite the fact it was an away game, students came to show their support, creating what Frankie called “the best game of the year.”

Frankie has been part of the football program for the entirety of his Middlesex career, and his final season carried a mix of pride and reflection. Beyond the competition, it was the day-to-day moments that stood out. “I’ll miss the stuff that doesn’t show up in the box score — the locker room jokes, Friday night Chipotle runs - the little things,” he said. “Playing with all my friends one last time was special.”

He also emphasized the support that sets Middlesex apart. “Being at MX where football is such a valued sport is an honor,” Frankie said. “When faculty and friends take time to congratulate you after a win, it reminds you why you put in the work.”

As Frankie and the rest of the senior class graduate, they leave behind a tight-knit group of underclassmen ready to continue the program’s upward trajectory. Frankie’s message to them was simple: “Enjoy it while you have it. Be in the moment.”

For the Middlesex community, the 2025 football season will be remembered not just for its winning record, but for how the team handled everything thrown its way.

Emerson Gardner ‘28

image by: Middlesex Football Instagram