Waltham rolls past Chelsea in homecoming win 

A new era has begun for Waltham football.

The Hawks ran circles around Chelsea High School on Homecoming Day by a score of 43-0.

Freshman quarterback Titan Haywood dazzled to the tune of 160 passing yards, three touchdowns through the air and two rushing touchdowns as Waltham High School notched its first win of the young season.

“I’m proud of the performance overall,” head coach Sean Brackett said following the Saturday afternoon game at Leary Field. “The offense took a step in the right direction.”

Waltham fans were rewarded early and often for their homecoming parade march from Kennedy Middle School prior to kickoff. Haywood worked his magic from the start, using his agility to consistently elude the pass rush while stepping up in the pocket and making strong throws.

The Hawks appeared to be the superior unit and exuded dominance, jumping out to a 36-0 lead by halftime. After a 2025 season in which WHS appeared to be outmatched at times, the difference and level of improvement was apparent against the visiting Red Devils.

A duo of sophomore receivers who gained valuable experience in their freshmen seasons last autumn impressed in the blowout victory. Wideout Ryan Ranucci garnered six catches for 116 yards and a pair of scores while classmate Julius Genece recorded a 24-yard touchdown grab. Senior leader Austin Lucente led the way on the ground with 85 rushing yards and a TD.

Perhaps no stretch exemplified the steps forward the Hawks took this offseason better than the manner in which the team jumped out of the gates in the second half. Following such a fiery opening stanza, it can be difficult for a young team to stay disciplined and keep their foot on the gas. WHS discarded any potential complacency and exerted its will on Chelsea to begin the third quarter.

Junior linebacker Isaac Brice, who showcased his physicality and explosiveness throughout the game, shut down the Red Devils’ opening drive of the half with a big sack. Brice then kicked off the Hawks subsequent drive with a first down reception on a designed screen pass from Haywood.

“We challenged our defense and special teams units all week and they responded,” Brackett said.

The slippery quarterback then proceeded to emerge from a quartet of Chelsea defensive lineman and toss what appeared to be a beauty of a touchdown pass. The score was called back due to a Waltham penalty, but Haywood was not fazed. A few plays later, he found a streaking Ranucci for a pretty 32-yard TD up the right sideline.

Moments where the Hawks looked to be the superior team were limited last year. Now, WHS looks like they can go up against any team and bring a fight.

“We still have to improve our discipline and eliminate the self-inflicted mistakes, but our kids fought and played well in all three phases,” Brackett said. “We look forward to a great challenge against Westford Academy next Friday.”

The upcoming contest versus the Grey Ghosts will be a good litmus test for the Hawks, who will unquestionably be fired up to chase another win.