Northbridge advanced to the Division 4 semifinals with a 3-1 quarterfinal win over No. 17 Cohasset, a result that kept the Rams’ late-season surge intact. Northbridge closed the regular season 9-4-5 and entered the playoffs unbeaten in its last five (3-0-2), knocking off Mt. Greylock (3-0) in round one and Tyngsborough (1-0) in round two.
Cohasset arrived after an unlikely run, wins over Saint Bernard’s (8-2), Maynard (2-1 OT), and a shocking upset of top-seeded Sutton, and was battle-tested going into the quarterfinal. The Rams struck first when Trevor Taleri opened the scoring in the first half, and though Cohasset threatened, Northbridge kept control.
Marcus Macleod provided a signature moment with a heads-up, highlight-reel header that pushed the Rams’ advantage and helped close the door. Northbridge’s combination of disciplined defending, timely finishing, and veteran composure made the difference in the knockout setting.
With the win, the Rams now head into a marquee semifinal against Rockland, a matchup that will test Northbridge’s mettle as it chases a state championship berth. Rockland is the No. 5 seed in the tournament and should be the Rams’ toughest challenge of the season thus far.
