The last time Rico Dello Iacono graced the same gridiron as Medford High, his Everett Crimson Tide washed over their Greater Boston League foe, 49-22. The game was one of many disappointments in a season overflowing with them for the Mustangs.

"It was another game at the time," said Dello Iacono, who last week accepted the head coaching position.

"As coaches on the opposing sidelines, you talk about the other team's bright spots. I saw a few of them that day."

The Mustangs finished last season under the direction of interim coaches Mike Marchese and James Delverde, who stepped in after second-year coach James Atkins was indicted for misuse of funds with a booster club at Chelsea High.

As both a player and a coach, the 30-year-old Dello Iacono has known little more than perennial powerhouse Everett. He was captain of the 1995 team that won the Greater Boston League title in coach John DiBiaso's inaugural season at the helm.

After a short stint playing center at Merrimack College that ended because of a knee injury, Dello Iacono returned to his alma mater to join DiBiaso's staff. The past eight seasons, he served as the offensive and defensive line coach for the Tide.

Being at Everett "was fantastic," he said. "I met a lot of great players and had a lot of great years."

Now, however, Dello Iacono is battling a new frontier. Medford was one of two Division 1 teams to go winless last season, finishing 0-11. Since the start of the 2003 season, the Mustangs have an unsightly 8-56 record.

The challenge is something the first-year coach welcomes.

"Everett went 1-9 before John DiBiaso took over the program," said Dello Iacono. "I'm not saying I'm going to be as successful, but I've learned from the best."

Medford athletic director Robert Maloney agrees, and noted Dello Iacono's experience in the GBL as a key point in his hire. More importantly, Maloney was sold on Dello Iacono's vow to make a long-term commitment to the program.

"He's already told us he's not looking to come in for a couple years and jump ship," said Maloney. "He's looking to build the program."

Sometime in the next month, Dello Iacono will move to Medford. Pending budget approval, he will also join the faculty at Medford High as a history teacher, a position he now holds at Everett.

"Medford had a great run in teams in the '60s and '70s," said Dello Iacono. "The people in Medford want that, the kids want it just as much.

"I want to bring that back."