As parents, grandparents, cousins, and siblings filled Gary Kehler Stadium, Westfield was hungry for a win versus Bridgewater-Raritan on their senior day. The Blue Devils dominated, defeating the Panthers 35-10 in a tension-filled matchup.
Bad fortune struck Bridgewater-Raritan late in the second quarter with two players colliding resulting in two serious injuries. The game was suspended for 15 minutes leaving both teams shaken up. Senior Sebastian Magherini said, “It was really scary being right next to the collision, it definitely makes you think about every play individually. Both teams had to come back and lock in.”
In the first half of the season, the Blue Devil offense was struggling to find a connection, however, this struggle was not evident in the game. Sophomore Jordan Walsh and Magherini connected on a passing touchdown after an impressive drive down the field incorporating several Blue Devils. Magherini said, “We ran a double out route and he was also playing inside, so I knew to just give him a little shove and Walsh put it there again.” With this touchdown, Westfield led 14-0 in the first eight minutes of the game.
Early in the second quarter, there was a glimpse of hope for the Panthers, as they scored a touchdown less than 10 seconds into the quarter, making it a 14-7 game. This hope was short-lived, as the Blue Devils ran away with their lead, scoring two more touchdowns before the half ended.
With Bridgewater-Raritan being a rival of the Blue Devils, tensions were bound to be high, and they were just that. Throughout the whole game, both teams were talking smack and drawing unnecessary penalties. Senior Colby Parmelee said, “They were definitely cheap players and were trying to get under our skin the whole game.”
The Blue Devils defense had an impressive game in which they only allowed the Panthers to put 10 points on the board. Junior Jake Zemsky had an outstanding game with a sack and some big tackles. Parmelee said, “I think the defense held them, no big touchdowns or plays, which was great.”
The rest of the season will be challenging for the Blue Devils but head coach Matt Andzel has a strategy, much of that relying on their star-studded offensive line. He said, “The offensive line really sets the tone, so when they play well everybody else plays well.”
Westfield now has a winning record of 4-3 moving into the end of the regular season and towards playoffs. The Blue Devils are back in action away next Friday against Ridge, looking to keep their winning streak alive.
