The cold wind gushed over Houlihan Sid Fay Field as the sun set, and senior tri-captain Ana Sanchez was running down the field, ball in hand, dodging the Kent Place Dragons one by one. Sanchez’s incredible pick-six in double overtime led the Blue Devils to a 6-0 win, starting their season with a record of 1-0.
It’s the time of year everyone has been waiting for: The WHS Spring sports season, and flag football, in their first year as a varsity sport, started Westfield off strong with a gritty win on Monday, overpowering Kent Place in chilly conditions. The game remained scoreless until Sanchez’s last-minute play.
The Blue Devils’ offense was strong throughout the game. Junior Jemma Brickman led the team in rushing yards with 85 yards, while senior tri-captain Lea Passarelli had 15 receiving yards and sophomore quarterback Sophie Sabato had 37 passing yards. The entire team worked together for the victory, but the Blue Devils struggled to get points on the board until the last play of the game in double overtime.
Both Sanchez and sophomore Anna Ziegler had great performances with seven total tackles each. Freshman Phoebe Lyons also showed determination in her first game on the team, with six total tackles.
Reflecting on what was going through her head during the pick-six, Sanchez said, “I was just thinking that we needed to make a play and we couldn’t have this go on any longer. I knew what was going to happen, so as soon as I saw the center go, I went for [the interception] and just ran for my life.” The sidelines and fans exploded with pride and cheers as the team celebrated in the end zone.
Head coach Matthew Andzel said, “I think we had really good defense. Sanchez did a great job today. She was awesome as a linebacker.” He did note that offense was a struggle. “We gotta work on offense and finish drives. We got down close a few times and didn’t punch it in.”
Passarelli said this win was “very meaningful because we worked hard getting here. We’ve had 2 months of preseason, a lot of practice to play for today and try to win.” Because this is the program’s first season as a varsity sport, it all means more.”
“Starting with an undefeated record for our season, it’s good to start on a good leg,” added Sanchez. “I think it’s also very inspiring for the rest of our team so that they know they can do the same thing.”
Last season, their record was 5-4, and the team exited the Big Central Conference Tournament in the quarterfinal round after a loss to Elizabeth.
The team is back in action on March 26, away at Colonia. They are looking to maintain their record and continue building the program’s legacy.
