2-point conversations are a rarity in high school football. This game came down to one. Somerville was down by two with under three minutes on the clock after a brutal second half for Westfield. After an 87-yard punt return this was the Pioneers’ last chance. As senior Chris Rossetti applied pressure up front, the Somerville quarterback scrambled, tossed the ball up in the air and Westfield’s defense knocked it down. The Blue Devils took back control and ran out the clock. They squeaked out a 31-29 win.
Westfield dominated the first half. Senior quarterback Max Cho scrambled all over the field and made big plays when it mattered. “I couldn’t care less about any of my stats, as long as we get the win I’m happy with my stats,” Cho said. Taking snaps under center, he kept making long passes with junior receivers Sebby Magherini and Enzo Ferrero.
Going into the second half up by 8 points, Westfield took their foot off of the gas. It seemed, even as the Blue Devils kept scoring, they could not quite pull away from Somerville. They could not stay consistent; big plays made a difference but neither team could keep control of the ball. As the score became closer and closer Westfield tried to flip the script. Cho found an open pocket to place a ball to Fererro for a 36 yard touchdown to try to push the Pioneers down. “I think the key is our chemistry. We’ve been working since June and July just getting that chemistry to the best of our ability and it seems like it’s paying off now,” Ferrero said.
Somerville was not backing down and put up points two possessions in a row. Westfield needed someone to step up big time. Senior Josh Caramagno did just that, running the ball relentlessly and fighting for every single yard. In the end, his grit led to a touchdown, making it a two-possession game. Caramagno’s toughness ignited the Westfield spark and fired up their defense to make a big stop when it mattered. “Going into the half, they weren’t done. They’ve always been a four-quarter team, so scoring the first drive of the half was big,” said Caramagno. The final chance for Somerville was a toss up and Westfield shut them down to take the victory.
As they look to continue their season against Ridge next Saturday they will work on playing a full four-quarter game. Coach Jim DeSarno said, “We’re not quite there yet, but we keep working. No matter what happens, a win is a win. We’re gonna take that and move on.”
