The matchup was a clear stalemate through the first quarter. With neither team having played in over three weeks, rustiness was expected. However, the Blue Devils turned the game in their favor, with senior quarterback Max Cho rushing for a touchdown, breaking and shedding multiple tackles along the way. The drive started with a spectacular interception from junior Brendan Scheper and finished with an amazing offensive attack. Stellar play on both sides of the ball was a staple of the game, leading the Blue Devils to a 28-9 victory.
A chilly day with plenty of wind in Plainfield set the scene for the annual thanksgiving matchup between the Blue Devils and Cardinals, a tradition that has been celebrated for over 100 years. “We had to be careful throwing into the wind, but the kids really stepped up today,” said head coach Jim DeSarno.
With senior running back Josh Caramagno out due to injury, Westfield needed to fill a hole in the lineup. With a next man up mentality, senior Luke Jordan filled in that role perfectly, having the best game of his high school career, accruing a rushing touchdown and two interceptions on defense.
After the first TD from Westfield, they looked to bounce back after a Plainfield field goal. Cho found senior Chris Rosetti for a four yard touchdown pass, increasing Westfield’s lead to 14-3 heading into halftime.
On the opening drive of the half, the Plainfield quarterback launched a ball downfield looking to quickly score. However, Jordan was there for his first interception of the game. The proceeding drive gave Westfield a 21-3 lead, as Cho connected with junior Sebastian Magherini for another passing touchdown.
No answer came from Plainfield. A loss of ten yards came on a fumble, which led to a turnover on downs on the next play, a fourth a twelve incompletion. Westfield’s next drive resulted in a punt, after a personal foul backed them up 15 yards for a fourth and 26.
The first play of the drive: who else but Jordan with an interception, continuing his immaculate day on defense. “We were looking at the quarterback’s eyes. His eyes were telling us where the ball was going. The D-line was putting on a lot of pressure, and that’s what helped us win,” Jordan said.
Unfortunately, Plainfield would recover a Westfield fumble four plays later, but the staunch performance of the Blue Devil defense forced a punt. The next Plainfield drive would yet again play right into Westfield’s defense, as senior Steven Csorba picked off another pass, the fourth interception of the day for the Blue Devils.
With less than a quarter to play, Jordan would strike again, this time on offense. A 25 yard rushing touchdown gave Westfield a 28-3 lead and a late Plainfield touchdown was not enough, as they missed the extra point cementing the final score of 28-9.
The Blue Devil team finished with four interceptions, four touchdown and a win. Like the coaches said prior to the game: “The turkey always tastes better when you win.”
