With the game tied 7-7 at the end of the second quarter, the Blue Devils forced a fumble from St. Joe’s Metuchen on a punt return. Scrambling for the touchdown, senior quarterback Max Cho with the strength of the entire offensive, line shoved his way into the end zone to make the score 14-7.
Despite Westfield’s best efforts, St. Joe’s Metuchen made a fourth quarter comeback to score a win over the Blue Devils 17-14. With a missed field goal in the first half, St. Joe’s did not make the same mistake again in the final seconds of the game.
After maintaining the lead up until the last five minutes of the game, Westfield had a defensive breakdown. Two 35+ yard passes and a wasted offensive opportunity had ultimately cost them the game.
Senior captain and defensive linebacker Chris Rossetti said, “Both offensively and defensively, we could have played better in the second half.”
The Blue Devils were not fully to blame for their loss. Three questionable calls by the referees left the Westfield bleachers in uproar. With a few poor pass interference calls and an ignored incomplete catch, St. Joe’s held the upper hand.
Still, the Blue Devils failed to hold St. Joe’s offense on fourth down plays. Part of St. Joe’s strategy was to run long drives that would consume the clock. This kept the Blue Devils to little time on offense.
“We have to tackle better on defense,” said head coach Jim Desarno.
Although the results did not display a victory, lengthy carries by senior running back Josh Caramago and a 40 yard touchdown reception by junior wide receiver Enzo Ferrero should not be overlooked.
Despite losing his helmet mid-play canceling out a penalty against the St. Joe’s offense in the final minutes, senior captain and defensive lineman Max Romano had multiple big tackles.
Romano said, “We have to come together more. I feel like in some places we’re together and then some places we’re not.”
During the first half, the Blue Devils seemed to be in sync. A 40 yard touchdown from Cho to Ferrero and multiple forced turnovers by the Blue Devils defense demonstrated great chemistry between the players. The same could not be said for the second half.
As the playoff season approaches, it is crucial for the Blue Devils to keep their heads up. Tough losses such as this one should be used as learning opportunities. For Westfield to stay competitive in the Group 4 sectional tournament, they cannot afford to be disconnected and overly confident in the second half of games.
“I think we just have to have a better fight in the second half,” said Rossetti.
The Blue Devils will take on Somerville next Saturday at Kehler Stadium. This game will be a true testament to the teams overall adversity and strength.
