Westfield State University quarterback Jake Cassidy sprints out of the pocket. (Westfield State File photo)
WESTFIELD – Union (NY) College’s quarterbacks completed all 22 of their passing attempts, including four touchdown passes as the Dutchmen downed Westfield State, 42-7 in the season opener for both teams in Schenectady, N.Y. on Saturday afternoon.
Westfield scored on a fourth-quarter, four-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Jake Cassidy (Lawrence Academy/Salem, Mass.), which capped a 38-yard scoring drive. The Owls drive was set up when Aidan Glynn (Pembroke, Mass.) forced a fumble which was recovered by Rashawn Settles (Lowell, Mass.) to give Westfield State possession with a short field.
Union (1-0) jumped out to a 35-0 first half, lead, scoring on five of its first six possessions. Three of those scores came on touchdown passes from William Bellamy to Andre Ross, Jr. The duo connected on strikes of 58, 10, and 41 yards.
The Dutchmen amassed 533 yards of total offense. Bellamy finished 11-11 passing with four touchdowns and 192 yards, while John Germinerio came on to complete all 11 of his tosses for 67 yards. Ike Irabour led union with 108 yards rushing. Joseph Ferreira added 81 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Cassidy finished 11-20 passing for 57 yards, and was also the Owls leading rusher with nine carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. Chris Belsito (West Boylston/Webster, Mass.) added 30 yards on eight carries. Cam Gallagher (Uxbridge) led Owls receivers with five catches for 30 yards.
Alijah Ellis (Derby, Conn.) made 14 tackles to lead Westfield State, while David White (Walpole, Mass.), a converted running back added seven stops in his defensive debut.
Westfield State (0-1) will be back in action with the home-opener on Friday night, hosting Western New England University in the annual President’s Cup game at 7:00 p.m. on Alumni Field.
