WESTFIELD – Westfield High School rushed for eight touchdowns, three of which came from fullback Ben Geschwind, and the Bombers pounded the visiting Amherst Hurricanes, 60-14, in the opening game of the high school football season at Bullens Field Friday night.
“Our guys worked really hard, and I think that was evident,” Westfield head coach Bill Moore said. “I’m happy for them. We still have a couple of things to clear up…we’ve got to continue to get better. It’s a great first step, but it’s just one step. We can’t get our highs too high and our lows too low, but I think our guys did a good job.”
Westfield (1-0) went 3-8 last season, with one of those losses a 46-14 defeat courtesy of Amherst. Moore didn’t directly say last year’s loss was motivation for Friday night’s win, but hinted it may have been mentioned in the days leading up to last night’s game.
“When it comes to motivation, everything is on the table, and we had some things that motivated us,” Moore said. “But I think more than anything else, the kids put a lot of hard work in.”
Westfield took an early 6-0 lead on a two-yard plunge by halfback Zachary Kuzon with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter. Amherst returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Westfield 12-yard line, and Amherst quarterback Tyrone Gibson hooked up with receiver Jamey Carey on a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game, however, on the point after attempt the kick was blocked and returned 97 yards by Westfield’s Cody Neidig to give Westfield two points and an 8-6 lead.
From there, Westfield never looked back.
Geschwind plowed his way into the end zone for his first score early in the second quarter and quarterback Jake Toomey added another score from four yards out on Westfield’s next possession. With 3:34 left in the half, Geschwind broke through the Amherst defense for a 39-yard touchdown run to give Westfield a commanding 28-6 lead.
The Bombers scored early and often in the third quarter. Toomey, Neidig, Geschwind and Rashaun Rivers all ran for touchdowns, and Westfield led 60-6 after the third quarter.
The final score of the game came on an 11-yard run by Amherst’s Jericho Aylla with 1:20 left in the fourth, and the game ended with Westfield on top, 60-14.
While the offense was clicking, Moore also credited his defense for making timely plays and creating turnovers.
“Our defense was really good,” he said. “They have great team speed, and we’re award of that. Fortunately tonight, we did a really good job keeping it contained.”
Westfield’s plays West Springfield in it’s next game at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Bullens Field.
