HOLYOKE – The Westfield Junior Bombers (5-2-1) began their playoff run against the undefeated Holyoke (8-0-0) team. The visiting Westfield team won the coin toss and elected to defer. The entire game was a defensive battle between the two programs. Westfield and Holyoke went back and forth until Westfield forced Holyoke to punt and took its third possession of the game in the 4th quarter. It turned out to be Westfield’s last possession, but the one that counted the most. After a few plays, Baley Collier broke a carry for a 10 yard run and first down. Then, Nicholas Barber made consecutive carries for another first down. A couple plays later on 2nd and 15 at the 43 yard line, Nicholas Barber took the snap. As Nicholas was forced out of the pocket to avoid a sack, he released a 43 yard pass to Michael Hall in stride for the Bombers touchdown. The crowd erupted for the Bombers score with less than 2 minutes left in the game. It turned out to be the only score, as Westfield held onto the lead by deflecting a pass to the ground on Holyoke’s final play to secure the win.
Westfield’s offense was led by Nicholas Barber (QB) who passed for 59 yards, including a 43 yard touchdown pass and ran for 30 yards on 7 carries. Michael Hall (TE) had 1 reception for a 43 yard touchdown and also recovered an offensive fumble. CJ Skribiski (TE) had 1 reception for 16 yards. Baley Collier (RB) ran for 16 yards on 5 carries. Trot Gosselin (FB) ran for 9 yards on 3 carries. Michael Nihill (RB) ran for 8 yards on 3 carries. The offensive line of the game were Nickolas Pellegrini (C), Ryan Paro (G), Andrew Pellegrini (G), Johann Schieppe (T) and Brandon Arnold (T).
Westfield’s defense and special teams made great multiplayer tackles during the game. The team’s defense was led by Walter Figueroa (LB) and Trot Gosselin (LB) who each made 9 tackles. Baley Collier (LB) made 7 tackles. Nickolas Pellegrini (DT) made 6 tackles. Nicholas Barber (Safety) made 5 tackles. Mason Collingwood (DT), Manny Sardinha (CB) and Kris Meneses each made 4 tackles. Ryan Paro (DT) and Nick Clauson (CB) each made 3 tackles. Daniel Minelli (LB) and Michael Ruta (LB) each made 2 tackles. Michael Nihill (SpT) and Blake Tyler (LB) each made a tackle during the game. Other notable defensive players were Ryan Phillips (CB) and Aiden Boyle (LB).
Westfield will now face Springfield 5A in the Super Bowl on November 4th at the Westfield Vocational High School at 1:00 pm. Good luck to the Bombers this weekend.
