Westfield High School football coach Robert Parent provides instruction to Bombers’ sophomore quarterback Austin St. Pierre. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School football team created a buzz, opening the 2014 regular season with a thrilling victory on the road against the Amherst Hurricanes. After that highlight, the Bombers’ plans were blown a bit off course.
Westfield lost six straight games, and first-year head coach Rocco Fernandez resigned due to personal reasons, leading to the hiring of interim head coach Robert Parent, the team’s third coach in less than a year.
It has been an emotional roller coaster ride for the upperclassmen, who have had to put their trust in a sophomore quarterback, Austin St. Pierre.
Despite all of those obstacles, Westfield nearly managed to stun Longmeadow, and has reeled off two straight victories.
The Bombers (3-7) now have a chance to close out the season on a 3-game winning streak when the Cathedral Panthers (3-7) come to town for the 71st annual Thanksgiving Day game.
Westfield seeks its eighth straight win over Cathedral. The Bombers have won 11 of the last 12 meetings, and lead the series all-time, 42-28.
Over the course of Westfield’s seven-game winning streak over Cathedral, the Bombers have outscored the Panthers, 264-72, including three shutouts (2007, 2009, 2010).
Westfield’s Cody Neidig, foreground, carries the ball for a touchdown in a game against visiting Longmeadow earlier this season. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Their opponent is not to be overlooked though.
“We need to expect (Cathedral) to be better than us, and stronger than us,” senior fullback Craig Ward said.
Despite being shut out four times this season, the Panthers, in their three victories, outscored the opposition by a combined score of 82-21.
“(Cathedral) certainly presents challenges for us,” coach Parent said. “They’re athletic. Their quarterback is a good athlete, who, when he breaks the pocket, can make things happen. They have good interior linemen. We have to show up. It’s not an easy walkover.”
Last season, Westfield trampled Cathedral 52-22 as then senior backs Rashaun Rivers and Ben Geschwind combined for four touchdowns and more than 300 rushing yards.
Westfield’s Jordan Cree, right, battles a Cathedral player for a loose ball during the 2013 Thanksgiving Day game at Springfield College. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
This season, senior Cody Neidig figures to have a hand in the outcome. The Westfield back has ripped off long runs, dazzling catches, spectacular special teams plays, and has been a stalwart on defense.
“It’s just like any other game,” Neidig said. “It just means a lot to the seniors for sure.”
Westfield senior tight end John Bucko offered his take.
“We need to be an example for the younger kids,” Bucko said. “We need to have a good year to keep Westfield on the map.”
His teammates agreed.
“It is very important to get momentum for next year,” said Austin Shrewsbury.
Another win on Thanksgiving Day will go a long way in setting the tone for next year.
NOTES: This is the 71st time the teams have met on Thanksgiving Day. The series was canceled in 1971 due to snow … Tune in to WSKB 89.5 FM for a live broadcast of the game. The pregame show kicks off at 10 a.m., with kickoff of the game slated for 10:30.
