The Westfield Fire Department hosted the WHS Football Bombers at their Broad St. Fire House Friday night. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
WESTFIELD – What recipe calls for five pounds of sausage, six pounds of ground beef, six gallons of spaghetti sauce and 420 meatballs? For the Westfield Bombers, at least, hopefully a recipe for success.
On Saturday, the West Division 2 champion Westfield Bombers (9-1) will battle the Central Massachusetts champ Shrewsbury Colonials (6-3) in a state semifinal game at Westfield State Unviersity at 2 p.m.
On Friday, they were given a rousing sendoff as the Westfield Fire and Police Departments joined forces to host a spaghetti dinner for the team.
The event was held at the Broad Street fire station, where tables filled with spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, garlic bread and soda awaited the Bombers.
“It feels great that our city is behind us and supporting us,” said Bombers co-captain lineman Chris Ward. “It makes us want to work harder for them.”
Firefighters spent all day preparing the food at the Broad Street station. Originally, the department was just going to donate money to the Westfield High Athletic Booster Club to feed the players and coaches, but then they had a better idea – cook up a winning meal.
Westfield High’s Mark Rowe, right, thanks local firefighter Eric Liptak. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
“We’re just here to do our part,” Westfield Fire Capt. Chris King said. “We have been working on it all day. Everyone pitched in.”
The Westfield Police Department also contributed, donating money to the cause in order to help pay for supplies. But they are not the only ones helping fuel the team’s success.
“Other local businesses have stepped up and done pasta parties, including The Tavern last week,” said Kellie Adam, booster club member.
The dinners are part of a weekly tradition for the team, Adam said. Parents have also selflessly cooked to feed the team in weeks’ past. In addition, Shortstop Bar and Grill will be hosting the team for their end-of-year banquet, celebrating their sensational season.
Ticket prices for Saturday’s contest are $10 and can be purchased at Westfield State University.
If Westfield pulls off the victory, the Bombers will advance to the state championship at Gillette Stadium Dec. 3.
