WESTFIELD JUNIOR BOMBERS vs. SOUTH HADLEY
The Westfield Junior Bombers opened their last regular season game with a kickoff to the visiting South Hadley team. On the visitor’s second play of the game, the tackling of Ian Wilhoite and stripping of the ball by Trot Gosselin led to the fumble recovery by Nickolas Pellegrini. On the Bombers first possession, it was capped by a 50 yard touchdown run by Baley Collier. Nicholas Barber ran in the 2 point conversion. On the South Hadley’s next possession, during the tackling of Michael Ruta and Trot Gosselin, they caused another fumble that was recovered this time by Nicholas Barber. The Bombers next possession was capped by a 35 yard touchdown run, this time by Nicholas Barber. Trot Gosselin ran in the 2 point conversion. As Hadley was moving the ball inside the 20 yard line, the Bombers stepped it up and after back to back tackles by Walter Figueroa. Walter caused another fumble and recovered it himself. Westfield took control of the ball once again and on their third possession handing the ball off to Baley Collier once again, this time he took the ball for a 77 yard stamper for the score. The second half began and was dominated by the Westfield defense once again with an interception by Trot Gosselin and a fumble recovery by Aiden Boyle, the first by each of the season. On the bombers last possession, with 3rd and 15, the pass by Nicholas Barber was completed to Ryan Rix for a 19 yard gain to extend their possession. On their next play, Nicholas Barber took the snap and carried the ball 40 yards for the teams forth touchdown of the game. The final score was Westfield 28 to South Hadley 0.
Westfield’s offense moved the ball extremely well throughout the game with great blocking from their front line made up of Nickolas Pellegrini (C), Ryan Paro (G), Andrew Pellegrini (G), Johann Schieppe (T) and Brandon Arnold (T), in addition to the outside blocking of the teams tight ends Ryan Rix, Michael Hall, CJ Skribiski and Jack Finnie. The offense was led by Bailey Collier (RB) ran for 159 yards on 5 carries, including scoring 2 touchdowns from 50 yards and 77 yards. Nicholas Barber (QB) ran for 95 yards on 7 carries, including scoring 2 touchdowns from 35 yards and 40 yards and a 2 point conversion. Nicholas also passed for 19 yards. Mike Nihill (RB) ran for 57 yards on 9 carries. Trot Gosselin (FB) ran for 23 yards on 5 carries. Ryan Rix (TE) had 1 reception for 19 yards.
Westfield’s defense and special teams made great multiplayer tackles during the game. The teams defense was led by Walter Figueroa (LB) who had 5 tackles, created a fumble and recovered another fumble during the game. Trot Gosselin (LB) made 5 tackles and picked off an interception. Nicholas Barber (Safety) made 5 tackles and recovered a fumble. Baley Collier (LB) had 5 tackles. Mason Collingwood (DT) and Michael Ruta (LB) each had 3 tackles. Manny Sardinha (CB), Ian Wilhoite (LB) and Daniel Minelli (LB) each had 2 tackles. Nickolas Pellegrini (DT) and Aiden Boyle (LB) both recovered a fumble during the game.
Westfield completed the regular season with a 5-2-1 record. They will now face Holyoke in the opening round of the playoffs. Good luck to the Bomber teams in the playoffs.
The Bombers have a home game 10:00am this Saturday 10-27 at Whiting Field.
PEE WEE FOOTBALL
Another battle took place at Bullens Field on Sunday against South Hadley.
The outcome of this game was critical for each team. Taking to the field first with defense the Bombers quickly stopped the forward momentum of their opponent. All tough South Hadley was first to score the defense held them to only 6 points in the first half. It took the offense a little bit to find there groove and when they did they made it into to the end zone to tie up the score. Unfortunately in the second half South Hadley was able to slip by several defenders and score the final touchdown of the day.
Our Pee Wee Bombers drove the ball 50 plus yards at the end of the 4th quarter fighting for every inch as a well oiled machine. These players would not give up hammering play after play the drive went to a no huddle offense and pushed all the way to the 8 yard line. With 4th down and 2 yards to go and under 2 minutes on the clock the Bombers came just shy of the first down. In conclusion South Hadley won 12-6 and bumped us out of the playoffs.
This team of dedicated, hard working young men deserve a pat on the back for a hard fought season with a record of 3-3-2. The Coaching Staff is sad to see the season end not because we did not make it to the playoffs, but because we have worked with these players over the past twelve and a half weeks. Watching them grow as individuals and as a team, learning to love the sport of football. The following Fourth graders will be moving up to the Junior level next year: Delgado, Towers, Melchionne, Strange, Adam, Antonellis, Barber, Barouxis-Kroll, Cam and Colby Clauson, Collingwood, Debidart. Doulette, Garcia, Jambora, Malo, Masso, Olivo, Ramos, Slack, Pellegrini, Smith, Spear, Tirrell, and West These young men will continue to represent the finest football team in Western, MA. They are remarkable in there own ways the sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and leadership made our jobs as coaches easier. Setting a great example for the first year players and helping them learn the ropes of the WYF program. With all of these great players moving up to the next level I am pleased to say that next year we are looking forward to seeing all the third graders move up the ranks and continue where their teammates left off. We are also excited to see the players that will be coming up from the WYF Baby Bombers Flag division to advance to the next level where we will continue to develop there skills as athletes and students. I would also like to say Thank You to all the Volunteers, Parents, Coaches, and members of the WYF Board without all of your time dedication this program would not be what it is today.
