ROCCO FERNANDEZ
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School football team has endured a rough start to the 2014 regular season. Things just got a bit tougher.
Amidst rumors of a hazing incident and player misconduct, and a three-game losing streak, Westfield first-year head coach Rocco Fernandez resigned Sunday.
Fernandez cited “personal reasons” for his stunning resignation.
Commerce assistant coach Robert Parent will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
“We would like to thank Mr. Fernandez for his time here,” Westfield High School athletic director Karen Gomez said.
Fernandez was hired this offseason to replace longtime head coach Bill Moore.
Westfield opened with a thrilling 21-14 win at Amherst in Fernandez’s regular season head coaching debut. Since then, the Bombers have lost three straight, including Friday night’s 42-13 debacle against Minnechaug in their home opener.
In the last three weeks, Westfield has been outscored 90-34.
During that stretch, there have been rumors of a locker room hazing incident and misconduct among players.
Fernandez said, although claims of an alleged hazing incident are “false,” an issue involving misconduct was handled internally.
Gomez also said no hazing incidents involving WHS football players have occurred this season.
Parent immediately takes over as head coach of the Bombers. The Westfield resident comes over from the Commerce Red Raiders, where he has been serving as assistant coach as recent as this season. He is a former quarterback of the Canadian and American Football leagues, and American International College (2008-11).
