New Bombers head football coach Robert Parent walks on the practice field at Westfield High School Wednesday. (Photo by Chris Put)
WESTFIELD – Act Two is set to unfold.
The second act is about to begin for the Westfield High School football team. It actually might be the third take, depending on one’s perspective.
This past offseason, longtime head coach Bill Moore retired as head coach of the Westfield Bombers. First-year head coach Rocco Fernandez resigned last Sunday for what he cited as “personal reasons.”
In his place, Robert Parent, a spry 24-year-old and city resident, was lured away from his position as assistant coach at Commerce to become the interim head coach of Westfield High football.
“Opportunity knocked and I answered the door,” said coach Parent, following Wednesday night’s practice session. “I want to change the minds and lives of some boys as they become young men.
ROBERT PARENT
WHS Head Football Coach
The Bombers may be 1-3, and in the midst of a three-game losing streak. That slate has been wiped clean.
“It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario,” Parent said. “With controversy surrounding this team, there are low expectations. You can change the minds of people in a heartbeat. A solid 48 minutes of football, and people will start thinking the other way.”
The first challenge will take place this Friday night when Parent steps on to the field with his new team to take on, arguably, the region’s best team, the unbeaten Longmeadow Lancers (4-0). Kickoff at Bullens Field is at 7 p.m.
There will not be sweeping changes in the offensive and defensive schemes, according to Parent, but rather “tweaks,” he said.
“We’re going to stick to what we’re good at, and try to avoid big plays,” the new Bombers coach explained. “I’m not going in and changing the world over in a six-month period. We’re going to keep it simple as we can. As long as these kids are enjoying playing the game of football, they can forget about all the nonsense surrounding the team.”
Notes: Parent was a quarterback at American International College from 2008-11, a Springfield CYO coach, and assistant coach at Commerce for the last two years.
