By Owen Ziegler
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
On Friday, October 3rd, the 1-3 Westwood Wolverines faced off against the 2-1 Medway Mustangs. An intense showdown was brought to Flahive field, where Medway was projected to win the game. Ultimately the score would end 34-20 in Medway's favor, but Westwood was in it until the very last few minutes.
Brendan Cengic finds a gap in the line
Westwood's powerful connection between Ty Pindell and Keilan McDonald has already racked up countless numbers of touchdowns as they hope to continue this streak for the rest of the season. Within just the first few minutes Medway's powerful offense was able to convert on a long touchdown pass but Westwood's elite special teams were able to block the extra point. Following the block, Westwood running backs Brendan Cengic and Narawut Kam pushed through the defense with help from their monstrous offensive line to bring the Wolverines within scoring position, Pindel then connected with Keilan McDonald to make the game 7-6. Entering the second quarter, Westwood put up some amazing defense against Medway to prevent any points from going on the board, their drive ended with a huge sack from edge rusher Will Sesselman on 3rd down. With the ball in his hands, Pindel found tight end Murphy O'Malley on two consecutive gains, then wide receiver Teddy McGowan, but unfortunately, Westwood couldn't convert. Despite this, the Wolverines defense was locked down, forcing another punt. Right before the end of the quarter, deep in their territory, Westwood was ready to go for a long ball that would have hopefully put kicker Jonathan Bertone in field goal position, who has regularly drilled them from the 30 yard line. With minimal time remaining, Pindel heaved up a ball to McDonald, the defenders keyed up on him, the half looked to be over, but McDonald was able to curve around the back of the defender and secure the ball to his chest before going down right around the 35 yard line. But thanks to a questionable call, the pass was called incomplete, even though Keilen McDonald had clearly maintained possession.
Narwut Kam talks with coach Nathan Costello
Coming into the 2nd half still 7-6, the Wolverines got right to it. Pinel launched a pass to McDonald which put them on the 3 yard line, perfect for Pindel to jog into the endzone for 6 points. Medway followed this up with a touchdown of their own, but missed the 2 point conversion, making the score 14-12 going into the 4th quarter. Murphy O'Malley's huge catch right at the end of the 3rd quarter had Westwood in excellent position, where Teddy McGowan brought the ball down in the endzone. The score was 20-20 after a Medway touchdown and 2pt conversion with 5 minutes left. At this point it was evident that the absence of star players Charlie Jessup and JR Drayton were causing the team to hurt, without the depth at receiver and cornerback, the players were burning out. With this, Medway put on another touchdown, but still with plenty of time left, the Wolverines hoped to bring it home. Receiving the kickoff, a faulty trick play gave Medway the ball and the touchdown, the score was 34-20, where this game ended. Despite a heartbreaking loss at the end, Westwood hopes to bounce back against rivals Norwood on 10/10.
