Panthers outlast Wolverines on Thanksgiving

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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor

The Westwood Wolverines (4-7, 2-3) hosted TVL Large champion and arch rival Holliston (9-1, 5-0) on Thursday for their annual Thanksgiving grudge match.

Tristan Benson gave Holliston an early lead with 14-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Holliston took its 8-0 lead into the second quarter before quarterback Matt Arvanitis hooked up with tight end Topher Ryan from 30 yards out, followed by a successful two-point try to make it a 16-0 game.

Quarterback Jake Pfaff led the Wolverines down the field on Westwood’s ensuing possession, but the drive stalled out at the Holliston 30 as the Wolverines turned the ball over on downs, allowing Holliston to maintain its 16-0 lead at halftime.

Holliston scored again on its first possession of the second half as Benson plowed into the end zone from 22 yards out for his second score of the day to make it a 22-0 game (two-point try unsuccessful).

Down three scores, the Wolverines threw everything they had at Holliston to try and climb back into the contest. Despite several powerful runs by junior tailback Colin Fay, the improvisation by the Wolverines was to no avail as Holliston’s defense stood tall, forcing a pair of turnovers via fumble and stopping the Wolverines on downs twice.

Scott Elliot put the nail in the coffin for Holliston with a one-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. The Panthers went on to claim their fourth straight Thanksgiving win, 29-0.

For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0.