Wolverines fight Panthers in rain

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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor

The Westwood Wolverines (1-2) met a tough fate on Friday night against rival Holliston (2-1), falling 41-7 on a rain-soaked Flahive Field. The wet conditions made it extremely difficult for the Reed Wilson-led offense to get going, and a second half shutout by the Panther defense propelled Holliston to the 34-point victory.

The Holliston defense made it their mission to lock down senior captain and versatile speedster Jake Antonucci, and the Panthers being able to keep the Providence College lacrosse commit out of the end zone proved to be a pivotal factor in the game.

Westwood wideout Sean Gallagher (23) fights off a Holliston defender with a stiff arm during the Wolverines’ 41-7 defeat on Friday night.

Holliston scored the game’s first 21 points, outrushing Westwood 137-38 and out-passing the Wolverines 163-95 throughout the first half. Reed Wilson found running back Mark James Jr. on a dump-off in the final minutes of the first half to get the Wolverines on the board. Westwood’s PAT attempt was blocked but Holliston scooped up the ball at the one and ran back into their own end zone. Westwood tackled the Panther ball carrier in the end zone for a one-point safety to make it 21-7 at the half.

Holliston scored a touchdown on a 32-yard passing play to extend their lead to 28-7 on their opening possession of the second half. Westwood was unable to answer with a score on their ensuing drive, and Holliston scored a touchdown on a 25-yard quarterback keeper to extend their lead to 35-7 near the end of the third.

The Panthers scored another touchdown on a 53-yard passing play on their opening possession of the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 41-7 (PAT blocked) and held on to win by the same score.

The Wolverines will look to get back to .500 when they host Bishop Feehan on Thursday evening. Westwood and Holliston will rematch on Thanksgiving.