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The Hills Have Eyes
WESTWOOD - A disheartened Westwood squad got what was coming to them Friday night.
In a mirror of the 2005 Westwood Football Team who dropped 4 straight after losing to
Medfield, Kevin Brooks and co. looked lackluster throughout the night.
"Never in my coaching experience have I ever seen a team underperform so much," said an
angry Brad Pindell.
From the start of the night, the team seemed to lack the intensity that was clearly present
before Medfield last week.
(read more)
For Westwood, Future Looks Bright
WESTWOOD - As the final seconds ticked away during Westwood's home loss to the Medfield
Warriors on Friday, the hearts and minds of Wolverine seniors were overcome with the sad truth. They lost, and now they may
never get a chance to experience high school football playoffs.
The week started out in high spirits. The team was clearly focused on the game ahead,
ready to come out in front of a packed audience to begin their playoff run. The pre-game locker room was charged with electricity,
the coaches asking nothing more than 100% effort.
After the game, Coach Pindell said, "The effort was there. 100%. We suffered a tough loss
to a tough football team. That's all."
"Tonight, that team was better than us," voiced a hoarse Paul Hallion.
The disaster began in the second quarter, after Medfield clearly had the advantage although
posting no points. Several times they penetrated deep into Westwood territory while the Wolverines' D was exhausted trying
to hold on. A missed field goal created oppurtunities for Kevin Brooks and co., but all they could muster up was the ability
to punt the ball back towards midfield.
Finally, before the half ended, the D gave in and Mike Lane (21 rush, 110 yrs, 2 TD) dove
over the line for a three yard TD.
In the third quarter, Westwood was on the verge of scoring until Medfield forced a Brooks
fumble. The Warriors drove back, capitalizing with a 60 yard TD pass from Matt Schairer to Alex Lines.
The lead pulled to 20-0 when Mike Lane once again went in from 3 out in the fourth quarter.
With 7 minutes left, Brooks began to show authority. Despite mediocre blocking, he led
the no-huddle offense with 10 yard completions to Pat O'Brien, Kevin O'Connor, Tom O'Connor, and Manny Frangiadakis. However,
they turned it over on downs.
With 4 minutes left, Kevin took matters into his own hands and ran for a touchdown. With
the succeeding onside kick, the Westwood sideline exploded; they were back in the game.
Two drives, however, yielded no result and with 20 seconds left, the ball was turned over
and Medfield took the final knee.
"I have said this before. There is no one who can stop us, but ourselves," said Coach
Pindell. In the first half, nothing was working: the run was stuffed at the line, passes were off target, tackles were broken.
It was a long walk back to the locker room, especially with the jubilant cries of their
opponents behind. Captain Kevin O'Connor could not be found for comment.
In the news conference, Brad Pindell was asked what the team has to look forward to. "We
need to focus, and finish the season strong. Hopkinton, Holliston, these are all revenge games. We can pull that attitude
we did last year, but is that really how you want to be remembered? A four-game losing streak? We're looking towards an 8
win season here boys."
"You know what I have to look forward to?" said a teary Coach Mahegan. "Fourteen more
practices with the seniors that I love."
The playoffs may be out of reach for the Wolverines, but seniors still strive to leave
their legacy behind, and juniors are working to improve Westwood next year. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot
will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks
of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the
harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness
only that gives every thing its value." - Thomas Paine, 12/23/1776
Connor Walsh fills the role of Jason Urdang this year, and although these are
big shoes to fill, he has outperformed his expectation and really stepped up to a challenge. So far this year he has racked
up 6 touchdowns, 3 last week in a crucial Medway game. Here is one person who will always come ready to play.
Our correspndent attacked the running back in the bathroom.
W: How do you feel about the big game tomorrow?
C: [insert series of violent words and actions here]
W: Ok...Is there a specific gameplan tomorrow?
C: We need to stay focused, DESTROY LANE AHHHHHHHHH, and put point up.
W. You've had a history of belligerency, will any of this be shown?
C: I'll speak with my actions only....hold on no scratch that I'll speak with
my actions AND my words.
W: We understand you recently suffered a loss to your family around 9:58 PM Wednesday
night. How are you dealing with this?
C: Well, Eko's death has been very emotional to me and I've tried my best to stay
strong. But none of that will show tomorrow, cuz we'll be playing for him. We'll be playing for him.
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NEXT GAME PREVIEW:
Medfield Warriors at Westwood Wolverines
Time: November 3rd at 7:00 PM
Place: Flahive Field in Westwood, MA
Westwood's Starters
| Position |
Starter |
|
|
| OT |
Nick Laham |
DE |
Kevin O'Connor |
| OG |
Brian Kelly |
DT |
Brian Kelly |
| C |
Andrew Mellor |
DT |
John McDonough |
| OG |
Brent Peterson |
DE |
Brian McDonald |
| OT |
Brian McDonald |
OLB |
Matt White |
| WR 1 |
Manny Frangiadakis |
MLB |
Ryan Gold
Q |
| WR 2 |
Pat O'Brien |
MLB |
Andrew Mellor |
| RB |
Connor Walsh |
OLB |
Nick Sestito |
| FB |
Ryan Gold
Q |
CB |
Tom O'Connor |
| TE |
Kevin O'Connor |
S |
Connor Walsh |
| QB |
Kevin Brooks |
CB |
Manny Frangiadakis |
Key Players:
RB Connor Walsh (10):
How he beats you - With pure talent. Connor has the superb vision, agility, and speed
necessary for survival in the brutal TVL. Often, defenders underestimate his speed and allow him to turn the corner with open
field ahead.
How he beats himself*: Allows his temper to get ahead of himself. Actions speak louder
than words, bro. Nothing stupid.
QB Kevin Brooks (11):
How he beats you: In all areas. Third in Division 3 with 11 passing touchdowns, Boogse
can use his arm and hit receivers with precision passing. When nothing is open, he is quick enough to run for the first himself.
Agility and pocket presence have allowed very few sacks this season. Also sells the option and play actions to perfection,
risking a big hit to spring a solid gain for Connor.
How he beats himself: Does not have a clear understanding of primary and secondary targets.
TE Kevin O'Connor (88):
How he beats you: Size, and Strength. Kevin is not someone you enjoy tackling, or covering.
At defensize end, he rushes off the end fast to disrupt sweeps, off tackles, and passes.
How he beats himself: Dropping the ball. He has the ability to catch a fade easily by
jumping over his cornerback, but the Westwood sideline still holds their breath when the balll comes near him.
CB Manny Frangidakis (3) -
How he beats you: Overall athleticism. Manny can run, hit, catch, and read. He gives tight
cushions to wideouts and can make up for the distance with his legs. Also known as Manny Frangiaceptions, he comes in the
clutch especially with 2 game sealing INT's already.
How he beats himself: Overconfidence. Under the belief that M.O.B. owns the team, fueled
by encouragement from the den, Manny has come to develop an egocentric attitude. Can keep his head in the game, but may overpursue
when losing focus.
T Brian Kelly (77):
How he beats you: Size and strength. BK anchors the line at a light 400 pounds and becomes
a chore for linemen to block after about 70 plays in a game. His mass stuffs up holes in the middle.
How he beats himself: Lack of Stamina.
Medfield's Key Player:
RB Mike Lane (33) - Info N/A
Game Notes: With the Westwood and Medfield both beating TVL title contenders last week
(Medway and Holliston), this game easily becomes the most important of the season. Westwood (6-2, 5-1), with a win this Friday,
would win the TVL if it loses less games than Medfield (7-1, 6-0). If Westwood loses, they need to win out and Medfield needs
to lose out. Basically, this game is the title game. That means you, den, need to get pumped. All of the TVL will be watching.
Norton fans are friendly, Bellingham and Medway are not. Holliston fans are neutral.
Last year, the two forces met in the same situation. Both coming in at 5-2, Westwood had
high hopes for a three-time Super Bowl repeat. In easily the best game anyone will ever witness in high school football, the
score was tied going into overtime. After 2 OTs and the air tingling with electrcity, the Warriors scored and held on defense,
sacking a then junior Kevin Brooks on 4th down. Medfield, at home, celebrated jubilantly as fans rushed out onto the field
to greet their heroes and the coach nailed his 300th career win. the Wolverines retreated to their bus in silence; some, like
Captain Jimmy Vanaria, were in tears as their playoff hopes were ruined. Westwood never looked the same after that, lackluster
and falling to lowly Ashland scrappy squads. Neither team won the TVL, it was Holliston that advanced to get booted in the
playoffs.
This year, Kevin Brooks returns a changed man. With more experience and talent under his
belt, he has led a talented Westwood team to 4 dominating TVL wins. Skilled backs and ends have allowed Coach Pindell to switch
to a more pass-oriented offense with 4 wide, even 5 wide sets. Connor Walsh replaces a graduated Jason Urdang who suffered
from ankle pains all last season. Westwood's D holds strong, allowing only 10 points per game.
Medfield has shown their potential to destroy all competition. Can their defense compare
with Westwood?
Line: Medfield by 3
Prediction: I am in no position to predict this game. Obviously i would like
to say that Westwood wins 98-0, but writers have to be unbaised. Good Luck everyone.
POWER RANKINGS
The TVL is filled with fierce competition in the 2006 season. With Medfield's
solid record and putdown of Norton and Holliston they are at #1. Here are the rest:
1.) MEDFIELD WARRIORS - Although many teams beg to differ, the Warriors' record
speaks for itself. After all, its not how much you lose by, its the loss.
2.) WESTWOOD WOLVERINES - Heading into a tough 3 week stretch, Westwood shows
signs of life. They have been lifting and eating MEEEEEAT and practice has been intense all week.
3.) MEDWAT MUSTANGS - Trailing 21-0 at halftime just doesnt cut it for a big game
at home. Fans were virtually dead, giving in to the cheers of Westwood.
4.) HOLLISTON HELLCATS - The Hellcats will have to do something they never felt
possible before: they will have to root for Westwood.
5.) NORTON LANCERS - All that hype in the first few weeks was put to sleep by
Westwood when John Norcott had enough of being battered and limped away. They remain a mediocre team.
6.) HOPKINTON HILLERS - Man, what a bad year for a decent football team. Maybe
they should have listened to that Inches speech before the game.
7.) BELLINGHAM BALCKHAWKS - Perhaps the Blackhawks will win games once they stop
looking like a squad of scrubs and criminals.
8.) MILLIS MOHAWKS - Every year, Millis has a fierce competition with Ashland
and D/S for the number 8 spot in the league.
9.) ASHLAND CLOCKERS - Have you thought about, maybe, oh i dont know, getting
the radioactive waste OUT of your water supply?
10.) DOVER SHERBORN RAIDERS - At 0-8, they do have something to be proud of. They
haven't lost to Dover yet.
Westwood Locker Room Ransacked
WESTWOOD - Coming home from a big win against Medway, the Wolverines expected a raucous
celebration.
Instead, they were greeted by a ravaged locker room.
Lockers that were previously locked were thrown open, bags inside were emptied out as
the theives searched for valuables.
In process of cleaning up the mess, many found that their belongings were missing.
"They took my cross again," said Jake Mahoney, who has been robbed twice already this
season. "And my locker was locked this time."
Costa Belezos and Andrew Mellor reported missing wallets, which had their licenses in
them. "How am I supposed to dtrive home," said Mellor, "and now my cell's gone too."
Probably the most furious of everyone was Matt Harney, who found his locker cleaned out,
his entire bag dissappeared. "They stomped on my $250 dollar glasses," he said. "Just stomped on them." The glasses were found
missing lenses and the frame was bent out of shape.
Manny Frangiadakis' Playstation 2 is also gone, along with the games, controllers, and
memory cards.
Westwood's locker room has not had the best security. Earlier this year, a player named
Chris Rogers was suspended for taking Jake Mahoney's cross and cell phone. However, there remains an open door policy.
People not even on the team have been found coming in at random intervals to play the PS2.
"When we left, there were two kids just sitting there for hours," said Pat O'Brien.
"We cant jump to conclusions yet," said Coach Brad Pindell, a Westwood Police officer.
"Don't suspect until we have all the evidence.
Players have found opening and reopening their lockers to be a hassle, so they have left
their lockers open. Some with bad memories stick the locker combination numbers in the webbing of the lockers. In this way,
they are very accessible to any theft. A long pole that was previously not there was discovered bent out of shape and looked
like it was used in a feeble attempt to break lockers open.
This incident shows and teaches us some lessons. Security needs to improve in the new
section of the locker rooms. With no apparent security cameras or guards present, anyone can come and go. Westwood students
will also be more careful about the security of their lockers.
As part of the team, everyone has a responsibility to help investigate this atrocity.
If you have any evidence or find anything missing, please report it to Officer Pindell or me, Private Investigator.
My thoughts are as such: The clearest and most identifiable suspects are, indeed, the
two students playing Madden before the team left. Anyone on the team is definitely ruled out, as they have alibis of being
at the Medway game. However, virtually anyone could walk in and out. The best evidnece we could have is the investigation
of fingerprints on the long pole. If any of the cell phones have tracking devices on them, it would be easy to discover the
culprits. The bag stolen from Matt Harney is most likely used to carry the PS2 with. The crime appears to be premeditated,
since it occured at a time when no one would be around to witness it. The entire football team, along with coaches, staff,
team managers, injured players would be gone for 5 hours, a large interval in which a person could ransack everything. The
best thing we can do now is to wait for the criminal to make a wrong move, since he/she left significant amounts of evidence
and does not work like a professional (evidneced by the attempt at break-in by the long pole).
We don't know who you are, and where you are, and if you are out there reading this, we
will find you. And when we do, you will have the entire football team after you.
Catch 22
Boat and Whitey lead defense to win
MEDWAY - In the cold autumn air, the football season begins to wind down and every game
become a playoff game. The Westwood defense clearly understood this mentality.
Early in the second quarter, Kevin Brooks drove the offense down the field, ending with
a two yard touchdown by Connor Walsh. The next drive, a short screen to Walsh turned into yet another touchdown. Boat completed
his hat trick with a 10 yard run before the end of the half.
The defense set the tone early for the game by foling Medway's attempts as early as possible.
Brian McDonald (2 sacks), Matt Shanahan (2 sacks), Andrew Mellor (1 sack), and Captain Kevin O'Connor flustered Medway's backs.
Safety Connor Walsh picked off Medway's quarterback after O'Connor got in his face.
For most of the game, Number 2 just wanted to get the ball away to avoid sacks. Under
a variety of blitz packages, Nick Sestito, Mellor, Whalen, and Matt White stopped several plays in the backfield.
White, however, displayed superhuman abilities. In practice, both White and Walsh have
practiced their hard-hitting tendencies on show team wingbacks like Roland Zhou.
In the first quarter, Matt forced two fumbles and recovered one. He also fell on a punt
blocked by Kevin O'Connor. Early in the third quarter, he picked off an errant throw and returned it to the endzone for a
touchdown.
"It was a good win, but we still need to do better," said Coach Brad Pindell.
At halftime, leading 21-0, Coach Hallion had nothign to say to his team except, "Who's
coming out on the field second half?" To which players insanely screamed, "DEFENSE."
The Wolverines' defense is one of the most dominant in Division three, allowing just 9.8
points a game. "Our defense is exactly where it needs to be right now. I have never felt more confidence in us since Week
1. Medway lacks the preparation that we got from playing tough teams in the preseason like Oliver Ames, Stoneham, Norwood,
and Walpole."
If there was a weakness in tonights performance, it was in the secondary.
"It was a different team out there second half," said Hallion. "The second quarter was
the best I've ever seen played at any level, in 20 years of coaching experience. We cannot underestimate our opponent.
Medway, with the loss, drops to 5-3 and loses its shot at the TVL this year.
Westwood plays Medfield next week, an important game to win in order to clinch the #2
spot in the TVL. Last year, Westwood lost its chances after a 26-20 overtime loss to the Warriors.
"Congratulations on the win, boys. But know that come Monday, we have a lot of work to
do."
Heres MY Prediciton:
Next Game Preview: Westwood Wolverines (5-2) at Medway Mustangs (5-2)
Details: Two of the league's elite teams battle for playoff contention in this intense
matchup. Both are looking to win out in the TVL so the Thanksgiving game won't be just for pride....Westwood's Key Players:
QB Kevin Brooks, who is a threat both throwing and running; RB Connor Walsh, who's sheer intensity instills fear in opponents;
and Kevin O'Connor, whos prowess at Defensive end will be a factor all game long....Medway's Key Players: The Offensive Line,
which includes three captains. Their running back may not be particularly good, he will just be following the great mass in
front. The tight end is also the Quarterback's primary target, catching eight passes against Dover-Sherborn....Westwood's
keys to victory: Whenever Medway comes out with two wideouts, they ALWAYS pass. Shut down the run by geeting a push up front
on Defense. Secondary and Linbackers need to keep their heads in the game to watch for trick plays, including wingback draws
and WR reverse passes....Westwood's injuries: OG Greg Niles, OT Jack Cushman, LB Matt Springer.
Prediction: On Wednesday, Westwood's D came out with full intensity. Although the game
will be close, the Wolverines definitely want to go to the playoffs more. Westwood takes it, 21-12
UMMMM....WHAT?!
Predictions Week 8
Last week: (6-2)
For the season: (57-23-0)
2005:
(63-20-1)
Burlington 24-16 Stoneham
From the opening kick off to the final whistle this should be a very
close game as the Spartans may have enough to best the Red Raiders.
Central Catholic 18-12 Lowell
How
good is the MVC? We will find out this week…
Everett 26-14 Waltham
Is this the Crimson Tide’s only
remaining opponent that can possibly beat them until the first week of December?
Ipswich 26-18 Wilmington
Very
close contest and it may come down to the final minutes.
Winthrop 37-16 Lynn Classical
The Vikings will take
Durgin’s troops to the woodshed!
North Attleboro 22-19 Stoughton
Sherman and company are getting better
each week.
Woburn 20-14 Wakefield
It will not surprise us if Wakefield returns last years loss to the Tanners.
Medway 12-8 Westwood
The Monsters of the Medway beat a scrappy Westwood squad.
WTF?????
Today's Headlines:
-- Depth Chart updated
-- Westwood beats D/S
-- Player Bios
-- First Edition of the Westwood Football Newspaper
-- Pasta Dinner
-- Interview con Schotland
Boat Sails in High Winds
Westwood Cruises to Victory
WESTWOOD - It was a cold, windy day on Friday Night. Soaked by pouring rain
and attacked by a brisk autumn wind, players on both sides were feeling down.
The sidelines wanted nothing more than Westwood to put the Raiders away fast.
Their stingy defense did just that.
After a scoreless first quarter, it was Westwood's running game that won the game.
Star running back Connor Walsh punched it in from a yard out after a long drive. On the succeeding drive, he drove in from
two yards out. On the day, he had a little more than 100 yards with two TDs, along with 31 receiving yards.
In the final seconds of the half, Kevin Brooks scored on a botched play that resulted
in a quarterback keeper from three yards out to set the score at 19-0.
Coach Pindell expressed his frustration after the game. "It's like he's always
looking at a different receiver than I am." [tells story about high school here] then took a sip of his iced coffee. "A win
is a win, but we need to play hard and execute. If we play against Medway like this, I guarentee we will lose."
"It was a close game," said Dover-Sherborn's coach. "I feel we would have won
if we hadn't made so many mistakes. We have a good ball club this year, and we need to come ready to play on Monday."
Dover-Sherborn still has an inside shot at the playoffs if Westwood, Holliston,
Medfield, Medway, Bellingham, Hopkinton, Millis, Ashland, and Norton all lose the final four games of their seasons.
Connor Walsh stepped out in the second half when the referee ejected him for kicking
three people in the face, ripping off someone's arm, multiple injuries inflicted with a baseball bat to a lineman's head,
and several other unnecesary roughness calls that included (but are not limited to) assault with a chainsaw, mace, screwdriver,
and nails.
Said the running back after the game, "It's football. Don't come out to play
if you can't take the injuries." He then proceeded to light a Molotov cocktail on fire and tossed it through the
open window of the D/S bus.
In place of Connor, Matt White (47 yards), Nick Sestito (32 yards), Matt Shanahan
(8 yards), James Berluti (3 yards), and Max Smith (5 yards) all received carries.
Westwood faces the Medway Mustangs next week for the final away game of the season.
With Norton losing Friday Night against Holliston, the Wolverines need only to sweep Holliston, Hopkinton, Medfield, and Medway
to clinch the Tri-Valley League.
Kevin Brooks best be throwing 6 touchdowns and running for 100 yards
this Friday, or the pizza is going to Okie.
-ANOUNCEMENT-
Winner of the MVP Voting as of 11:59 PM on November 22 will
receive a free medium pizza. As of October 16, 11:59 PM, Kevin Brooks leads the polls at 31, Kevin O'connor second at 26,
and Connor Walsh at 15. Support your favorite player today.
10/16/06
-- JV wins 12-7 against Bellingham
-- Interview with Coach Schotland
-- More at eleven
-- Westwood Football newspaper? express your opinion
-- Get rid of those pop-ups, everyone chip in 50 cents every month.
Adult Friend Finder
This week's eligible man: Seamus Mehigan
Ladies out there, today is your lucky day. Pictured above, is God's gift to women.
Seamus is very single, and very eligible. He is quite a big deal around Westwood, as it was his wisdom that propelled Connor
Walsh into the starting running back this year. People know him. He owns many leather-bound books, and his spacious apartment
smells of rich mahogany. Not only is he charming, friendly, and intelligent, he can bench press over 250 pounds. Some of his
likes: football, long walks on the beach, sitting beneath the shade of a tree watching the sun set behind the mountains, and
a peaceful, quiet time floating in the middle of a calm lake. Seamus does not drink, smoke, or have any diseases. he has a
love for the music of such bands as Soilwork, System of a Down, and Killswitch Engage. Seamus works at the high school as
an aide to special education students, clearly displaying his kindheartedness by devoting his time to those less fortunate
than he.
10/14/06
Updated:
- Norton falls to Medfield, loses division title
- Dover-Sherborn remains winless
- Ashland loses chance at TVL title with loss to Holliston
- all new player quotes section, help appreciated
- coach bios?
10/11/06
John McDonough dislocates finger, state of emergency
Earlier today, John McDonough's middle finger was declared dislocated at 4:58
PM EST. Coach Pindell annouced in an interview, "Westwood suffers a great loss today. However, we cannot cringe, cannot be
weak in this time of darkness. We need to stand together and overcome this barrier. If we do not combat our enemies, the terrorists
win." He later released information stating that he also cringed in fear and disgust upon viewing the finger, which was bent
backwards at an 85 degree angle. Players and coaches alike cleared the scene when the finger sought medical attention. "I
was in genuine fear for his life. i didnt think his finger was going to make it. I thought we were going to have another
gentili on the team," said Kevin Brooks. Atheletic trainer Paul Lilla said in a news conference, "It was one of the most unusual
injurites that I have witnessed." He also commented that the incident made Pat O'Brien's devastating ACL tear seem
like a light bruise. Paul was able to heal the finger, but the wolverines decline to release more information. The finger
is listed as day-to-day for Friday's game against Bellingham.
Also on Westwood Wolverines Radio, hear Coach Pindell squeal like a girl in response
to the incident.
Next Game Preview: Bellingham at Westwood 7:00 PM
Spread: Bellingham (2-3) vs. Westwood (3-2) (-10.5)
Details: The Blackhawks and the Wolverines square off again in an age-old league
rivalry. In their last meeting, Westwood led at halftime before falling 33-21...Bellingham comes off a loss to Medfield 22-18...Westwood
comes off a defeat at the hands of #1 ranked Norton (5-0), 7-6...Bellingham's star player is John Kubiac (2)...Westwood's
star players are Kevin Brooks (15), Kevin O'Connor (88), and Connor Walsh (10)...Kevin Brooks has thrown 5 touchdowns so far
and rushed for 100 yards...Connor has over 250 on the season...WR Patrick O'Brein missed practice on Tuesday and Thursday
due to injury and is listed as probable for Friday's game...This week is Homecoming for Westwood, the second home game of
the year...RB Matt White and DE Brian McDonald are also questionable for Friday...Both teams are pass heavy offenses.
Prediction: Westwood has more overall talent, wins 26-6
Next Game Preview:
October 7th 12:00 at Norton
Westwood's three-game road trip to start off league play has been relatively easy so far. Ashland and
Millis have historically been easy prey for TVL teams, evidenced by Westwood's recent thrashing of them, 21-0 and 27-8. However,
Norton, unlike Ashland and Millis, is undefeated in League and Nonleague play. They lead the TVL at 4-0, playing at home against
the 3-1 Wolverines. In the words of Coach Paul Hallion, "there is no sweeter victory than beating an undefeated team at home."
Westwood has a lot to prove with this game: A win would signify that they are still a fierce competitor in the league, a loss
would justify many people's assumptions that they are simply a mediocre team without Jeff White. So far, a 5-6 record last
season only feeds the rumors of the downfall of Westwood. Coming off a spectacular 33-27 overtime win over Hopkinton last
week, morale should be at its peak. The stingy Westwood defense is sure to have its hands full with opposing running back
John Norcott, who rushed for 3 touchdowns against Hoptown. Norton will try to find a way to stifle Westwood's high-powered
passing offense.
Prediction: Norton is good, but isn't used to victory. Overconfidence will lead to a Westwood lead
by halftime, before the Lancers really come out to play. Westwood will take this game 21-14.
Contact Mike Ju or Malcolm Goodridge for ticket information and tailgating.
2006 Season Preview
Coming off of a dissapointing 5-6 season, the Westwood Wolverines are back in the TVL.
Key losses (graduated): DE/TE Jimmy Vanaria, RB Jason Urdang, WR Andrew Bateman, OT Alex
Gentilli, DE David Holmsy
Returning Starters: MLB Ryan Gold, CB Manny Frangiadakis, WR Patrick O'Brien,
WR Tom O'Connor, OL Brian Kelly, TE/DE Kevin O'Connor, QB Kevin Brooks, LB Nick Sestito, LB Matthew White,
RB Connor Walsh, LB Matthew Shanahan, OL Brian McDonald, OL Andrew Mellor, K Nick Laham, C J. J. Ahigian
Strength: Enormous Depth at skilled positions, Wideouts, Running Backs.
Weakness: Overall Team Size
Outlook: With the loss of all-stars such as Vanaria and Urdang, Coach Hallion is not worried
about the team's future. "Win the down," he says, and the games will take care of themselves. Westwood has an above average
chance at taking the TVL this year. A brand new football field and locker rooms/weight rooms complements Westwood's hopes.
The Wolverines are definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with among teams such as Bellingham, Hopkinton, and Norton
this season.
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