Ghosts Finish 2011 Football With Turkey Day Loss

It might have been Thanksgiving, but the throngs coming to see Westford Academy face Acton-Boxborough certainly didn't get a turkey of a contest, although the visiting Colonial fans might have a had a little less indigestion afterward.

Echoing the defensive troubles that plagued them all season against quality opponents, the hosting Grey Ghosts fell to their Dual County League rivals, 21-14.

Westford drew first blood early, as Grey Ghost quarterback Justin Mount broke through for a 60 yard dash to daylight on the third drive of the game, before Acton-Boxborough's Kyle Sweeney took it into the end zone with exactly zero seconds on the clock to end the first quarter level.

Just as Westford continued their inability to hold a lead that had dogged them all season, the Ghosts also continued their penchant for spontaneous big plays, this time with Eric Cajolet putting Westford back on top halfway through the second and picking off Colonials quarterback Billy Jackman to end the half. 

Ultimately, a focus on preventing those breakout moments became a focus for the visitors.

"We became afraid of the home run plays," said Acton-Boxborough head coach Bill Maver.

That switch from Acton-Boxborough would prove pivotal, as Sweeney would take in two more touchdowns in a second half that saw him grab 133 yards on the ground, a total that would outpace Mount and Westford tailback Alex Eaton combined output in the final two quarters.

Although Westford ends its year with a winning record, the loss and indeed, the entire season, left Westford Academy head coach Rich McKenna with very few words.

"We had them, we had them in the backfield," said McKenna. "I don't know, it's been a strange year. We've had so many chances to have a much better record, we just didn't get it done."

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With Lincoln-Sudbury having already clinched the Dual County League Large Division title earlier in the month, the game held no playoff implications as Acton-Boxborough finishes at 7-4 while Westford Academy will have to settle for 6-5.

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