Sports
Blue Devils Defeat Bridgewater 22-7
"In past years, we have struggled to run the ball against Bridgewater, and the way we ran it today was just great," Westfield football coach James DeSarno said.
The Westfield High School football team defeated Bridgewater-Raritan 22-7 Friday night at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in front of a rowdy crowd. The Blue Devils only scored one offensive touchdown, but managed two interception returns for touchdowns, which turned out to be the difference in the game.
Head Coach James DeSarno was very proud of the way his team played the game. After challenging his players all week, it paid off against a Bridgewater team that put up 42 points against Hillsborough.
“We challenged our kids to really go out and battle today and they really stepped up,” DeSarno said. “I thought our defense was great. They bent but they didn’t break. I thought our offense did what we came here to do which was run the ball. In past years, we have struggled to run the ball against Bridgewater, and the way we ran it today was just great.”
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James O’Rourke shined for the Blue Devils, who are now 2-0 on the season. The senior captain had 35 rushing attempts while racking up 148 yards. His biggest contribution came on the defensive end as he returned both interceptions for scores.
“He (O’Rourke) had a great game both offensively and defensively,” DeSarno said. “I thought our guys up front did a great job today and got a push and he was able to make great decisions today. I thought his decision-making as well as his hard running was key today.”
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The lone offensive touchdown for Westfield came in the second quarter when senior Pete Ondi caught a screen pass from quarterback Nate Mitchell and made an impressive 65-yard run for the score. Mitchell was 6-9 for 169 yards and the one touchdown.
The story of the game though was the defense. The seven points surrendered to Bridgewater were the first points given up by the Blue Devil defense this season and coach DeSarno could not be prouder of his unit.
“(Defensive coordinator) Kenny Miller and our defensive coaches put together a great scheme today,” DeSarno said. “Our kids like to play defense around here and you can’t ask for anything more from your kids.”
Up Next: Westfield at Watchung Hills on Friday Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
