High school football in New England kicks off with a highly anticipated match as the Westford Academy football team takes on Lowell High School this Friday, September 15, 2023, at 19:00. This non-league contest marks the third consecutive season these teams will meet, with Westford having secured shutout victories in the previous two encounters—22-0 in 2022 and 14-0 in 2023.
Westford Academy, under the guidance of head coach Bruce Rich Jr., enters this season with an impressive record of 8-3. Despite losing key players like quarterback Alex Wilson and wide receiver Ryan Kyle to graduation, the team boasts a strong lineup. Returning running backs Ben Chen and Brett Moran, along with wide receivers Teddy Hirbour and Dante Vasilu, are expected to provide significant offensive contributions. Newly appointed quarterback Jack Lafond will lead the charge, supported by an experienced offensive line featuring Brian Cross, JJ Wilson, and Malcolm MacDonald.
In contrast, Lowell High School, now in its second year under coach Scott Boyle, aims to improve upon a 4-7 record from last season. Boyle acknowledges the challenge posed by Westford, stating, “This is a very good Lowell team. We’ve seen them throughout the summer during 7v7 competitions, and they’ll be the fastest team we face all season.” The Red Raiders return several key players, including quarterback Seth Ly, three-year starting running back Anthony Perez, and versatile athlete Collin Christiansen, who excels in multiple sports.
As the game approaches, Boyle expresses confidence in his team’s returning players. “We have a lot of our skilled kids back, so I feel good about the experience with those guys,” he said. However, he also notes a lack of experience on the offensive and defensive lines, emphasizing the need for his team to execute effectively on the field.
The matchup promises to be a competitive one, with both teams eager to showcase their abilities. Rich emphasizes the importance of the offensive line in establishing control, highlighting junior two-way player JJ Wilson as a critical asset for Westford. “We’re looking forward to a hard-fought game and the chance to measure ourselves against a strong Lowell program,” he remarked.
Other Local Matchups This Weekend
In addition to the Lowell-Westford game, a total of eleven other local high school football games are scheduled for Friday night, with one additional game set for Saturday. Notable Friday matchups include North Reading at Greater Lowell, Dracut at Medfield, and Masconomet at Billerica, among others. The only game on Saturday features Pelham traveling to John Stark for a 13:00 kickoff.
The game between Masconomet and Billerica stands out as Shawn Theriault makes his debut as head coach for Billerica. Theriault will rely on players like Dan Venezia and Timmy Murphy to spearhead the offense. Murphy, returning from an injury, is looking to make an impact after winning state championships in hockey and lacrosse, while Venezia transitions to quarterback.
Shawsheen Tech enters the weekend with a remarkable 22-game home winning streak, adding further intrigue to the Friday night lineup.
Highlights from Last Week’s Openers
Several players delivered outstanding performances in last week’s season openers. Zack Deschenes of Nashoba Tech made headlines with a dominant showing, rushing for 180 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring on an 80-yard kick return.
Pelham’s Brady Williams accumulated 208 all-purpose yards, showcasing his versatility with 78 rushing yards, 88 receiving yards, and a touchdown. He also made significant contributions on special teams, although one impressive punt return for a touchdown was called back.
In a competitive match, Shawsheen Tech’s senior running back Jake Banda delivered a stellar performance, rushing for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 20-13 win over Bedford. Meanwhile, Tewksbury’s sophomore quarterback Will Harrison impressed with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown alongside 125 passing yards, leading the Redmen to victory over Winthrop.
In Dracut’s 27-6 win against Dover-Sherborn, sophomore quarterback Lyric DeLeon excelled in his second varsity start, completing 13 of 22 passes for 185 yards and contributing to three touchdowns. Head coach Trevor Knight praised DeLeon’s growth and composure throughout the game.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matchups and remarkable performances that will shape the future of high school football in the region.