Westwood Wins Wild Opener Against Rival Medfield

The start to the 2010 season couldn't have been any more exciting for Westwood High School, which held off Medfield 26-19 in a last-second thriller Friday night at Flahive field.

After Sean Amaru put Westwood up by a touchdown on a 56-yard run late in the fourth quarter, Medfield had just over a minute to try and tie or win the game.

Medfield quarterback Colton Lavin rushed his offense down the field calmly, and made it all the way to the Westwood three yard line with just six
seconds remaining. 

After an incomplete pass on first down, Westwood coach Paul Hallion called a time out with one second left. "I wanted to throw a man defense at them," Hallion said. "We had been playing zone all game and the quarterback did a good job finding the seams."

The man defense worked to perfection, as cornerback Anthony Antonellis knocked down Lavin's throw in the end zone as time expired.

"I think (Lavin) saw the change at the last minute and didn't expect it," said Hallion. "I always dread playing Medfield. They have a great offensive coordinator and played very well tonight. I was just glad to get out of here with a win."

Despite failing to complete a pass all night, the Westwood offense could not be stopped. Senior running back Sean Amaru led the ground attack, rushing for 199 yards on 19 carries including the game-winning touchdown. Amaru added a first quarter touchdown as well, which was Westwood's lone first half score.

"I was cramping up but was just trying to go head over heels," Amaru said. "I wanted to play as hard as I could to help the team win."

Amaru wasn't the only successful rusher for the Wolverines, as they amassed 334 yards on the ground. Seniors Brendan Skehill and Dave DiCenzo each ran for second half touchdowns rounding out the run-favored Westwood offense.

"They ran the ball great," said Amaru. "It's awesome having these guys running behind you who can help the team so much."

"It's such an advantage having so many multi-sport varsity athletes on your team," said Hallion, "They are so athletic and know how to win, you can't even call them backups."

The win was Westwood's first in the Tri-Valley League, and Amaru acknowledged its importance.

"It's huge to get this first win, especially against Medfield, who is probably our biggest rival," he said.

Westwood will host Hopkinton next on Thursday night at Flahive field.