Bedford 33, Westford Academy 28

The Westford Academy Ghosts went down early but battled back in a thrilling Dual County League matchup Friday night, ultimately falling 33–28 to Bedford on the road.

After trailing 14–0, the Ghosts clawed their way back into the game when senior Brett Moran electrified the sideline with a 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Quarterback Jack LaFond added a 1-yard rushing score later in the half, and the Ghosts went into the locker room trailing 21–14.

Westford continued to fight in the second half. Moran scored again on a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to tie the game at 21 before Bedford answered with a short run to regain the lead, 27–21.

Early in the fourth quarter, Ben Chen powered into the end zone from 1 yard out, and Tyler Kane’s extra point gave the Ghosts their first lead of the night, 28–27. But Bedford responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the advantage.

Westford’s final drive showed promise, but the comeback bid fell just short. The Ghosts’ drive stalled near on Bedfords side of the field with 1:30 remaining when they were stopped on a 4th-and-2 play.

Offensively, LaFond finished 11-for-21 passing for 101 yards and added a rushing touchdown. On the ground, Chen led the way with 14 carries for 79 yards and a score, while Moran totaled 29 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. Teddy Hirbour paced the receiving corps with five catches for 54 yards, and Dante Vasiliu added four grabs for 45 yards.

Defensively, Malcolm McDonald and JJ Wilson were disruptive forces in the backfield all night long, consistently applying pressure on the Bedford quarterback. Their efforts helped force two key interceptions — one by Carter Hesse and the other by Nolan Kropp — that kept the Ghosts in the game until the final minutes.

The Ghosts return home next Friday, October 24, for the Annual 110 Cup against rival Chelmsford. The matchup at Trustees Field will also serve as Best Buddies Night and Teacher Appreciation Night — a community highlight of the Westford Academy football season.