GHOSTS CLAIM DCL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 14-6 WIN OVER CONCORD-CARLISLE

Westford Academy captured its fifth Dual County League championship in program history Friday night, defeating Concord-Carlisle 14-6 on the road. The victory marks the Ghosts' third DCL title in the last five seasons.

Since joining the Dual County League in 1993, Westford Academy has now claimed five league championships, with three coming in the last five years.

The Ghosts controlled much of Friday night's contest, moving the ball consistently on offense while turning in an outstanding defensive performance.

Westford finished with 375 yards of total offense, including 306 yards on the ground. Senior running back Cam Croom led the rushing attack with 131 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. Senior captain Declan Hevey added 115 yards on 17 carries, while senior captain Brett Moran contributed 60 yards on eight attempts.

Despite moving the football throughout the night, Westford struggled to turn several promising drives into points. Concord-Carlisle's defense came up with key turnovers deep in its own territory, keeping the Patriots within striking distance.

The Ghosts did all their scoring in the second quarter. Croom punched in a 4-yard touchdown run, and Tyler Kane added the extra point to give Westford a 7-0 lead. Junior quarterback Joey Guthrie later connected with Nolan Kropp on a 30-yard touchdown pass. Kane converted his second extra point of the night, extending Westford's lead to 14-0 heading into halftime.

Concord-Carlisle responded early in the third quarter with a 45-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 14-6. However, that would be the Patriots' only trip to the end zone.

Westford's defense was the story of the night. Outside of the long touchdown run to open the second half, the Ghosts limited Concord-Carlisle to just one first down for the entire game.

The defensive line was particularly impressive, controlling the line of scrimmage and making it difficult for the Patriots to establish any offensive rhythm. Junior Alex Luhrs and seniors JJ Wilson, Carter Hesse, and Malcolm MacDonald led a physical defensive front that consistently disrupted Concord-Carlisle's offense. Their ability to control the trenches played a major role in Westford's dominant defensive performance.

With Concord-Carlisle looking for one final opportunity to tie the game, linebacker James O'Toole came up with the biggest defensive play of the night, intercepting a pass with just 40 seconds remaining to seal the victory and the league championship.

Next Up: Battle for the 110 Cup

The Ghosts will look to carry their momentum into another rivalry matchup next Friday night, October 23, when they travel to Chelmsford to take on the Lions in the annual 110 Cup game.

With a DCL championship secured, Westford now turns its attention to its next challenge against its neighboring rival.