GHOSTS RALLY FROM 13 DOWN TO DEFEAT CHELMSFORD, 14-13, IN BATTLE OF ROUTE 110

CHELMSFORD, MA — The Westford Academy football team delivered one of its most memorable victories of the season Friday night, overcoming a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat rival Chelmsford, 14-13, and reclaim the Battle of Route 110 Trophy.

The victory improved the Ghosts to 6-1 on the season and marked Westford's third win in the eight-year history of the rivalry trophy.

Coming off a victory over Concord-Carlisle that secured the Dual County League championship, Westford entered Friday night's matchup facing a talented Chelmsford team that had also captured its league championship.

The Lions controlled much of the first half, using a physical rushing attack and long, time-consuming drives to keep the Ghosts' offense off the field. Chelmsford took a 7-0 lead into halftime and extended its advantage to 13-0 early in the third quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Skyler DeJesus.

With the Ghosts searching for a spark, senior captain Brett Moran delivered.

On the ensuing kickoff, Moran broke free down the sideline for a 70-yard touchdown return, putting Westford on the scoreboard and shifting the momentum of the game. Tyler Kane converted the extra point to cut Chelmsford's lead to 13-7 with just under seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Ghosts' defense responded by keeping the Lions off the scoreboard for the remainder of the night, giving the offense an opportunity to complete the comeback.

Trailing by six in the fourth quarter, Westford put together an 11-play, 82-yard touchdown drive that would ultimately decide the game.

The drive featured one of the biggest plays of the night. Facing fourth-and-8 from its own 40-yard line, Westford executed a fake punt, with senior Declan Hevey taking the direct snap and fighting his way to a critical first down. It was Hevey's second successful fake punt conversion of the evening.

Four plays later, junior quarterback Joey Guthrie connected with junior Sam Bramanti on a 9-yard touchdown pass. Bramanti elevated over a Chelmsford defender in the back corner of the end zone to make a spectacular catch, tying the game at 13 with 3:39 remaining.

Senior kicker Tyler Kane calmly converted the extra point, giving Westford its first lead of the night, 14-13.

Chelmsford had one final opportunity to reclaim the lead, driving into Westford territory in the closing minute. However, junior defensive back Nolan Kropp sealed the victory with an interception in the end zone with less than a minute remaining.

The Ghosts' defense held Chelmsford scoreless throughout the fourth quarter, completing an impressive second-half turnaround.

Offensively, Junior Cameron Croom led the rushing attack with 67 yards on 15 carries, while Hevey added 51 yards on nine carries.

Moran contributed five receptions for 32 yards in addition to his game-changing kickoff return. Hevey added five catches for 31 yards, while Bramanti finished with two receptions for 22 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

The victory was another example of the Ghosts' resilience, as Westford found a way to win despite trailing for nearly the entire game. A critical special teams touchdown, timely defensive stops, and an offense that delivered when it mattered most helped the Ghosts complete the comeback.

With the victory, Westford has now won six games this season, captured the Dual County League championship, and brought the Battle of Route 110 Trophy back to Westford Academy.

FINAL SCORE: WESTFORD ACADEMY 14, CHELMSFORD 13