Ghosts Rally Past Lowell, 33–26, in Season Opener

The Westford Academy football team opened its season with a statement Friday night, battling through an action-packed game to defeat Lowell, 33–26, at Cawley Stadium.

Westford faced adversity throughout the night but continued to respond. After entering the fourth quarter trailing 20–18, the Ghosts scored 15 unanswered points and made the necessary plays down the stretch to secure the road victory.

The Ghosts also received tremendous support from the Westford Academy student section. WA students traveled in impressive numbers and filled the visiting stands dressed in beach-themed attire. They brought energy from the opening kickoff, stayed loud throughout the game and made a real difference in creating a great atmosphere for the team.

Lowell struck first with a 75-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game. Westford answered immediately when Brett Moran returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.

The Red Raiders moved back in front on their next possession, but the Ghosts responded again. Declan Hevey broke free for a 45-yard touchdown, then added the two-point conversion to give Westford a 15–14 lead after the opening quarter.

Lowell regained the advantage in the second quarter by returning a Westford fumble for a touchdown. The WA defense kept the deficit manageable, and a 19-yard field goal as time expired sent the Ghosts into halftime trailing by only two, 20–18.

Neither team scored during a physical third quarter, setting the stage for Westford’s fourth-quarter surge.

Cam Croom put the Ghosts back in front with one of the game’s most determined plays. Initially stopped near the goal line, Croom kept his legs moving and powered through several defenders for a 3-yard touchdown. Jack LaFond connected on the ensuing two-point conversion to give Westford a 26–20 lead.

Croom finished the night with 110 rushing yards and provided the Ghosts with a tough, physical presence in the backfield.

Westford’s special teams then delivered another game-changing moment. Alex Luhrs blocked a Lowell punt, giving the Ghosts possession at the Red Raiders’ 19-yard line. LaFond capitalized on the opportunity with a 4-yard touchdown run, extending the WA lead to 33–20 with 3:27 remaining.

Lowell responded with a late touchdown to pull within seven points, but Westford recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock to complete the 33–26 victory.

LaFond completed 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards while also contributing on the ground. Hevey led the receiving group with five catches for 64 yards. Moran added one reception for 18 yards, and Nolan Kropp recorded one catch for 19 yards.

The victory showed the toughness and resiliency that Westford has emphasized throughout the offseason. Every time Lowell made a big play, the Ghosts found an answer. When the game was on the line, WA controlled the fourth quarter and finished the job—with its student section providing plenty of energy behind the team.

Westford will return to Trustees Field for its home opener against Billerica on Friday night.

Westford Statistical Leaders

Passing

• Jack LaFond: 7-of-11, 101 yards

Rushing

• Cam Croom: 14 carries, 110 yards, 1 touchdown

• Jack LaFond: 4 carries, 27 yards, 1 touchdown

• Declan Hevey: 4 carries, 18 yards

• Brett Moran: 4 carries, 9 yards

Receiving

• Declan Hevey: 5 receptions, 64 yards, 1 touchdown

• Nolan Kropp: 1 reception, 19 yards

• Brett Moran: 1 reception, 18 yards

Special Teams

• Brett Moran: 90-yard kickoff return touchdown

• Aex Luhrs: Blocked punt