The upcoming matchup between the Westford Academy and Lowell High School football teams is generating significant excitement as they prepare to face off in their season opener on Friday, September 15, 2023. This non-league contest will take place at 19:00 local time, and Westford hopes to extend its winning streak against Lowell, having secured shutout victories in the past two seasons.
Westford Academy, under the leadership of head coach Bruce Rich Jr., enters this game with a record of 8-3 last season. Rich recognizes the challenge that Lowell presents, stating, “This is a very good Lowell team. We’ve seen them throughout the summer during 7v7 competitions, and they’ll be the fastest team we face all season.”
On the other side, Lowell, coached by Scott Boyle, is looking to turn around a disappointing 4-7 season last year. Boyle emphasized the importance of execution on the field, saying, “We have to do it on the field, play well and execute. We can’t talk about it; we must do it.” The team is returning numerous starters, including quarterback Seth Ly, running back Anthony Perez, and wide receiver Collin Christiansen, who brings impressive versatility as a three-sport athlete.
Despite their past struggles against Westford, Boyle is optimistic. “We have a lot of our skilled kids back, so I feel good about the experience with those guys,” he noted. However, he acknowledged that the offensive and defensive lines are less experienced, which could impact their performance. Senior linemen like Josef Flores and Dewis Guerrido are expected to make a significant impact.
Both teams have faced challenges in recent seasons, with Westford losing key players such as quarterback Alex Wilson and wide receiver Ryan Kyle to graduation. Nevertheless, they are counting on returning talent, including running backs Ben Chen and Brett Moran, and receiver Teddy Hirbour. New quarterback Jack Lafond will be under pressure to perform in a crucial role.
Rich expressed confidence in his team despite the loss of experienced players. He stated, “Our players have worked hard, bought into what we’re coaching, and we’re starting to see that effort pay off.” He highlighted the importance of the offensive line, mentioning junior two-way player JJ Wilson, who will play a pivotal role in both defense and offense.
While Lowell and Westford are the main attraction this week, there are numerous other high school games scheduled across the region. Among the notable matchups, Billerica High School will host Masconomet, marking the debut of new head coach Shawn Theriault. Theriault will rely on players like Dan Venezia and Timmy Murphy to lead the offensive charge.
As the season progresses, local teams are eager to showcase their talents. Last week saw impressive individual performances, including Nashoba Tech’s Zack Deschenes, who rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Pelham’s Brady Williams also had a standout game, racking up 208 all-purpose yards.
In addition to the Lowell-Westford matchup, Friday night will feature 11 other local games, including North Reading at Greater Lowell and Dracut at Medfield. The lone Saturday game will see Pelham travel to John Stark, adding further excitement to the high school football calendar.
As the teams prepare for their first games, the spotlight is on the players to step up and deliver thrilling performances on the field. This season promises to be filled with competition, growth, and memorable moments for all teams involved. The Lowell-Westford clash is just the beginning of what could be an exhilarating high school football season.
