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Schools

Turnovers Prove Vital in Panthers Loss to Westfield

Football team drops to 0-2 on the season.

Although the championship-winning boys lacrosse team was honored at half time, the winning touch did not rub off for the Bridgewater-Raritan football team Friday.

The Panthers lost 22-7 to the Westfield Blue Devils in a game that was played on the chilliest night since the winter. Tough defense was the key to the game as Westfield took advantage of Bridgewater turnovers.

For a full gallery from Friday's game, head here.

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1st

2nd

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3rd

4th

Final

Westfield (2-0)

10

6

0

6

22

Bridgewater (0-2)

0

7

0

0

7

After the game, head coach Scott Bray took nothing away from his team and had nothing but praise for a very talented Westfield team.

“We knew they were quick and we knew their speed was going to give us problems,” Bray said. “They have speed all over the field from the defensive line to their running backs and we understood that.”

Despite the low score, Bridgewater quarterback Ray Mastroianni still managed 190 yards through the air on 16-27 passing. Michael Pennella scored the only Panther touchdown when he scored late in the second half on a five-yard run

After stalling on its first drive, the Panther defense was able to hold Westfield to a field goal on the first drive. 

However, when the Panthers got the ball back, Mastroianni’s first pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

That was the first of three turnovers, two of which Westfield returned for touchdowns. Bray commented on the turnovers after the game and knows that his team can’t win if the players give away points.

“Their kids [Westfield] made plays today,” Bray said. “We gave them two defensive scores, which was obviously the difference in the game. When you do that, you have to look at it as two offensive opportunities gone. You have to tip your hats off to them and Coach [Jim] DeSarno because they came out and played at a high level today.”

The Panthers offense, which put up 42 points last week against Hillsborough, struggled to get into a rhythm against Westfield.

“I think they did a nice job of controlling the ball,” Bray said. “Even though they only scored one offensive touchdown, they ran a lot and had a few drives that went almost the length of the field. Once we were trailing, we were put into a position where we were behind the eight ball. When a team knows you’re going to throw the ball, they can pin their ears back and come at you.”

“I think our kids tried to make too many plays on offense today,” Bray added. “Last week they were letting the game come to them, and this week, we were trying to force the issue and it didn’t work out for us.”

Up next, Bridgewater will play Hunterdon Central next Friday at 7 p.m.

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