Grey Ghosts Pummel Groton-Dunstable

Saturday was Westford's 283rd birthday, and the Grey Ghosts were happy to provide some fireworks up in Dunstable.

Westford Academy would reach the end zone on their first five drives in a 41-6 demolition of the host Groton-Dunstable Crusaders in a game delayed a day due to mosquito spraying.

In the end, that score that would have likely been more lopsided if the team's first string had stayed in past halftime.

Perhaps the only potential dark spot on the day came when starting quarterback Troy Faretra left the contest just before the half with what appeared to be shoulder troubles, possibly echoing his season ending injury last year against the Crusaders, but Westford Academy head coach Rich McKenna said that it was little more than a stinger.

Outside of that, it's safe to say that the game film from Saturday could probably double as a highlight reel.

"The kids came out and we just talked about effort and execution," said McKenna. "We understand we're a skilled team and we're just looking to execute like we did today."

Westford would tack on another touchdown in the second half from Ben Rodman, but the defense also helped the Ghosts get on the board, with William Puduski taking back a pick six early in the first quarter that Groton-Dunstable head coach Derek Asadoorian saw as a turning point in the contest.

"We hurt ourselves early, it was kind of discouraging that we took ourselves out of the game," said Asadoorian of the interception, the first of five Crusader turnovers on the day. "I have to give Westford alot of credit, they have outstanding athletes and they took it to us."

The Ghosts defense has now allowed only three touchdowns in their last three games.

"They couldn't really move the ball on us too well," said Westford defensive captain Alex Antes. "It's a big win and it shows that we have alot of confidence in our team and moving forward I think we'll have alot of success in the DCL this year."

Both teams are now at 3-1 on the year as the Crusaders try to bounce back in Division C of the Mid-Wachusett League with contests this month against Clinton, Hudson, Oakmont and Littleton.

Meanwhile, the Ghosts will open their Dual County League schedule with a trip to Newton South before contests against Concord-Carlisle, Wayland and perhaps a season defining home contest against Lincoln-Sudbury on Oct. 26