They have waited for this weekend for four years now, a chance to prove themselves at the state’s highest level of football.
But a Group AAA Division 6 state semifinal isn’t the ultimate goal for Westfield. The year before the current crop of seniors arrived at the school they watched a legendary Bulldogs squad secure a state title in 2003. Now they want one of their own and the final leg of that journey begins Saturday afternoon at Oscar Smith in Chesapeake.
“We didn’t come this far to stop at a Northern Region title. And we didn’t come this far to stop at the state semifinals,” said Westfield senior quarterback Mike Glennon, a North Carolina State recruit. “A state championship has been our goal since Day One. Now we have to go earn it.”
Second-ranked Westfield (13-0) thrashed its competition in the Northern Region all season.The Bulldogs won their three playoff games by an average of 28 points per game and their powerful offense is averaging an incredible 39 points per game. Westfield topped itself with a record 58 points in last Saturday’s region final win vs. No. 10 West Springfield.
But the way they did it stands out. A team with an elite quarterback in Glennon and a talented group of wide receivers instead ran all over the Spartans to the tune of 522 rushing yards.
“I think we have the best offensive line in the state,” explained Westfield senior running back/linebacker Brian Kennedy, who had 182 of those rushing yards. “It’s a good mix of juniors and seniors and they do everything well: pass protection, run-blocking. It makes our job easy.”
That group — led by senior center Kevin Stewart — also includes junior right guard Tyler Barfield, junior right tackle Jacob Ryder, junior left guard Tyler Delph, senior left tackle Greg Bush and senior tight end Ross Lavin. Despite facing blitzing defenses intent on pressuring Glennon most every week they have allowed just five sacks all season.
“Westfield is just really good at what they do,” said Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan. “That offensive line creates a ton of lanes for their running backs and Glennon is a big kid who can see over the top and be accurate with the ball. We need to get in his face.”
That task falls primarily to Oscar Smith defensive end Jamara Gray, who has a team-high 16 sacks. But the Tigers have plenty of team speed to draw upon, too, with linebackers Perry Jones, the Southeastern District defensive player of the year, Jerod Askew and Corey Holmes. Glennon and his receivers will also have to contend with a secondary that includes Division I recruits Kerry Boykins (Maryland) and Todd Harrelson (North Carolina). Those two also pose problems at wide receiver for the Westfield defense.
“Oscar Smith is a scary team,” said Westfield coach Tom Verbanic. “Our protection is going to have to hold up again and we need to dominate the clock. It’s going to be a difficult challenge.”
Group AAA Division 6 state semifinals
Who » No. 2 Westfield (13-0) at Oscar Smith (13-0)
Where » Oscar Smith High, Chesapeake, Va.
When » Saturday, 3 p.m.
