Westfield State hosts Framingham State in a Massachusetts Collegiate Athletic Conference game. Kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Field Saturday October 20th as part of homecoming and family weekend. Westfield enters the game with a 4-3 record, 3-2 record in MASCAC. Framingham State comes into the game with a 4-2 record, 3-1 in MASCAC. Westfield comes into the game 4th in the conference standings, while Framingham State comes into the game in 3rd in the conference.
Last Week: Westfield State defeated Fitchburg State 41-27. The game was tight at the end of the first quarter with Westfield leading 7-6. Westfield took control in the second quarter scoring 20 points. The Owls took a 27-6 lead at halftime. Travon Holder helped build the lead with three first half touchdowns as he rushed for 173 yards for the game. Quarterback Jake Cassidy ran for two touchdowns and threw for a touchdown. Wide receiver Evan Garvey chipped in with a touchdown reception. Framingham State lost a close one to Plymouth State, 29-28, as the Panthers scored the game-winning touchdown and PAT with less than two minutes to play. Rams QB Adam Wojenski threw for 280 yards and TD, while Quron Wright had 111 yards receiving and 50 yards rushing.
The Series: The Owls lead the all-time series 25-11. Westfield's last win was in 2009 where they won 21-2.
Last Year: Framingham State won 29-14 on their home field. The game was tied up at seven going into the second quarter. At the end of the second quarter Framingham State jumped out to a 19-14 lead. Framingham defense came up big in the second quarter with a fumble return for a touchdown by defensive lineman Jack Sullivan. Defensive back Nathan Fleming also returned an interception for a touchdown. Quarterback Adam Wojenski led the way for Framingham throwing for 78 yards and a touchdown pass. Holder led the way for the Owls on offense rushing for 91 yards.
Westfield on Offense: Quarterback Jake Cassidy has been a dual threat for the Owls through seven games. Cassidy has thrown for 651 yards and five touchdowns, he also rushed for 298 yards and five touchdowns as well. MASCAC offensive player of the week Travon Holder has been steady for the Owls all year he leads the team in rushing yards (734) and touchdowns (12). Wide receiver Evan Garvey leads the team in catches (14) and receiving yards (260) and has two touchdowns.
Westfield on Defense: Linebacker Zach Howard leads the Owls defense with 51 total tackles on the season. Senior linebacker Tyler Robbins also chipped in 48 total tackles on the year. Sophomore defensive back Brian Short leads the team with three interceptions on the season. Junior inside linebacker Zack Kane leads the team with 3.5 sacks on the year. The Westfield defense has allowed 25.3 points and 300.7 yards a game this season.
Westfield on Special teams: Cody Cleveland averages 38.5 a punt for the Owls. Garvey leads the team with a kick return average of 19.5. Owls' kicker Corey Pooler was the league's special teamer of the week two weeks ago.
Framingham State on Offense: Quarterback Adam Wojenski leads the offense with 1,529 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes. Junior fullback Rufus Rushins, a Westfield State transfer, is a goal line threat rushing for 6 touchdowns which leads the team. Senior wide receiver Napoleon Miller leads the team with 40 catches and 412 receiving yards, he also has five touchdowns on the year.
Framingham State on Defense: Junior defensive lineman Joshua Smiley leads the team in tackles (26) and sacks (3). Defensive lineman Israel Etienne also chipped in with 25 tackles as well. Defensive back Kenneth Bartolo leads the team with three interceptions on the year.
Framingham on Special Teams: Jordan Perdomo averages 30.9 a punt for the Rams. Running back Quron Wright averages 28.6 on kick returns and he also run one back for a touchdown.
Media Coverage: Live stats and web stream video are available at WestfieldStateOwls.com.
Up Next: Westfield State will host Plymouth State at Alumni Field in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference game on senior day, where Westfield will honor its seniors before the game, October 27th at 2:00p.m. Framingham State will play home on Saturday October 27th against UMass-Dartmouth with kickoff at noon.
-- written by Nick Suglia '19, student intern