West Side's Passing Attack Leads Way Against Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ryan Russell’s five touchdown passes led West Springfield past Pittsfield, 49-20, Friday night at Berkshire Community College.

 

West Springfield (3-2) had things going on offense thanks to the arm of Russell. He threw for over 350 yards. The Terriers started the game off right away in the air with a 56-yard touchdown catch by Ben Green. Green was Russell's favorite target as he threw for more than 225 yard to him alone tacking on four touchdowns as well. West Springfield jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never really looked back from there.

 

“We knew that Ben Green was a really good player, We had some scenarios where we were going to double team him and he still made the plays. I tip my hat off to him," Pittsfield coach Brian Jezewski said.

 

One slight scare early on for the Terriers came when Pittsfield (1-4) forced a fumble to earn a short field and was able to capitlize.

 

Emmanuel Nda, the leading rusher for Pittsfield with 226 yards, finished off the drive for one of his two touchdowns on the night. Nda also had a couple of successful fake punts for big chunks to help keep Pittsfield’s drives going, Unfortunately neither were able to result in points.

 

West Springfield again went back to the air game with another touchdown to Ben Green, giving them a 22-8 lead. The Terriers eventually tacked on one more score before half giving them a 29-8 cushion going into the break. About midway through the third quarter the crowd held its breath when a West Springfield player was injured and eventually taken off the field in an ambulance.

 

Pittsfield continued to battle back but was unable to get the stops they needed to make it a close game.

 

“I was really proud of our guys and the effort today. We’re outmanned especially the way our schedule is," Jezewski said. “We’re a young team and we fought hard, They are physical and I thought we handed ourselves well.”

 

The schedule has only gotten tougher for the Generals and will be a good building block for these young kids as the season goes on. They will face a tough opponent in Amherst on the road next week in hopes to find themselves on the winning side.

 

West Springfield will take its win and move on to Northampton, a winner over Wahconah on Friday, on Oct. 18.