Pindel’s 5 TDs, McDonald’s Heroics Power Westwood Past West Bridgewater

September 12, 2025
 
The Westwood Football team kicked off its 2025 season in exciting fashion, grinding out a 34–29 road win over West Bridgewater on Friday night. Senior captain Ty Pindel stole the show, completing 25 of 40 passes for 450 yards and five touchdowns to four different receivers, guiding the Wolverines to a statement victory in their opener.
 
The night started with challenges for Westwood, as the Wolverines turned the ball over on their first drive and quickly fell behind 9–0 after the Wildcats cashed in with an early touchdown and field goal. Westwood responded midway through the second quarter when Brendan Cenjic turned a screen pass into the first Wolverine score, cutting the deficit to 9–7. West Bridgewater answered with a long touchdown pass to push the margin to 16–7, but Westwood struck again before halftime. Junior receiver JR Drayton broke loose on a 43-yard screen play to bring Westwood within 16–14 at the break.
 
The second half opened with more fireworks, as West Bridgewater extended its lead to 23–14, but Westwood quickly settled in. Charlie Jessup electrified the sideline midway through the third quarter by taking a screen pass 73 yards to the house, closing the gap to 23–21.
 
Momentum truly swung in the Wolverines’ favor on the next possession, when Peter Homsy came up with a huge interception to halt the Wildcats. Pindel wasted no time capitalizing, firing a 24-yard touchdown strike to junior Keilan McDonald to give Westwood its first lead, 27–23. In the fourth quarter, Pindel and McDonald connected again, this time on another clutch touchdown that stretched the margin to 34–23 and capped Pindel’s five-touchdown night.
 
Though West Bridgewater closed the gap late, Westwood’s defense delivered when it mattered most. The defensive line and linebackers shut down the run game, while defensive coordinator Nate Costello’s adjustments slowed a passing attack that had been dangerous in the first half.
 
After the game, Pindel credited his wide receivers for turning the screen passes into big plays and his offensive line for consistently giving him time and protection in key moments.
 
With the win, Westwood starts the season at 1–0 and will look to build on its momentum Friday, September 19, when the Wolverines host TVL Small opponent Bellingham at 7:00 p.m. under the lights.