Red Devils Football Opens Season with a Thrilling Win Over Get by Westborough

September 11, 2023

The Burlington Red Devils pulled off a narrow victory against the Westborough Rangers in their season opener on September 8 at Varsity Field. It was the second year in a row the two teams faced off in the season’s first game.

It was a very quiet scoreless first quarter.

In the second, things shifted into high gear when the Devils got in scoring position from the Rangers’ 17 yard line. On second and 10, Burlington junior quarterback Anthony Gerrior threw an interception to Westborough. Junior defensive back Jake Martin ran it all the way back to the Devil’s own 25-yard line. Burlington held the Rangers to the 17-yard line, where they attempted a field goal by kicker Andrew Pisciotta, junior, of Westborough which was missed.

The scoreless game broke an opening with a 41-yard touchdown by senior running back Joey Poland, 6-0. Burlington went for a two-point conversion, but were unsuccessful, keeping the score at 6-0 Burlington. Westborough got the ball back, however was unable convert before the half, keeping the score 6-0 Burlington.

In the third quarter, both offenses struggled to get anything going: The Red Devils had a five-play drive that resulted in a punt, while Westborough punted after their eight-play drive. The Devils’ special teams returner mishandled the ball, resulting in a safety in the end zone and bringing the score to 6-2.

Burlington then punted the ball, and Westborough junior Jake Martin ran it all the way back, giving the Rangers a three-point lead of 9-6 after a successful extra point. The scoreboard remained the same for the remainder of the third quarter.

In the start of the fourth quarter, Burlington’s Gerrior threw his second interception of the game to Westborough senior outside linebacker Luke Hadley. The Rangers’ drive did not result in a touchdown, but they did earn three points in a field goal, bringing the score to 12-6 Westborough.

Sophomore wide receiver and linebacker Ryan Brooks put on the jets with an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, tying the game 12-12. An extra point attempt brought the Devils up by one, 13-12.

In their last chance to take the lead, Westborough attempted a field goal from the four-yard line. However, they missed the snap and the Devils took control of the game, ending 13-12 and bringing their overall record to 1-0 for the season.

Burlington will travel to Woburn Memorial High School on September 15 for the Battle of Winn Street.

In offensive stats from the evening, Poland ran on the ground with a total of 83 yards and one touchdown. Gerrior had a total of 103 passing yards and two interceptions.

Poland also did a mix of wide receiving duty with a total of 14 yards.; junior John Melo with 21 yards.; and sophomore Ryan Brooks with 22 yards. Junior Charles Hanafin had the most receiving yards for the night with 42 yards. Senior Jack Tzovaras had 4 yards.

Robert Parris

Robert Parris is BCAT’s Sports and Features Reporter. Robert first got involved with BCAT in January 2016 as a volunteer news reporter. Throughout the year, as a volunteer, he was busy developing his technical skills at the studio and his ENG skills in the field. In the summer of 2017, Robert joined the team full-time. He quickly settled into his role, providing all of the production support for our news programs, as well as providing weekly sports highlights. Robert also produces a weekly feature for BNEWS, as well as a monthly show called, BNEWS Sports Hub, and BCAT’s Game of the Week.