The Rockets ran into a tough Westford Acton Boxborough (WAB) team on the road and came up on the losing end of a 32-8 score. The Rockets were captained by George Rodgers, Brandon LaMontagne and Sean Green and received the opening kick-off. Ryan Pulpi returned it to the 30-yard line, but the Rockets were forced to punt on their opening possession. WAB proceeded to block the punt and scored on the next play to take a 8-0 lead. The two teams went back and forth on the next set of possessions and that’s how the quarter ended.
WAB scored another touchdown on their opening drive of the 2nd quarter to take a 16-0 lead. On the subsequent kick-off, Pulpi returned it to the 40-yard line although the offense stalled, and the Rockets were once again forced to punt. On the subsequent possession, WAB punched in another touchdown to take a commanding 24-0 lead. The Rockets had the final possession of the first half, which was highlighted by a 30-yard catch from QB George Rodgers to Jake Palm on a 4th and 15 play. The Rockets were unable to move the ball any further and the clock expired for the half.
Palm kicked off the 2nd half and WAB was moved back a number of times by outstanding tackles from LaMontagne, including a sack of their quarterback. WAB was able to move the ball down the field until they got to the 5-yard line, where they fumbled and Pulpi returned it the other way for a 95-yard TD. Palm’s extra point was good, and the Rockets trailed 24-8. The Rockets attempt at an on-side kick failed and gave WAB a short field, which they took advantage of with another TD, extending their lead to 32-8.
To start the 4th quarter, Zach Lindmark returned the kick-off to the Rockets 35-yard line and then broke lose for a 40-yard run around the left side. Key blocks were made by Green and Joey Cardarelli. The Rockets possession stalled and turned the ball over on downs. WAB got the ball back and the defense held firm, with tackles for loss from Luke Zannino, Pulpi and Thomas Lafferty. Zannino and LaMontague led the team in tackles. As the clock wound down, WAB took a knee and got the win, 32-8.