On Friday, October 9th, the WA Football team took on Waltham in their home opener. After a slow offensive first half, the Ghosts bounced back to win 21-10, keeping their undefeated season intact.

Even though they won the coin toss, Waltham decided to kick off to WA. The Ghosts came out with a quick surge of offense, getting a few first downs as they moved upfield. However, after going for it on their fourth down, Waltham’s defense forced the Ghosts to turn the ball over on downs.

Like WA, Waltham also came out with an offensive surge. However, they quickly took the lead after a long pass that was caught by a Waltham receiver, who took it into the endzone for a touchdown.  After kicking for the extra-point, Waltham took a 7-0 lead with about four minutes to go in the first quarter.

In response to this touchdown, the Ghosts worked to generate some offense and tie the game. . After gaining a few yards on offense, the Ghosts threw a fluke interception that was tipped off of a WA receiver. This turnover gave Waltham an opportunity to extend their lead.

The Ghosts defense; however, prevented Waltham from increasing their lead and forced a punt. On the offensive attack again, the Ghosts tried tie the game, but the Waltham defense forced a second interception.

After kicking a field goal to add three points to their lead, Waltham went into halftime up 10-0.

The Ghosts kicked off to Waltham to start the second half; however, after a quick possession, they were forced to punt to the Ghosts.

WA’s offense then began to mount a comeback. With about two minutes to go in the third quarter, junior quarterback Connor Degenhardt threw a big completion to get his team within about ten yards of the end zone  After a few more plays, the Ghosts found their way into the endzone, when Degenhardt dodged a few Waltham defenders to put his team on the board. The Ghosts would kick the extra point, making the score 10-7 in favor of Waltham to end the third quarter.

Waltham started the fourth quarter with possession until senior Nick Fiorillo came up with a big interception. Fiorillo turned this into a big play, dodging many of the Waltham defenders, until he was tackled on the fourteen yard line.

The Ghosts later cashed in on this opportunity when senior Ben Cassidy ran into the endzone for the touchdown. This gave WA a 14-10 lead, with about ten minutes to go in the game.

Waltham tried to grab the lead again, and they even started to make a push down the field. However, the Ghosts’ defense stood tall and forced them to punt with about five minutes to go.

WA started their last drive with a few running plays, and they soon started to make their way down the field. Once they came within a few yards of the endzone, Degenhardt ran in after juking a few Waltham defenders. After kicking the extra point, WA took a 21-10 lead with about a minute to go in the game.

WA would go on to win the game, making their record 4-0. They will go on to play undefeated Newton-South next Friday, October 16th.