Andzel Kicks Off New Era of Westfield Boys Football on Friday, Sept. 6

WESTFIELD, NJ — A new season and a new era kick off for Westfield boys football on Friday, Sept. 6 when the Blue Devils visit Phillipsburg at 7 p.m.

New head coach Matt Andzel, who is in his 12th season on Dorian Road, takes over for James DeSarno. DeSarno was at the helm for the past 17 seasons and has moved on to be the district’s new athletic director/K-12 physical education and health supervisor.

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Andzel will have seven key returnees on offense and five on defense after a so-so 6-5 record last season and a semifinal road exit to aforementioned Phillipsburg, 42-24, in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 playoffs on Nov. 3.

The Blue Devils posted a 3-2 home record and a 3-3 road record last season and outscored their opponents, 246-223.

Key returnees on both sides of the ball include senior offensive/defensive lineman Jack Martin, senior defensive end/tight end Zac Wragg (eight career sacks), senior wide receiver Enzo Ferrero (54 catches, 925 yards, 11 touchdowns last season) has over 60 career receptions and is in a position to break several school receiving records, senior right end/linebacker Colin Coyle (19 catches, 248 yards, 1 TD) has five career scores and senior running back/defensive back Nick Russo has three career interceptions.

Other contributors include three offensive linemen (senior Brandon Hatch, senior PJ McGovern, Jake Zemsky) and senior wide receiver Sebastian Magherini (31 catches, 402 yards, three TDs).

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Senior quarterback Cole Weidler takes over the offense and has a chance to flourish because of a deep receiving core. Weidler takes over for Maxwell Cho, who completed 149-of-225 passes for 1,918 yards, 20 TDs and just three interceptions.

On defense, senior defensive end Lincoln Meyers and linebacker Joe Dimattina are also expected to contribute.

“We have added new wrinkles to both defense and offense for this season and are committed to being a physical team that wins games in the trenches,” Andzel said.

After the season opener at Phillipsburg, the Blue Devils return home versus rival Elizabeth at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14.

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