Sportsbeat Preview: Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) – As Westmont Hilltop seeks its first winning season since 2019, you can bet that there won’t be any main surprises that you’ll see schematically wise by the Hilltoppers.

Westmont will still continue its ground-and-pound game under head coach Pat Barron, who is entering his 13th season leading the program.

“We always use the expression, ‘we do what we do,'” Barron said. “Our kids know in that room from day one that we’re going to play tight contrarian football. We’re going to play football in a phone booth.”

Five starters return on offense for the Hilltoppers, including leading rushers Bryce Goodman and Cody McMillan. For how Barron likes to bring a heavy running attack and chewing the clock mentality, his offensive line may be the key to bringing winning back to Westmont.

“I feel like (our line is) a lot more aggressive and like we really want to win,” Senior Lineman Jonah McCoy said. “I feel like there are some people on the team last year that they didn’t have the drive to keep pushing (and) get that extra yard.”

Week one will be a good test for Westmont as they face Bedford, who won last year’s matchup in overtime.

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Key Returners: Cody McMillan (RB), Bryce Goodman (RB) Jonah McCoy (OG),

Key Losses: Noah Brownlee (WR), David Ray (FB), Barrett Gyure (QB), Judah Wallace (C), Blake Weslager (OG)

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