WEST SPRINGFIELD — With the playoffs on the horizon, the Northampton football team went to West Springfield looking to attach some momentum to its potential postseason run on Friday.
West Springfield had other ideas for the Blue Devils. The Terriers completely dismantled Northampton at Clark Field, 28-0.
The Terriers’ defense held Elijah Davis to a season-low 37 yards on 12 carries while Nik Smith was held 17 yards on six carries. It was Smith’s second game back from an injury that sidelined him for three games.
The Terriers’ offense used a potent combination of running and throwing to shred Northampton’s defense.
“They had a good defensive scheme going there,” Northampton coach Pat Sledzieski said. “But they kicked our butts in every facet of the game. On the offensive line we couldn’t get off the ball. They beat us up.”
Davis’ long run was 17 yards, which led to one of Northampton’s four first downs during the game.
Hamp (6-2, 3-2 Suburban South) had three turnovers in the game, including an interception and two fumbles.
Tim Berniche was a bright spot on Hamp’s defense, registering 12 tackles.
West Springfield (6-2, 3-2) dominated time of possession, limiting the Blue Devils chances with the ball.
The Terriers ran 57 plays compared to 33 by the Blue Devils. Northampton got nothing from the passing game.
West Springfield’s Tylor Rochefort hurt Northampton with his arm and his legs. The quarterback went 7-for-8 for 102 yard and three touchdowns through the air.
Rochefort found Kyle Bean in the back of the end zone for a 30-yard score to make it 22-0 just before halftime.
Rochefort avoided two rushers on the play, stepped up in the pocket and hit Bean in stride.
“That kid was a tough assignment,” Sledzieski said. “He made the plays and we didn’t.”
Rochefort also carried 12 times for 106 yards. Hamp also had a hard time stopping Terrier running back Vaunell Hill, who rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown to open the scoring.
The Blue Devils had a goal-line stand to keep the Terriers off the scoreboard on their opening drive.
Both of Bean’s touchdowns came on fourth down. His other score was an 11-yard TD catch.
Devontay Edmonds stopped a potential score single-handedly for Northampton when he ripped the ball away from Hill on a running play near the goal line and returned it 45 yards.
Northampton gave it up on downs on the ensuing possession at West Springfield’s 25-yard line.
Rochefurt’s third score came in the fourth quarter when he connected with Dalen Hicks for an 11-yard score.
