WESTFORD — Westford gave up a touchdown on its first defensive series, making for an uphill climb in steady rain Friday night.
But the seventh-seeded Ghosts shut the door the rest of the first half, and Cam Croom scored two of his three touchdowns in the second quarter in a 35-18 Division 2 first-round win over No. 10 Quincy Friday night.
After recording its first postseason win in at least eight years, Westford will take on second-seeded Bridgewater-Raynham in the second round.
“It means a lot,” said Croom. “I’ve seen dudes do their best, and they just sometimes can’t do it. It’s just really good to be able to come out here, play football and win a first-round (game).”
A slick playing surface yielded plenty of opportunities for Westford’s rushing attack, which was led by Croom, Declan Hevey (18-yard TD run) and Brett Moran (2-yard TD).
Westford recovered an onside kick in the third quarter to set up Hevey’s touchdown run.
Multiple defensive stops by the Ghosts stalled Quincy’s drives, forcing favorable field position.
Quincy found success behind the rushing of Jonas Ala (2 TDs). The Presidents (5-4) finished their scoring on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Bryson Cary to Oliver Bridges.
Westford coach Bruce Rich had faith in his defense after it went down early, as Friday was the third time it overcame a first-half deficit.
“The kids are just buying in,” Rich said. “It’s contagious.”
