On Sunday, August 26, 2012, the Westmont Wildcat’s Mighty Mite Black team played at Morton West High School against the Berwyn Mustangs. Westmont won the coin toss and quickly drove down the field for a touchdown in only four plays. This 54 yard scoring drive was capped with a fine 38 yard run by Running Back, Chaz Hunter with outstanding blocks from Tight End, Mico Meluzzi, Offensive Tackle, Ian Coyle, Center, Kamari Freeman, and Guard, Gabriel Lischalk. Westmont missed the extra point and led the game 6 – 0. 

        After the kickoff return, Berwyn went on a long drive that was extended thanks to a 4^th and 15 yard conversion. The Wildcat defense stiffened up and closed the door on the Mustangs as Cornerback, Cameron Wanda (3.5 tackles, 1 for a loss of 3 yards), Cornerback, D’Andre Ponce (2 tackles), Defensive Guard, Kaden Van Hoegarden and Defensive Guard, Jeff Kraatz stopped the Mustang offense.

         When Westmont got the ball back they went on another four play scoring drive, which ended with Hunter’s second touchdown of the day. He did this on a 25 yard run that was led by the blocking of Fullback, Cameron Van Hoegarden (3 rushes for 14 yards), Quarterback, Ponce, and Guard, Nicolas Gerbasi. The Wildcats missed on their second extra point attempt, bringing their lead to 12 – 0. Shortly after, the Mustang’s offense tried to mount a drive but the second quarter ended with the Wildcats holding on to their 12 – 0 lead. 

        After halftime, Berwyn came back fired up to get on the board but Defensive End, Gerbasi (leading the team with 5 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble caused) and Free Safety, Justin Bellas (3.5 tackles) slammed the door shut on the Mustangs. Gerbasi’s performance earned him the ‘Hitman’ award for best defensive player.

         The Wildcat’s offense picked up where they left off as Runningback, Wanda (6 rushes for 33 yards) exploded for a 31 yard run with help from Tight End, Neo Hotchkiss and Tackle, Riley Dorsey clearing a wide path. That was Westmont’s third and final drive of the game and it ended with Hunter’s third touchdown (6 rushes for 124 yards, 20.67 yard average) on an 11 yard run, with thanks to Meluzzi’s blocking. Meluzzi won the “Tank” award for best blocker of the game.  

         Berwyn tried to get on the scoreboard, but as time ran out, Defensive Tackle, James Mendoza made the final tackle of the game behind the line of scrimmage. Head Coach David Marco stated, “We played a solid football game today and I am proud of how hard our team played.”

The Wildcat Mighty Mite Black team hosts Lawndale at Westmont High School on Sunday, September 2 at 10:30 a.m.