Football: Westfield Scores Late, Defeats Scotch Football

Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield traded momentum throughout Friday's game at Gary Kehler Football Stadium, but the Blue Devils made decisive plays and scored two late touchdowns to pull out a 33-28 victory over the Raiders. The thrilling finish showcased both offenses and set the tone for the young season.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood struck first after forcing a punt on Westfield's opening possession. Avery Snow (No. 0) finished the Raiders' opening drive with a short touchdown run to give his team a 6-0 lead. Westfield answered quickly. Shaquann McKenith (No. 16) broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run, and the extra point gave the Blue Devils a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. McKenith dominated, rushing 23 times for 166 yards and four touchdowns.

Westfield extended the lead to 14-6 in the second quarter before Scotch Plains-Fanwood answered. Joey Reeves (No. 10) made a 30-yard reception to help set up the Raiders, and Snow plowed through defenders for his second touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-13 at halftime.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood carried momentum into the second half. Christopher Hawkins (No. 11) converted a key fourth down, and Gabe Gutierrez (No. 1) scored on back-to-back runs to put the Raiders in front 21-14. Westfield tied the game at 21. The Raiders regained the lead when Snow broke off a long run to set up Andrew Lourenco's (No. 41) touchdown, pushing Scotch Plains-Fanwood ahead 28-21.

With about three minutes remaining, Westfield scored again but missed the extra point, trailing 28-27. After forcing Scotch Plains-Fanwood to punt, Westfield quarterback Max Hymans (No. 17) guided the Blue Devils down the field in the closing seconds. Hymans completed 18 of 24 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown. Justin Boufarah (No. 88) had seven catches for 51 yards and one touchdown; Jake Paster (No. 16) added seven receptions for 60 yards; Jack Schwarzenbek (No. 34) contributed three catches for 20 yards.

Westfield found the end zone with just 39 seconds remaining to reclaim the lead at 33-28. The two-point attempt failed, leaving Scotch Plains-Fanwood with 29 seconds to respond, but the Blue Devils' defense held strong to close out the win. Union County Life covers Westfield and Scotch Plains-Fanwood football, high school sports, and community news. Find more sports coverage and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What was the final score of the Westfield versus Scotch Plains-Fanwood football game?
A: Westfield defeated Scotch Plains-Fanwood 33-28 on Friday, September 5, 2026, at Gary Kehler Football Stadium. Westfield scored the winning touchdown with 39 seconds remaining.

Q: Who were the standout performers for Westfield?
A: Running back Shaquann McKenith rushed 23 times for 166 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Max Hymans completed 18 of 24 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, including leading the winning drive in the final moments. Receiver Justin Boufarah had seven catches for 51 yards and one touchdown.

Q: Who scored for Scotch Plains-Fanwood?
A: Avery Snow scored two touchdowns for the Raiders. Gabe Gutierrez scored on back-to-back runs. Andrew Lourenco also scored a touchdown. Joey Reeves made a key 30-yard reception, and Christopher Hawkins converted a crucial fourth down.

Q: How did Westfield win the game?
A: Westfield scored two late touchdowns to overcome a 28-27 deficit. After forcing Scotch Plains-Fanwood to punt with about three minutes remaining, quarterback Max Hymans guided the Blue Devils down the field, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 39 seconds left.

Q: Where can I find more Westfield and Scotch Plains-Fanwood sports coverage?
A: Union County Life covers high school football, game recaps, and athlete highlights for both teams. Visit unioncountylife.com for complete sports schedules and coverage.