WESTFIELD — The defense set the tone early for the Amherst Regional football team.
Northbridge’s first possession ended with a red zone interception by CJ Woodfine-Holmes.
The Rams’ second possession ended with a red zone interception by Zayd Sadiq.
The Hurricanes added two more picks, a fumble recovery and seven sacks Saturday in the state Division 5 semifinal at Westfield State University.
It all added up to a 28-0 victory and a historic coming trip next month to Gillette Stadium for the undefeated Hurricanes.
“It’s surreal right now,” Woodfine-Holmes said. “I don’t have words to explain it, but we’re going to Gillette.”
Added Sadiq, “It’s an amazing feeling. Still in shock.”
Northbridge may have been bigger in the trenches, but the Hurricanes used their speed up front to pressure quarterback Ryan Boyce and chase down running backs. The secondary then made plays when it mattered. Sadiq finished with two picks, while Antonio Govan Jr. and Woodfine-Holmes each had one.
“That’s what our defensive philosophy is —let’s create pressure and not let anyone behind us,” Amherst coach Chris Ehorn Jr. said.
Amherst (11-0) will face Swampscott (9-2) in the state Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Swampscott beat Holliston, 20-12, in the other semifinal. Amherst won regional Super Bowls in 1999 and 1975. The Hurricanes are the first Hampshire County program to compete for a state title in the current postseason format.
“We’re going to have a business-like attitude the next two weeks preparing for the game,” Amherst quarterback J.B. Mills said. “We understand how big it is to accomplish this and we’re all really excited. We’re there to win. We’re going to Gillette to win. We’re not going for sightseeing.”
Amherst took control in the second quarter. Mills hit Woodfine-Holmes for a 15-yard touchdown to cap a four-play, 32-yard drive. Mills hit Ethan Howard on the conversion for an 8-0 lead with 5 minutes, 18 seconds left.
Amherst’s special teams unit then recovered the onside kick. Sadiq popped it short along the sideline and Howard jumped to grab the high bounce out of the air.
Dan Block took the first play for 34 yards to set up first-and-goal at the 4. Josh Vecchio then punched it in for a 14-0 lead, 17 seconds after the first TD.
“They were the best line we played all year, really physical team,” Mills said. “I think we have size, too, and we can go up against teams like this and win. I thought we matched their physicality and we came out on top.”
Sophomore Landon Worgess finished with 3.5 sacks. Jack Nagy had two.
“We got a lot of good players out here,” Nagy said. “Landon, he’s such a great player for being a sophomore. Nate (Mills) and Gabe (Kebede) rotating in there too, and our outside linebackers are just studs. They get the job done. Coach calls great stunts and we’re able to bring pressure. It’s all good.”
Amherst’s defense finished off the Rams, who had just 12 first downs. The Hurricanes held them to 55 yards rushing on 29 carries, and Boyce finished 12 of 26 for 126 yards and four picks.
“We can play with anyone,” Woodfine-Holmes said. “This was our first real test. Everybody thought it was West (Springfield) but we clearly showed we were the better team. This was our first real test.”
Mills finished 11 of 22 for 84 yards and two interceptions.
Block finished with a game-high 129 yards rushing on seven carries. Vecchio added 86 yards on 10 carries.
“Josh is the man,” Mills said. “He is such a great player offensively and defensively. He had some great cuts out there. Our line was able to open the holes but everything he brings to the team is unbelievable.”
Vecchio left the game after hurting his left ankle on his final TD run. Nagy also limped off. Ehorn said the injuries weren’t significant and he expected both to be ready for the state championship.
“This is our goal,” Ehorn said. “Our goal was never to shut teams out, our goal was never to win every game. Our goal was to get to Gillette. Everything has worked out and we’re able to get to part of our goal. We’re happy about it.”
Mike Moran can be reached at mmoran@gazettenet.com.
