Westhampton Sees First Regular Season Loss Since 2016

Westhampton Beach’s football team walked off their home field with heavy hearts Friday. For the first time since 2016, the Hurricanes suffered a regular-season loss.

The 34-27 defeat came in overtime at the hands of Sayville (2-0) September 20. Junior running back Aidan Cassara hauled a pass from senior quarterback Jeff McBurnie into the end zone to tie the game at 27-all with 3:34 remaining in regulation, and the Golden Flashes blocked the extra-point kick attempt that would have given the Hurricanes a one-point lead.

Both defenses came up with stops to force overtime, but it was Sayville’s Jayson Gensch that stole the show.

After C.J. Messina grabbed a 10-yard pass from quarterback Jack Cheschire for the leading score, Gensch put the game on ice with an interception.

At halftime, Sayville led 20-7 with two touchdowns coming from Brock Murtha (10 receptions for 223 yards and three touchdowns), and the Hurricanes (1-1) were finally able to light up the scoreboard again with 4:48 left in the third quarter on a Jaden AlfanoStJohn 49-yard touchdown run. Under pressure at the 11:31 mark of the fourth, McBurnie (16-for-27 for 126 yards) hit junior running back Jackson Hulse with a 23-yard pass in the end zone, cutting the lead to 27-21.

AlfanoStJohn, a senior running back, rushed for 156 yards on 20 attempts and two touchdowns, while twin brother Jesse had two interceptions.

Westhampton visits Hauppauge Friday, September 27, for a 6 PM game.

desiree@indyeastend.com