We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Westwood School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Wildcats this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 8-3
- Points Scored: 401
- Points Allowed: 210
Key Roster Losses
Westwood enters this season without four players who were key to Westwood’s eight-win season in 2024.
According to head coach Earl Ford, it starts with quarterback Hayden Cohen. Last year the senior signal-caller led the Wildcats’ offense to just over 36 points per game, but he has graduated.
Braxton Ethridge, who played linebacker and running back, and Jack Hawley, who served as the team’s center and defensive lineman, will be missed on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in 2025.
Defensive end Larkin Milner has graduated and will be missed this season.
Key Players Returning
Ford said the team will benefit from the return of senior Andrew Ward, the team’s most versatile player.
“He’ll play wide receiver, running back, and quarterback for us on offense, and on defense he’ll play safety and linebacker,” Ford said. “On special teams we’ll use Andrew as our punter, kick returner, and punt returner.”
Ford said that seniors Ki Worsham and Wes Swilley are both three-year starters on the offensive line and will provide “tremendous experience and leadership in executing our offensive scheme.”
Ben Ward and John Willis are rising sophomores who saw significant playing time in 2024 on defense and special teams. Ford said they’ll be counted on in big roles in 2025, with Ward slated to be the starting quarterback and cornerback and Willis expected to start at running back and linebacker.
What to Expect
According to Ford, the Wildcats will be playing a tough slate of opponents every week of the 2025 season, and the key will be avoiding the injury bug.
“We will be playing a very competitive 11-game schedule this year, and to be successful we will need to find a way to stay healthy and work hard to get better each week and prepare for every one of our opponents with the highest focus and respect,” Ford said.
Ford, who returns for his 31st year overall and seventh season as the head coach at Westwood, said he likes how his team has looked this offseason and is ready for the 2025 season.
“This year’s team is coming together, and we’ll have to scratch and claw for four quarters, but I think this should be a group that fans are proud to support,” Ford said.
2025 Season Prediction
The Wildcats could challenge for the GIAA state championship in 2025. I predict a 10-3 overall record for Westwood this season.
Game to Watch
Sept. 12 at Georgia Christian
