Kalmancy Touchdown Sends Byram Hills to Win

THORNWOOD, N.Y. -- Two lopsided wins by Byram Hills to open the season were nice, but the Bobcats realized their next opponent -- Westlake -- would be quite different.“We all knew that Westlake was going to be a hard game,” A.J. Kalmancy said. “Our coach told us the game was going to be a challenge and we pushed each other.”Byram Hills entered the game prepared and walked away with a 10-0 victory over host Westlake on Saturday.The Bobcats improved to 3-0 and will have another test next Sunday, when they host Pelham.Kalmancy provided Byram Hills with the only touchdown it would need -- a 60-yard run in the second quarter. He finished with a game-high 127 yards on 15 carries. Salvatore D’Angelo kicked a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter.Kalmancy wanted this game because he recalled his freshman year.“We were 2-0 going into the third game,” Kalmancy said. “We won our third game that year and went on to have a very good season.”After D’Angelo booted a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter, Kalmancy increased the lead with 2:57 remaining in the second quarter. On a counter play, D’Angelo ran right and catapulted himself through a hole at his own 45, and took off.Byram Hills came into the game wanting to match its’ strength -- its offensive line -- against Westlake’s strength -- its defensive front, specifically 6-foot-6, 275-pound Tom Hopkins.“Our main focus was to sweep outside and run up the middle a lot,” Kalmancy said. “We knew their No. 62 (Hopkins) is big and one of the best in the section. We felt the best way to go was right at him and use one of our strengths to pick off one of their strengths. Our offensive line was amazing.”The Byram Hills’ defense had a strong showing. The Bobcats never allowed the Wildcats to mount a running game and they pressured quarterback John D’Onofrio throughout the game.Westlake coach Rich Hennessey pointed out that one play is all it takes to decide a game.“Byram Hills got the big play and they scored,” he said. “Unfortunately, we had one breakdown and that was the difference in the game.“Byram Hills did a great job on defense. Overall, today we were not sharp. We did not click on all cylinders.”

Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.