After a 1-3 start to the season, Pat Barron told his Westmont Hilltop football team that Saturday’s date with Somerset was a must-win game.

Not surprisingly, the Hilltoppers leaned heavily on their ground game and a powerful offensive line to get the job done.

Camden Moors scored four touchdowns as Westmont Hilltop beat Somerset 34-7 at Greater Johnstown’s Trojan Stadium.

“We challenged the guys on Monday and told them it was a must-win game,” Barron said. “They responded. They were hungry to show what they could do. The guys up front paved the way.”

Helped in part by a pair of Somerset penalties – including one on fourth down – Westmont (2-3) marched down the field on the opening possession of the game.

Ian Valente scored the first touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run with 4:13 left in the first. Brandon Kaesler’s kick was good to make it 7-0.

After a defensive stop, the Hilltoppers took over at Somerset’s 40-yard line. 

Morgan Bell got the ball back for Somerset (2-3) by recovering a Lee Santee fumble.

The Eagles carried the ball to Westmont’s 20-yard line, but Eagles quarterback Camron Coddington was intercepted by Valente, who returned it 42 yards into Somerset territory.

Nine plays later, Moors scored the first of his four touchdowns – this one from 3 yards out.  Kaesler’s kick made it 14-0 with 4:36 left in the second quarter.

Another failed drive by Somerset gave the Hilltoppers the ball at their 35-yard line. Five plays into the drive, Moors ran the ball in again and Kaesler’s kick put Westmont up 21-0 at halftime.

Austin Hemminger gave the Golden Eagles an opportunity to get back into the game when he ran 61 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Jordan Flitcraft’s kick made it 21-7.

That was all Somerset managed against Westmont’s stingy defense.

“The defense played outstanding,” Barron said. “Our defensive coordinator, our coaches, and our kids did a wonderful job.”

A failed onside kick attempt by Somerset, gave the Hilltoppers the ball near midfield. 

After runs of 15 and 28 yards by Moors, he finished the drive with 6-yard scoring run.    

The extra-point attempt failed, leaving the score at 27-7 with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.

Moors’ fourth touchdown of the game came also in the third on a 7-yard run.

Somerset coach Bob Landis said his team needs to improve on defense and offense.

“We need to get consistency on both sides of the ball, work on our techniques, and get back to work,” Landis said.

The Hilltoppers will head to Bedford next week, while the Eagles will host Greater Johnstown.

• By Ashley Grego 
  sports@tribdem.com
•  
• Sep 24, 2016