Pints for Sophie

Coach Zimmer caught wind of a community Blood Drive happening at nearby Carey Ridge Elementary School in honor of Sophie Collier and had this to say:

Please pass this on to anyone you know that will be near CRES on October 7th. There isn't a person that has walked into this middle school building that has more of a positive influence on those around them than this young girl. I know we've already done a blood drive but maybe our 100+ guys can just tell their families/community about this one.

We're suckers for service opportunities, so we wanted to pass along the full details...

The Indiana Blood Center along with our PTO is sponsoring a blood drive on Wednesday, October 7 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. We are honoring, former CRES student, Sophie Collier, with this blood drive. Sophie is having heart surgery in October and we are hoping our blood drive brings in lots of "pints for Sophie." Please see below for more information.

Carey Ridge Elementary School Blood Drive

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 

2:00PM - 7:00PM

Multi-Purpose

Click here to sign up!

Eligibility: The donation process takes less than an hour.  It is recommended that donors have a light snack before donating.  Most people are eligible to donate.  There are very few causes for deferral and very few medications that are not acceptable.  Not sure if you are eligible to donate?  Email Eligibility.  Indiana Blood Center must see 550 individuals each and every day in order to meet the patient needs at the 60+ hospitals it supplies.

More questions?  Feel free to contact: Courtney Howay (choway@indianablood.org).

#RockReport JV Brownsburg

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team put forth an incredible effort against Brownsburg High School pulling off a victory in a battle which resonated with the excitement and feel of a heavy weight boxing prize fight, where they were trading punches and standing toe-to-toe daring the other to flinch first.

The game started off fast for the Rocks with a surgically precise drive by Player of the Game junior quarterback Andy Sweet, leading the team down the field and culminating with a 2 yard touchdown run.  The Bulldogs answered shortly after a Rocks turnover to tie the game at 7-7.  Sweet and the Rocks scored on the ensuing possession with a quick strike to junior receiver Drew Neustifter, giving the Rocks a 14-7 lead.  The Bulldogs answered again with a touchdown of their own tying the game at 14-14.  Bales hit a 37 yard field goal for the Rocks, but the Bulldogs were able to put up an additional 20 points going into halftime with a 34-17 lead.

Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs received the ball and drove down the field, but the Rocks defense tightened up with the help of junior safety Caleb Sanburn, forcing the Bulldogs into a turnover on downs.  Sweet was able to quickly drive the Rocks offense down the field on two consecutive big plays, one to junior receiver Tanner Nichols and one to sophomore receiver Caleb Pettijohn.  The drive was topped off with a 10 yard rumble by junior running back Mike Brown.  The Rocks now trailed 34-24 and the defense was able to force the Bulldogs to punt on the next possession.  Sweet and the Rocks wasted no time scoring again with a 10 yard run by Sweet for a touchdown.  The Rocks now led 34-31 and recovered another fumble by the Bulldogs on the ensuing kick-off.  Sweet hit Neustifter for the second touchdown on the very next play.  The Rocks now led 38-34.

The Rocks and the Bull dogs traded touchdowns for the remainder of the game, sophomore quarterbacks Cam Nance and Clint Hostler led the Rocks down the field in the 4th quarter.  Nance ran the ball in to give the Rocks the lead again at 45-41.  The Bulldogs scored again to make the score 48-45, and were able to force a turnover on downs against the Rocks and had the opportunity to run the clock out.  The Rocks defense stood strong when it needed to.  Jacob Crabtree and Dillon Simpson combined for the defensive big play on a crucial 3rd down by Brownsburg.  The two Rocks defenders stuffed the Bulldog runner for a loss of yards and forced a punt with just over a minute remaining in the game.  Nance was able to drive the Rocks offense down the field eventually scoring the game winning touchdown with only 9 seconds remaining in the game.  The Rocks won the game 52-48 in an incredible battle and come from behind victory.

The JV Rocks football team was able to remain #unbreakable with a record of 6-0.  They will attempt to continue their streak on Saturday October 10th, at home against Avon High School at 10 a.m.

Actually, We Won

It didn't feel like it, but we still won on Friday. While the football game score was unpleasant for us, a more important score was being kept that should be much more heart-warming. We, as a community, raised $2500 for the IWIN charity! Not only that, but for a smaller, local charity, the exposure was worth more than money can count.

Our football family has been heavily touched by this and other cancer-related diseases, and we absolutely consider it a victory when we can make a difference like this. I already shared the channel 13 special report via Facebook, but it bears linking here again if you haven't seen it.

Proud to be a Shamrock. #RocksMakeADifference

P.S. - Thanks to any Avon Orioles that may have made a donation. We truly appreciate any help that you provided. At the end of the game, we're all Hoosiers that have likely been touched by cancer. "Love your neighbor..."

#RockReport Brownsburg

Rocks Varsity Football came home to host the Brownsburg Bulldogs, losing 59-30.

Offensively, the Shamrocks had another difficult week, while the Rock Defense gave up numerous deep pass plays. The result was a lopsided score, not in a good way. Special Teams generated the lone highlight of the night when Alex Bales showed some impressive leg strength and hit a 51 yard field goal to end the first half.

Special mention should be given to Cameron Nance, Bryan Skelton, and Chad Welch. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Your #unbreakable Rocks will regroup for next Friday, when Westfield travels to take on the Avon Orioles. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

#Gameday Brownsburg

Tonight, your Rocks come home and look to bounce back against the Brownsburg Bulldogs. Westfield comes in with a 4-1 (2-1 HCC) record, while the Dogs are 1-4 (0-2 HCC). Brownsburg's two conference losses were against Fishers and Avon, so we've yet to face a common opponent.

Brownsburg's record may not indicate it, but they have a fantastic core of talent that can score a lot of points. They come in with a 38 PPG average and 485 YPG of offense. WR Tyler Kirtz (#17) leads the conference with 520 receiving yards and has accounted for 52 of the team's points (3rd HCC). They combine their significant air threat with a comparable ground threat in RB Toks Akinribade (#24), who averages 117 YPG on the ground. Like Hercules of Greek legend, the Rocks will need to club Brownsburg's Orthrus tonight, while capitalizing on every scoring opportunity.

No directions needed for this one. Make your way to the beautiful Riverview Health Stadium to partake in the homecoming festivities. Remember to bring some cash if you'd like to contribute to the IWIN charity drive. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

#RockReport JV HSE

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team found itself in dire straits, on the ropes, between a rock and a hard place (and not the good kind of Rock), down….but DEFINITELY not out.  The Rocks extended their season and HCC unbreakable streak to 5-0 with an amazing overtime victory over the Royals of HSE, 23-20.

The JV Rocks defense played an incredible game which included causing 6 total turn overs, two by junior corner back Christopher Zolto, and two by junior defensive end Elisha Lennon.  With the leadership and outstanding effort of these two players, the Rocks held the Royals scoreless in the first half.  The shut-out in the first half was even more amazing because it included two goal line stands, one aided by a big tackle by Lennon, and the other at the final play of the half as Zolto broke up a pass in the end zone as the clock ran out.  The Rocks stood strong in the second half led by the consistent play of Junior Zack Jankowski, but did allow two touchdowns and a field goal.

The JV Rocks offense was able to move the ball around during most of the game, but found that it was only able to score 3 points for well over 3 and a half quarters of play.  Six turnovers by the Rocks buried many promising drives.  Late in the 4th quarter with only 3 minutes left in the game, the Rocks found themselves down 17-3 with the ball after the defense caused yet another turnover.  The resolve, grit, and unbreakable spirit of the Rocks JV team shone through during the most exciting 3 minutes of the season.  The Rocks were able to drive the ball down the field with the help of sophomore quarterback Cam Nance and junior running back Mike Brown.  Tackles Matt Robinson and Chad Reeh provided room for Brown to barrel down the field and set up the eventual first touchdown from Nance to junior wide receiver Josué Gonzalez.  The point after failed, but the Rocks still had life, down by 8 points with around a minute remaining and the fate of their undefeated season resting on the big toe of freshman kicker Alex Bales.  Bales did not disappoint, kicking a “selfie” (onside kick to himself) and recovering with a minute left in the game.  The Rocks responded to driving 50 yards and scoring on a Brown diving run from 10 yards out.  Needing a two point conversion to tie the game, the Rocks again called upon Brown and Robinson to lead the way for a sweep by Nance.  Nance squeaked in by the skin of his teeth and the game once seemingly beaten Rocks had clawed their way back even with the Royals.

During overtime both teams have an opportunity to possess the ball, and the Rocks defense was up first.  They limited the Royals to only a field goal and giving the entire home sidelines a huge shot of confidence and energy.  The offense took the field for their shot at overtime with a swagger and confidence that made it appear that the game was already decided in their favor.  On the first play of the overtime for the Rocks Offense, Nance handed off to Brown who ran towards Robinson’s side of the line.  Brown was engulfed by multiple Royal defenders but miraculously powered through their tackle attempts and scored a 10 yard touchdown, winning the game for the Rocks.  The sidelines erupted with hugs and chest bumps and a confidence that this team could accomplish anything.

The JV Rocks football team with attempt to continue their streak on Saturday September 26th, at Brownsburg High School at 10 a.m.

With IWIN, We Win.

Rocks, Parents, and Supporters,

This year our football team is supporting Indiana Women In Need (I.W.I.N.) foundation which provides financial grants to women statewide currently receiving treatment for breast cancer. I.W.I.N serves approximately 500 women each year. Sixty percent (60%) of the foundation’s recipients earn $30,000 or less annually and 61% are single or widowed, so these financial grants make a direct and big impact on the lives of Indiana women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Most recipients use their financial grants for essential expenses, such as groceries, gas cards, and childcare costs.

As you may know, our football family has had a number of families impacted by breast cancer over the last few years, so this is a cause that touches our football family directly. At Friday night’s football game, I.W.I.N. will be raising awareness and funds for the foundation. WTHR Channel 13 will be broadcasting live from 5-6:30 at Riverview Stadium to bring attention to our support of I.W.I.N.  Please let your friends and family know that Indiana Women In Need is there to help them if they are enduring breast cancer treatment, and please consider donating to the foundation at Friday’s game.

Look for a Freshman football player holding a donation jar outside of the stadium entrance gates. Checks can be made out to the I.W.I.N. Foundation. You can learn more about I.W.I.N. at iwinfoundation.org, and you can follow them on facebook and twitter.

Thank you for your support. Let's make a difference!

Coach Gilbert

#RockReport Hamilton Southeastern

Rocks Varsity Football traveled down to Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday for a neutral field contest against the Hamilton Southeaster Royals, losing 34-18.

Offensively, the Shamrocks struggled against a stout Royal defense. They started to find some rhythm late, and were within a 3 point striking distance late in the game, but failed to cash in.

The Rock Defense had a frustrating night as well. They held enough to give the offense a chance, but didn’t create as many takeaways or get the big stops when needed. Explosive passing plays ruined the night and opened up the lead late in the game.

Shamrock Special Teams was a mostly bright spot on the night. The Rocks blocked two Royal punts, setting the offense up for some points. All in all, it was a night of ups and downs, with a lot of good effort, but ultimately not the outcomes desired.

Special mention should be given to Joe Marra, Devin McGinnis, and Jake Miner. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Come see your #unbreakable Rocks next Friday, when Westfield comes home to host the Brownsburg Bulldogs. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

#Gameday HSE

Lucas Oil Stadium sits patiently downtown, awaiting the arrival of your #unbreakable Rocks. What a great opportunity to play in such a nice arena!

Hamilton Southeastern will be meeting us there. The Royals bring in a 3-1 record (3-0 in the HCC). They are riding a 3 game win streak, with some dramatic victories against their last two opponents. They average 27 points with 124 rushing yards and 226 passing yards per game. #23, Aaron Matio is the player to watch in this one. He accounts for 120 YPG of the Royal offense and has 4 touchdowns for them on the season. Their QB, Carter Poiry, has racked up 883 yards which is good for 4th in the conference.

The Royals have a big front line and will come out looking to push the Rocks around and have their way on the ground. They'll mix in an explosive play action passing game to keep the Rock D honest. The Rocks will need to hold their ground and answer with their own 1-2 rush/pass punch. The Royals have been a come-from-behind team, so the Rocks will certainly have to finish in this one.

Need directions to Lucas Oil? We've got you covered. See you at the game! Kickoff will follow 25 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game, and is tentatively scheduled for 8:30pm.

A Royal Prediction

Well, the IndyStar isn't picking us to win. Can't say it's too surprising as we've been the underdog in our conference for a good many years. Also interesting that we're both ranked #5 in our respective class categories. It's shaping up to be a good one down at Lucas Oil Stadium tomorrow.

#RockReport Freshmen Noblesville

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young once stated his drive behind his Super Bowl winning career and fighting through rough patches, saying: “The principle [behind football] is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.”

With this mantra guiding them, The Freshman Rocks of Westfield returned from a tough loss at Zionsville the prior week to the confines WHS Riverview Health Stadium taking on the rival Millers of Noblesville. The Rocks displayed pride, poise, and resolve throughout the football game, although falling short in the final count, 29-7. Offensively, the Rocks aimed to control the football running the football and utilizing the short passing game. Quarterbacks Patrick Beam and Cameron Fry rotated the entire game bringing their unique talents to each drive. Beam, his efforts earning him the weekly offensive Mr. Consistency award, delivered the ball to Owen McGraw and Dorian Henson for some crucial completions in the game. He also called his own number to rush the ball successfully throughout the game. Fry stepped up in the pocket and found Kyle Pepiot deep downfield in the fourth quarter, connecting for the game’s only Rock touchdown and biggest play of the game.

Defensively, the Rocks looked came out aggressive and ready to wreak havoc. Cornerback Owen McGraw stepped up as the Millers drove deep into the Rock red zone and muscled away an interception from the intended receiver. Cameron Fry also rose to the challenge as the Millers were about to score, stripping the ball away from the running back just before he was to cross the goal line. Middle linebacker Luke Metallic once again entered the mix, stuffing countless runs before they even left the backfield.

Kicker Alex Bales once again led the special teams unit to a quality performance. Perfect with PAT’s and obtaining touchbacks on the kickoff, Bales allowed great positive contributions by all our special teams. The young Rocks will be focusing enthusiastically on always improving their effort and developing into great football players and young men. The next game will be Monday, September 21st at Hamilton Southeastern. Come watch as the Rocks take on the Royals!

#RockReport JV Noblesville

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team defended their JV HCC Champions title in dramatic fashion against the Millers of noblesville.  In an extremely exciting overtime game, the Rocks won by 1-point 30-29 against a devastated Millers team.

The game started with the Rocks offense driving down the field and scoring quickly.  The Drive included big runs by sophomore running back Nate Froelich behind Mr. Consistency for this game junior offensive guard Daniel Browning, great catches by sophomore wide receiver Caleb Pettijohn, and a big throw and catch from the Player of the Game junior quarterback Andy Sweet to junior wide receiver Drew Neustifter.  The Ensuing Drive included more of the same but this time Sweet scrambled and was able to find junior wide receiver Josue Gonzalez for a long touchdown.  The Rocks later scored on a drive managed by junior quarterback Clint Hostler, capped off by a bruising run by junior running back Mike Brown.  Hostler was able to drive the Rocks Offense for a final drive, with the help of freshman running back Dorian Henson, to give the Rocks an 8 point lead with around 1 minute remaining in the game.

The JV Rocks defense had many big plays and was able to hold the Miller offense in check most of the day.  Junior defensive tackle Juan Obregon was the most consistent player for the defense, harassing the Miller backfield all day.  The Rocks defense was able to bend and not break most of the day, except for the final drive by the Millers.  The noblesville offense was able to drive the length of the field with a minute left on the clock and an 8 point deficit, score a touchdown and then convert on the two point conversion to tie the game and force it into overtime.

In overtime, both teams would be given the opportunity to score from the 10 yard line.  The Rocks won the toss and elected to play defense first.  The Millers were able to score in 4 plays and elected to kick an extra point to go up by 7 points.  The Rocks were given their chance from the 10 and capitalized with a huge run on the Big Play of the game, when freshman Dorian Henson ran around the right edge of the Miller defense and scored to put the Rocks within one point.  The Rocks offense elected to go for the win and go for a 2-point conversion rather than end the game in a tie, and again the Rocks elected to put the ball in Henson’s hands.  He again sprinted around the right edge and reached the ball over the pylon scoring the winning points for the Rocks.

After this exciting victory both teams also played a C-game in which players could get additional experience playing another opponent.  During the game, the Defensive Player of the Game emerged.  Sophomore defensive back Seth Tackett scored the Rocks only touchdown of the second game, scooping a fumble caused by junior Mike Brown and running it back for 60+ yards.  He also intercepted the Millers in their own end zone.

The Rocks JV is now 4-0 overall and 2-0 in HCC play.  Come support the JV football team as they defend their HCC JV Champs title this Saturday September 19th, at home against Hamilton Southeastern High School @ 10 a.m.

#RockReport Noblesville

Rocks Varsity Football played host to the Noblesville Millers on Friday night, reclaiming the Midland Rail rivalry trophy with a hard fought 18-14 victory.

Offensively, the Shamrocks struggled a bit on Friday, stalling on several drives. They scored when they needed to, however, with the superb quarterbacking by Ryan Pepiot and the steady hands of Evan Manley. No plays were bigger than a Pepiot to Manley conversion to keep the Rock scoring drive alive late in the game.

The Rock Defense held a very talented Miller offense in check for most of the night, turning in two scoreless quarters and winning the takeaway battle for the second week in a row. Luke Lammers and Jackson Garrett turned in fantastic performances, each securing extra possessions for the Rock O. Matthew Tongate continued with consistent play on the D line. The highlight of the night was a diving interception by Luke Lammers in the gold painted turf, stopping a Miller score on a desperate 4th down pass.

Shamrock Special Teams made sure the Rocks had an advantage in field position all night. William Harrison’s stellar punting led to a 99 yard advantage for the Rocks. Will McCool led the way in this phase of the game with Dylan Simpson adding consistency.

Special mention should be given to Peyton Haack and Jordan Grimes. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Come see your #unbreakable Rocks next Friday, when Westfield will travel down to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Hamilton Southeastern Royals. Kickoff will follow the end of the preceding game, and is tentatively scheduled for around 8:30pm.

#Gameday Noblesville

Tonight, your #unbreakable Rocks will strive to keep an unblemished 4-0 record. Making the short, 8.6 mile drive from Noblesville are the Millers, hoping to derail our momentum. Conference rivals, county rivals, other-side-of-the-tracks rivals, the Midland Rail trophy heads home with the winner of this one. Since 2004, Noblesville holds the edge on this rivalry 7-6.

Noblesville enters the contest with a 2-1 record (0-1 in the conference) after getting beaten up by Fishers last week. They will be hungry to get back to making progress in the win column and fighting not to fall behind in the conference. They bring a fantastic spread running game to the table, and will challenge the Rocks to make stops and counter with explosive plays.

It is always a hard-fought game when these two meet, so be sure to head out to Riverview Health Stadium tonight for a great one under the lights. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

Lucas Oil Part 1

Your Rocks get the opportunity to take on HSE in Lucas Oil Stadium this season on September 18th. Advance tickets are being sold through the Athletic Department, and Westfield gets to keep a cut of those sales. Plus, it's cheaper for you to get them through us. For more information check out the school's site here.

It is a great place to see a game, and hopefully not the only chance you'll get to see us there this year.

#RockReport JV Zionsville

Catching up... JV beat Southport 42-32 last week. We pick up our reports with Zionsville this past weekend...)

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team came out to an incredibly fast start, scoring on the first three possessions of both teams.  The Rocks won the toss and wanted to receive the football.  The drive that ensued was a surgical blitzkrieg attack on the Eagles defense.  The two offensive players of the game, Sophomore WR Caleb Pettijohn and Junior QB Andy Sweet, connected on multiple passes on the first drive including a 40+ yd touchdown strike to seal the deal.

The Zionsville JV team was put on its heels to start the game and the Westfield JV defense continued the assault.  Junior OLB Dillon Simpson blitzed off the edge sacking the quarterback and stripping the ball, which fell nicely into Junior DE Elisha Lennon’s waiting hands.  Lennon then ran the fumble in for a 60+ yard touchdown.  The onslaught did not stop there.  The next Eagles possession ended in a quick 3 and out, but during the attempted punt, Junior OLB Zach Jankowski blocked and recovered the punt giving the Rocks offense great field position.  Sweet and Pettijohn hooked up again for another 30+ yard TD pass.  After another Zionsville punt, the Rocks offense was driving a third time into Eagles territory when they finally stumbled and had back to back penalties, giving them a seemingly insurmountable 3rd and 35.  Sweet again delivered with a 55 yard TD pass to Junior WR Mike Smith.  The first quarter ended with the Rocks leading 28-7.

The rest of the game was full of big plays on defense keeping the Eagles caged.   The Eagles had multiple opportunities near the Rocks end zone but came up short many times.  Lennon had a sack which ended a drive near the end zone, Junior DB Chris Zolto had an interception in the endzone, Jankowski and Simpson combined to produce a fumble which was recovered by Lennon, and Jankowski along with Sophomore DB Cam Nance both had interceptions late in the game.

The Rocks also dominated on special teams.  Freshman kicker Alex Bales had a huge morning kicking the ball.  His kick-offs all were near the goal line, he punted the ball inside the 2 yard line pinning the Eagles deep, and he made a 46 yard field goal.  Also contributing on special teams were Zolto, sophomore snapper Spencer Schneider, Jankowski, and junior LB Devin McGinnis recovering desperate onside kick attempts from an out matched Zionsville JV team.

The final score was 31-24 in favor of the Rocks.

Come support the JV football team as they defend their HCC JV Champs title this Saturday September 12th, at Noblesville High School @ 10 a.m.

Shining Rocks

Love to see when our guys get recognition in the papers. Good IndyStar article covering the Zionsville game here.

#RockReport - Zionsville

Rocks Varsity Football raided Zionsville Friday night, dealing the Eagles a 45-30 defeat and retaining the Shining Star rivalry trophy. It was a game that leaked into early Saturday, finishing after midnight due to weather delays.

Offensively, the Shamrocks brought the lightning in the air followed by thunder on the ground, putting up 45 points. Jonathan Swidan rumbled behind the leadership of Jonathan Mendoza, racking up yards and touchdowns alike. The steady hands of Lucas Schultz guided the air attack, and Ryan Pepiot hooked up with Evan Manley for the big play of the night on a long TD strike.

The Rock Defense wreaked havoc on the Eagle offense, generating multiple takeaways. Martell Fletcher snagged two picks, and Luke Lammers forced a fumble that was snatched up by Jackson Garrett. Koby Hauser added consistent pressure for a unit that, with the exception of a few big plays, made Zionsville earn every yard they got.

Shamrock Special Teams showered the offense with an extra possession as well when Jonathan Swidan and Jared Bayha recovered a squib kickoff. Will Harrison tacked on big points in the kicking game, and Jared Bayha kept up his stellar play throughout the night.

Special mention should be given to Matthew Noyes, Clint Hostler, and Josue Gonzalez. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Come see your #unbreakable Rocks next Friday, when Westfield will host the Noblesville Millers as the rivalry section of the schedule continues. This time the Midland Rail trophy is on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.

#Gameday Zionsville

Tonight, your #unbreakable Rocks look to improve to 3-0 against neighboring Zionsville. The Eagles come in to the contest undefeated as well, hoping to steal the Shining Star rivalry trophy that currently sits in Westfield. That trophy will make the short bus ride with the Rocks as they launch a raid into Eagle territory, aiming for two tough road wins in as many weeks.

Fighting in hostile territory, the Rocks need as many friendly voices as possible. Organize raiding caravans of your own and follow the Rocks into battle with Zionsville tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.