Friday, October 30, 2015

#GameDay Sectional I - Harrison

For most 5A teams across the state of Indiana, today is the opening day of the playoffs. Your Rocks will be taking on the Harrison Raiders in a rematch of the first game of the season. The Rocks won that one 38-21.

Harrison finished up the regular season with a win over Marion, 56-14. They logged a 4-5 overall record, while scoring 31.1 points per game. RB Dawson Dahnke (#35) comes in averaging just over 100 ground yards per game, while QB J. Dan Sturgeon (#8) has thrown for 16 TDs and 1025 yards. His favorite target is WR Adam Strugeon (#82) who has 5 of those TDs and 363 yards.

The Rocks look to have the advantage on paper in this one, but will need to come out swinging as the playoffs are a chance for everyone in the state to start fresh. Both teams are now 0-0, and it will be up to Westfield to start their playoff journey with an urgent and firm first step.

Chilly weather means playoff time in Indiana, so bundle up and head on out to Riverview Health Stadium for tonight's contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

#RockReport Brebeuf

Rocks Varsity Football traveled to face the Brebeuf Braves on Friday night, earning a thrilling 24-21 come-from-behind victory.

It was a tale of two halves, with the Rocks struggling on both sides of the ball early. In the second half, the D stiffened and the O began cashing in late in the 3rd quarter, scoring 24 unanswered points. Johnathan Swidan led the way on the ground with Bryce Sears adding steady hands. The big play of the night was when Ryan Pepiot hooked up with Swidan for a Rock TD.

The Rock D pitched a shutout in the second half, providing the window through which the Rocks stole this victory away. Austin Ward led the way with Koby Hauser tacking on consistently physical play. One of the turning points was when Johnathan Mendoza forced a fumble that was recovered by Josh Tuffnell.

The victory wouldn’t have been possible without key contributions on Special Teams. Frey and Johnathan Swidan added consistent play on top of some key highlights. Lucas Schultz forced a fumble on a kickoff, and the FG block team came up big with the game on the line, stopping the Braves late attempt to tie the score.

Special mention should be given to Austin Ward, Joe Marra, and Matthew Meyer. 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.

The Rocks have a bye this week, but next Friday, your #unbreakable Rocks will host the Harrison Raiders for the opening round of their Sectional. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

Friday, October 16, 2015

#GameDay Brebeuf

The last game of the regular season finds your #unbreakable Rocks traveling down to Brebeuf to take on the Braves. Brebeuf is 5-3 averaging 255 yards per game (155 passing) and 19 points per game. They bring a two-pronged rushing attack, with QB Luke Iffert (#3) often out-rushing starting RB Jett Mcgowan (#41). Both are averaging around 40 yards per game. Their top two receivers are Sam Snyder (#6) and Max Kucer (#8), with targets evenly split between the two. On defense, Will Roberts (#10) and Gerard Carthy (#51) lead the team in tackles for loss, and will look to put pressure on our front line.

The Rocks are currently sitting at 4-4, and would love to finish out above .500. They will have to fight for each other tonight against a non-conference opponent that they have not seen before. As always on the road, friendly voices in the stands are wholly appreciated. Need directions? We've got you covered below. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

#RockReport Freshmen Fishers

Just a quick update on the freshmen...

The freshman Rocks fought valiantly against a strong Fishers program on Monday, but lost 32-7. The young men never stopped fighting, and are ready to cap off their season with a high note, this Saturday against Brebeuf at 10:00 a.m.

#RockReport JV Fishers

On Saturday, the JV Rocks suffered their first defeat of the season, 42-21 to an undefeated Fishers team. The Rocks are now 7-1 on the season (good for 2nd in the HCC).

The Rocks found themselves in a very familiar position when they fell behind late in the first half 35-7.  As is their custom, they fought back and won the second half 14-7.  Despite the fact that the JV Rocks team had made a habit of fighting back and overcoming adversity in the second half, the inevitable happened and they met a deficit they were unable to surmount.

The JV Rocks play their final game of the season this Monday at New Palestine High School. Kick of is scheduled for 6:00pm.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

#RockReport Fishers

Rocks Varsity Football hosted Fishers Friday night, falling 28-42 to the Tigers.

The Rocks struggled for most of this one. The offense scored early and then only kicked into high gear when things were getting desperate later. The Rock D couldn’t seem to come up with a big stop all night. It was a very frustrating night, but the Rocks continued to fight, mounting a furious comeback late in the game, but running ultimately running out of steam.

Special mention should be given to Mitch Alderink, Josh Tuffnell, and Tanner Nichols. 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.

Next Friday, your #unbreakable Rocks will travel to take on the Brebeuf Jesuit Braves. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

Friday, October 9, 2015

#GameDay Fishers

Your Rocks will be squaring off against the Fishers Tigers tonight at beautiful Riverview Health Stadium. The Tigers come in with an identical 4-3 record (2-2 HCC). They are 3-0 on the road this season, but are on a 2 game losing streak. Both teams will be looking to get back in the win column tonight and improve their conference standing.

The Tigers are lead by RB #22 Jeremy Chinn's 8 Touchdowns. He's notched 6 rushing TDs (54.1 YPG), adding a punt return and a pick six. He'll play on both sides of the ball for them, and the Rocks will be challenged to limit his effectiveness. QB #10 Zach Eaton helms the offense. His 1189 passing yards are good for 5th in the conference, and spreads the ball effectively to several receiving targets. On defense, the Tiger D-line has notched 18 team sacks, with several linemen ranking in the conference.

The Rocks will need to protect QB Ryan Pepiot tonight and open holes for Brandon Karsnick in order to assert their offensive will. LB Jackson Garrett will lead a Rock D that needs to generate some takeaways this week and bottle up the Tiger run game. Look for fireworks in this conference finale as both teams would really like the positive momentum with the postseason looming.

It's the last regular season home game, so we will be celebrating our seniors tonight. Come out tonight and show them your appreciation while cheering your Rocks on to victory! Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

Monday, October 5, 2015

#RockReport JV Avon

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team continued their trend of second half come backs.  The JV Rocks team played Avon in very inclement weather this Saturday.  The Rocks showed an indomitable spirit as they found themselves down by a season high 24 points, but still clawed back for the victory.

The Rocks started the game with a fumble recovery by junior linebacker Dillon Simpson.  This turnover lead to a quick scoring drive capped off by sophomore running back Nate Froelich.  The Rocks special teams also delivered two huge plays in the first half.  The first was a 42 yard field goal by freshman kicker Alex Bales.  The second was a blocked punt by junior safety Caleb Sanburn.  This blocked kick set up Froelich’s second score of the day.  Unfortunately, Avon had an abundance of big plays in the first half and the Rocks found themselves down 34-17 for the second week in a row.

The Rocks were unable to score on their first drive of the second half, and the Orioles were able to capitalize and pushed their lead to a daunting 24 point lead, 41-17.  The Rocks JV team found itself in a familiar but seemingly insurmountable situation.  They needed a spark, something to get them back into the game.  That spark came on the very next play from junior wide receiver Drew Neustifter.  Neustifter took the ensuing kick-off and returned in 90 yards for a touchdown to breathe new life into the Rocks.  The score was now 41-24 at the start of the 4th quarter, when sophomore quarterback and Offensive Player of the Game Cam Nance took the ball 60+ yards for a score on the first play of the 4th quarter.

The Rocks found themselves down only 10 points, 41-31, and needed their defense to make a few huge plays.  Sophomore linebacker Matthew Noyes stepped up to the challenge and produced several sacks and an interception on the Orioles next three possessions, giving the ball back to the offense and earning himself Defensive Player of the Game and Defensive Big Play  honors.  Nance and the offense marched down the field two more times, each culminating in short Froelich touchdowns (4 on the day).  The last of Froelich’s touchdowns coming on 4th down with around a minute to go in the game from the 4 yard line.  The Rocks scored 28 unanswered points lead by Cam “the comeback kid” Nance and riding the shoulders of a determined offensive line and running back crew.

The JV Rocks football team was able to remain unbreakable with a record of 7-0.  They will play for the HCC JV championship on Saturday October 10th, away against Fishers High School at 10 a.m.  Fishers is also undefeated at 7-0.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

#RockReport Avon

Rocks Varsity Football traveled to Avon Friday night, falling 20-35 to the Orioles.
Take away the first few minutes of the game, and the Rocks stood strong against a very tough and talented conference opponent. The opening minutes, however, saw several Rock errors that essentially spotted the Orioles a 21 point lead. After that, the Rocks evidenced inner strength and pride, clawing their way back into the game. With around 8 minutes left to play, the Rocks were only 8 points down and had their chances to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. It was, sadly, not to be.

Special mention should be given to Devin McGinnis, Tanner Nichols, Josue Gonzalez, and Miles Klinkenbeard. 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.

Next Friday, your #unbreakable Rocks will host the Fishers Tigers. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

Friday, October 2, 2015

#GameDay Avon

Tonight the Rocks will travel to Avon to take on the Orioles. Avon comes in with an identical 4-2 record (2-1 HCC, having played an additional non-conference game). Like Brownsburg, they are averaging nearly 40 points per game and can put up points in a hurry. They've averaged 422 yards per game of total offence (271 through the air), and their QB #18 Brandon Peters is a nationally ranked recruit that leads the conference with 1351 passing yards. Top WR #15 Andrew Griffin is his favorite target, as he too leads the conference with 582 receiving yards. On the defensive side, #90 AJ Elcock is leading the HCC in sacks with 8.

On the line for the Rocks is a return to the win column, plus if they deal Avon its second conference defeat, there will be a many-way tie for second place. HSE would hold the top spot and Zionsville brings up the rear, but everyone else could be sitting in the middle with 2 losses.

Needless to say, facing such a talented opponent, on the road, with conference standing on the line... we need all the friendly voices we can get. Hopefully you'll make the trip over to Avon and support your Rocks. Need directions (tip: the HWY 267 route may be preferable this week)? We've got you covered below. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm. Hope to see you there!

#RockReport Freshmen Brownsburg

On Monday, the freshman Rocks lost 28-13 to Brownsburg. Missing a number of players, the young Rocks delivered a gutsy performance, with many players stepping up on both sides of the ball. Kyle Pepiot led the charge at QB, taking snaps for the first time in over a year. He performed admirably and led the Rocks to two great offensive touchdowns. Defensively, the front seven constantly bottled up Brownsburg's running attack, forcing the Dogs to change their plan of attack multiple times. On special teams, Dorian Henson and Kyle Pepiot gave the squad great field position on their kick returns. Alex Bales added special teams consistency in the form of touchbacks.

The freshman Rocks will play next at Avon on Monday, October 5th.