Wednesday, August 31, 2016

#RockReport Freshmen vs Southport

On Saturday, August 27th, the Freshman Rocks of Westfield took the field against their opponents hailing from the Southside of Indianapolis – the Southport Cardinals. The young Rocks displayed both mental and physical fortitude against their opponents and the elements alike, coming away with a resounding 27-14 victory in the midst of a classic Midwest rain squall.

The Rocks kicked away to start the game, giving the multi-faceted Southport attack the ball first. The Cardinals made a push into the red zone, but Jacob Netral (DE), Eli Patchett (LB), Levi Kaster (LB), and company put an end to that on the big 3rd down play, forcing a Southport field goal attempt that was blocked. Camden Simons and the Rock offense came out for a drive of their own and quickly went to work mounting a ground attack, the offensive line bulldozing the Southport front and the cavalcade of running backs finding running room and pushing the ball forward. After great runs by Trevor Lickfeldt, Eli Patchett, and the quarterback Simons, Zack Allen found his way into the end zone on a 13 yard rush from the line of scrimmage.

The defense of the Rocks went back to work the following drive and made the Southport journey to the end zone a long and difficult one. Defensive player of the game Luke Honeycut (DT) was consistently on the Cardinal side of the line of scrimmage all day, making big stops against both the running and passing attacks.

After a Southport TD and extra point knotting the score up at 7, and a kickoff returned to the 40 by Honeycut, the offense stormed the field with their response. The six blocks of granite – McLaurin, Honeycut, Parker, Netral, Krieg, and Kaster – paved the way for long runs by Lickfeldt and Simons, capping off the drive with a 10 yard rush by Patchett into the end zone.

Alex Juarez and Levi Kaster combined for a big 4th down stop against the Cardinals on the subsequent Southport drive, but the offense could not capitalize, instead punting and giving the defense another opportunity to return the ball into Westfield hands. The defense did not disappoint, as they sniffed out a Southport jet sweep, allowing the offense to take over from the 50 yard line with barely a minute to go in the half.

One minute proved to be more than enough time, as the rushing attack of the Rocks made swift work. Quarterback Cam Simons called his own number for a 34 yard run down into Southport territory, and then Trevor Lickfeldt penetrated into the defense, powering his way into the end zone for a big 15 yard score before half. The PAT by Riddle was good, and the Rocks went up 21-7.

As the Rocks kicked off the third quarter, special teams player of the game Gabe Henderson and Mr. Consistency Grant Joyce stormed forward on kickoff return. The Rocks knew that they controlled their own destiny, and the offense wanted to ensure that this destiny would be a great one. After another Honeycut return, the Rock offense took the ball from their own 45 yard line, and this time, the Rocks called upon the passing skills of Simons to lead them into the end zone. Simons found wide receiver Mason Cox running free and delivered the ball into his waiting hands for another Rocks score. The PAT did not go through the uprights, and the score stood at 27-7.

After another fourth down stop against the Cardinals by Luke Honeycut, the Rock offense took charge once again, finding tight end Levi Kaster for a big gain up the middle. The drive fell short of the end zone, though, and the Cardinals took back over, forced back away from the end zone yet again by the Westfield defensive eleven.

Upon the next possession, quarter back Hunter Will entered the game and led the offense, calling his own number for big runs up the middle. As the game wound down, the fighting Cardinals of Southport found the end zone one last time in their great effort to win the game. The Rocks were unfazed, however, and kept the ball away from the Cardinals as the clock wound down.

This team has proved its mettle in both of its games, and now it will take on a tough test from Highway 32 West – the Zionsville Eagles. The young Rocks are ready to take part in this classic rivalry. They will be at home on Labor Day, September 5th. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy this great American holiday by coming out to support these fine young men at 6:00 p.m. at Riverview Health Stadium. Go Rocks!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

#RockReport JV @ Southport

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team was unable to overcome mistakes and miscues on both offense and defense and suffered their first defeat of the season. They lost 13-22 to an explosive Southport JV team.

The JV Rocks offense started the game with an impressive methodical and well executed drive down the field. Junior quarterback Cameron Nance completed a long 3rd down pass to sophomore wide receiver Pat Beam. The drive was capped off with a quick pass to sophomore running back Nathan V. Nguyen who ran thru several Southport defenders on his way to the end zone. The Rocks were able to move the ball the rest of the game, but penalties stalled drives and resulted in two field goals by sophomore kicker Alex Bales. Junior Matthew Meyer ran the opening kick-off return for the Rocks back for a touchdown, unfortunately there was a penalty on the play and Meyers very first kick-off return was not to be.

The Rocks defense started the game strong with a big goal line stand which resulted in a touch down by the Rocks offense. The Cardinals were able to move the ball throughout the game, but the Rocks were able to eventually shut down Southport most of the day until the end of the game. The Rocks were unable to create a turn over which is usually their forte.

The JV Rocks football team will look to bounce back after this disappointing loss and will play at Zionsville Community High School on Saturday September 3rd at 10 a.m.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

#RockReport Southport Cardinals

Rocks Varsity Football flew their record to 2-0, securing a late night victory over the Southport Cardinals, 27-0.

On offense, the Rocks were led by Nate Froelich's relentless ground attack. Austin Dollens added consistent blocking up front, and Andy Sweet connected with Evan Manley on a long, flea-flicker pass to provide one of the night's highlights.

The Rock D pitched a shutout for the first time this decade, blanking a solid Southport offense. Koby Hauser anchored the D, along with consistent play from Griffin Lickfeldt and Byron Hubbard. Jackson Garrett added a highlight when he intercepted the ball deep in Shamrock territory to stop one of the Cardinals' best drives of the night.

Shamrock Special Teams kept things consistent in the third phase of the game, playing solid across the board. Nolan Rodgers headlined the crew, with the Punt Block team adding a key tackle on a fourth down fake by the Cardinals.

Special mention should be given to Chad Welch, Eric Kiskovich, Devin McGinnis, Jacob Crabtree, and Michael Delany. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They attacked each day during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will host the Zionsville Eagles this coming Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

(Photocredit: IndySportsDaily)

Celebrating 20 Years

A reminder from the Westfield Athletics Department about the upcoming game on Friday:

We will be "Celebrating 20 Years".  Westfield Athletics is excited to celebrate the 20th year in the new high school. The current building opened for the 1997-1998 school year and 2016-17 will mark the 20th year. In honor of this milestone, Westfield Athletics will be recognizing our former athletes that graduated between the years of 1998-2016. We will have 2 recognition ceremonies. The first recognition event will be at a varsity football game on Friday September 2, 2016 when the Rocks take on the Zionsville Eagles. The 2nd recognition event will take place at a varsity boys basketball game on Saturday January 14, 2017 when the Rocks host the Lafayette Jeff Bronchos.  Anyone registered prior to Friday, August 26th will be assured a free t-shirt.

Please share this on your facebook page and twitter accounts.  Please stress that we need all former athletes, managers and coaches to register by going to the following:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjz3M_FtjeLDDnHvZes_OJliJxfPwt9pSclMN0YIo_D2-lWw/viewform 

Thank you for helping spread the word.  We have 103 registered to attend to date!!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

#GameDay Southport Cardinals

The Rocks go hunting tonight, aiming to take down the Southport Cardinals flying into Riverview Health Stadium tonight. No directions needed for this one. Come out, wear white, and support your Rocks. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm. See you there!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

#RockReport Freshmen vs Raiders

After making the trek to West Central Indiana, the Freshman Rocks of Westfield opened their season with a gutsy, hard fought victory, 21-14 over the Raiders of William Henry Harrison High School. 

After exchanging drives throughout the first quarter, the Raiders put up the first points of the contest on a two yard touchdown scamper. The Rocks stayed tough, however, as the kick attempt, pressured by defensive tackle Luke Honeycut, erred away from the uprights, leaving the score at 6-0.

With a strong resolve, the Rocks offensive line consisting of Mark McLaurin, Ross Krieg, Griffin Burge, Jacob Netral, and Luke Honeycut put on their hard hats and went to work, driving the ball 65 yards on ten consecutive run plays allowing for an Eli Patchett touchdown run. The point after attempt was converted by a Jacob Riddle kick, and the Rocks went up 7-6.

The Raiders, defending their home turf, would not back away after this score, and they responded with their own long drive followed by a two point conversion, forcing the young Rocks to go into the locker room down 14-7.

The second half brought a change to the attitude of the freshman Rocks, as well as a change to the outcome of the game. After forcing a three and out of the Raider offense, the Rocks went to work and retained possession of the football for the entire third quarter. Guided by quarterback Camden Simons, the Rock O marched down the field on a 16 play drive filled with a variety of attacks on the ground and through the air. The offensive line cemented its role as the Mr. Consistency award winners of the game with great run-blocking coupled with great pass protection. Simons found offensive player of the game Eli Patchett on the drive’s final play, connecting with the speedy player for a 27 yard touchdown. Riddle’s PAT was good, and the Rocks tied the game 14-14.

The defense knew it had to have a great fourth quarter for the Rocks to clinch the game, and it certainly answered the call. Defensive linemen Ross Krieg and Alex Juarez found their way across the line of scrimmage, wreaking havoc in the Raider backfield and pressuring the Raider quarterback into an interception by LaSean Tut, giving control of the ball back to the Rocks of Westfield.

The go-ahead drive mounted with rushes both inside and out by Zack Allen, the elusive tailback. The decisive big play that got the Rocks into scoring position was a 22 yard completion through the air from Simons to receiver Luke Jankowski. Simons called his own number on the goal line for a QB sneak to put the Rocks up, 20-14. Special Teams Player of the game Jacob Riddle went 3 for 3 on his PAT’s after getting great snaps all game from Mr. Consistency Alan White, capping the score at 21-14.

Always dangerous, the Raiders of William Henry Harrison took the field in one last effort to sway the tide in their favor. The Rock defense would not allow it, as safety Shannon Bola and linebacker Aidan White combined for a forced fumble with a Rock recovery sealing the game in favor of the Westfield frosh.

The Rocks will look to continue their winning ways as they go into a contest against their opponent representing the Southside of Indy – the Southport Cardinals (0-1). Fans, support your Westfield Shamrocks this Saturday, August 27th, at 10:00 a.m.

Go Rocks!

#RockReport - Harrison Raiders

Rocks Varsity Football opened the season by traveling up to take on the Lafayette Harrison Raiders, and returned with a 38-17 victory.

On offense, the Rocks were led by Jonathan Swidan. Chad Reeh helped to provide consistent holes up front for Swidan to take advantage of. Big plays were made by both Swidan and Evan Manley.

The Rock D buckled down in the second half, allowing only 7 points. Justin Frey anchored the D, while Byron Hubbard provided consistent pressure up front. Brian Skelton provided the big play of the night.

Shamrock Special Teams had a solid night, led by Jackson Garret. Kyle Pepiot added consistent play, and the Kickoff Return team provided the highlight for the night, taking one to the house.

Special mention should be given to Matthew Noyes, Jake Miner, Kyle Pepiot, and Eric Kriskovich. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They attacked each day during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will host the Southport Cardinals this coming Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.


Friday, August 19, 2016

#GameDay Harrison Raiders

Tonight, across the state of Indiana, cleats will smack into oblong leather balls at approximately 7pm. If you listen closely, you'll be able to hear it: the official start of the high school football season. And if you're a Rocks fan, your team will be traveling to Lafayette to take on the William Henry Harrison Raiders.

First game is a fresh slate, so I don't have any Raider stats for you. They look to have a solid running game, and will most likely try to establish the run game early. The Rock D will have to be stingy with running yards, put the Raiders in third and long situations, and execute to get off of the field. The offense will need to build on last week's strong showing against Ben Davis. Look for the one, two attack of ground pressure combined with explosive passing.

See you there!

Need directions to the field? We've got you covered:

Friday, August 12, 2016

#GameDay Ben Davis Scrimmage

Get your first look at the Rocks facing another team tonight! We scrimmage Ben Davis at 7pm. As in years past, we'll follow Format B as defined by the IHSAA, which does not include kicking. Here's a quick run down of the format:
  • 15 plays from the -35 yard line for each team
  • 10 plays from the 10 yard line for each team
  • 12 plays from the 35 yard line for each team
  • 8 plays of reserves from the -35 yard line for each team
  • 8 plays of reserves from TBD yard line for each team
Need directions? We've got ya covered:

Monday, August 8, 2016

2016 Season Photos

I also wanted to note that, on the blog, the season photo album link has been updated. I dump all of the photos I get there, so feel free to peruse. If you have photos you'd like to be added, send us an email. Our contact information can be found in the same link area on the right hand side of the blog.

Green vs Gold

Throughout the season, I'll be providing the "Rock Report" on Sunday nights or Monday mornings. This will include the score and a brief "coach's recap" with shout outs to players that made a special impact on the games.

This weekend, we played the annual Green vs Gold scrimmage. There's no score to report, nor players of the week, but I did want to share a photo from the scrimmage. We had a good turn out and are very excited to start this season right. We can't wait to strap up against a completely different color, and come Friday we'll head over to Ben Davis for just that. Opening kickoff for Game 1 is just 11 days away.


Thursday, August 4, 2016

Shamrock Preseason Store

Practice has started. The 2016 football season is almost underway. Next Friday will be the scrimmage with Ben Davis, and then on August 19th, opening kickoffs will be boomed across the state of Indiana. If you're a Rock fan, you should be pretty excited.

If you'd like to wear your excitement, both now and in the games to come, we've been able to set up a temporary storefront for Rocks gear! In the past, we've done this by handing out order forms to players. Then, they will ask friends and family what they want, and hopefully they get to you before the deadline. It worked okay, but we're excited to announce this year that we have transitioned to an online storefront. All you need is THE LINK (access code: 36849and you can place an order for yourself. Hopefully this will make it easier for Rocks fans everywhere to get some cool green gear.

There is a nice little bonus opportunity. If we order enough, we'll be able to outfit our volunteer coaches, both high school and middle school, with free sweatshirts. So order away! Store closes on Friday, August 14th, so make sure to place your orders by then.

In addition to the online storefront, we're excited to be able to offer car decals. If you've ever wanted to rep the Rocks on your vehicle, we have decals available. These have to be done the old fashioned way, so print off the order form below and find a way to get it in to Coach Gilbert by Friday, August 14th. If you have any questions about this one, there's a number on the form. Again, if we order enough, we'll be able to give a few to our volunteer coaches.

Again, the deadline for both orders is Friday, August 14th. Thank you for all of your support!

Click image for larger view.