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!
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