Monday, October 29, 2012

Announcement: Football Banquet

This Thursday, November 1 we will be having our end-of-season football banquet. This coincides with the WHS Fall Sports Awards program. The program starts at 7pm in the WHS auditorium. Immediately following the program, we will be presenting our football-specific awards. We anticipate the program to wrap up around 10pm. All players should attend wearing a shirt and tie. Highlight videos will be available for $10.

See you there!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Haunted House Trip

Coach Gilbert already sent a message out via Hudl, but I wanted to post something on here, too. The haunted house trip is still on! Bus leaves on Thursday at 5:30pm from the locker room. Don't be late. The cost is $13. No food will be provided, but the do have a concession stand there.

This is a team activity! Coach Gilbert is assuming that everyone is going. If you are NOT going, please contact Coach directly.

For those that are going, tweet us some good pictures at @ShamrockFB! Who are the scaredy-cats of the team?

Monday, October 22, 2012

Players - Team Meeting Tomorrow

From Coach G -
Tomorrow, there is a mandatory team meeting for everyone who plans to play football next year. It will be held in the portable. Starts during bonus and will last past the late bus. Make sure you have transportation lined up!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Leadership is... Enthusiasm

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Great teams demonstrate enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is both powerful and contagious. Enthusiasm spreads. It is very difficult to excel in any activity that you do not love. You must learn to put your heart into your work and not be afraid to let it show. A true competitor brings enthusiasm to the field every day.

“The real secret of success is enthusiasm.”

Enthusiasm brings on excitement. Excitement produces energy. Energy generates extra effort. Extra Effort develops success.

“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.”

“Enthusiasm is faith set on fire.”

“Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do.”

“It is impossible to excel at something you don’t enjoy. Find a way to enjoy the challenge.”

PASSION = ENTHUSIASM

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

#RockReport - JV and Freshmen Results

Last JV/Freshmen report of the year! It's always a good sign for the future when the records of the younger teams improve upon the varsity record. We want to keep improving until that right side is consistently 0. Pound the Rock!

Thank you to all the family and fans that came out to the JV/Freshmen games. Obviously, we don't get as big of a crowd as on a Friday night, but we make up for that in die-hard-ness! Hopefully, you got to see your young men play exciting Shamrock football and really enjoy their experience. One of the things I've always appreciated about football at the younger levels is that you do away with a lot of the distractions a Friday night can bring. It's nice, sometimes to get back to playing simple football again, to remember how much fun the game can be even when it doesn't make the nightly news highlights.

Great season Rocks! I know I can speak for the entire staff when I say that we are very proud of all the hard work you guys have put in this year. It has been a pleasure to teach you the game of football, and we look forward to witnessing the rest of your careers as a Westfield Shamrock.

JV (4-5)

The JV Football Team ended their football journey with its third straight victory beating Lafayette Jeff 55-28.

Offensively, the Rocks were unstoppable on the ground and through the air. Elvin Caldwell had two rushing touchdowns and caught a one-handed screen pass for another TD. Ryan Pepiot continued to throw the ball well with two touchdown passes to Ben Lotfalian and Will Davis. Lotfalian’s TD pass was 88 yards! Renzo Alvarez led an offensive line that worked hard all night!

Defensively, the Rocks flew around and never quit on the play. They forced four turnovers which was actually their lowest number in the four victories they have had this season. The biggest play of the night came on the last play of the first half when Ben Huntley forced a fumble deep in Rock territory and Matt Kinney picked it up for an 86 yard touchdown as time expired. Trey Stewart also forced a fumble that was recovered by Ryan Rubicz. Evan Slagle had a fumble recovery and a forced throw on the “Slagle play”. Paul Waite came in with his first interception at safety as well!

In the special teams phase, Paul Waite made quite a few extra points and Wes Gagnon had some big tackles during the Warrior Dash kickoffs.

Congratulations, JV Rocks, on a fun-filled season!

Freshmen (5-4)

The freshmen football team wrapped up their season with a victory 24-20 to give them a winning season. Milo Beam caught the first touchdown from Sam Trompen. Henry Decker kicked the extra point. Brandon Karsnick scored on a 51 yard touchdown run. Taylor Knight kicked the extra point. Max McCool caught a 34 yard touchdown pass from Sam Trompen. Henry Decker then kicked a 27 yard field goal. Brandon Karsnick finished with 112 yards rushing. Sam Trompen had 134 yards passing. Sam Trompen lead the defense with 10 tackles. Colton Murphy had 7 tackles. Daniel Kainrath had 6 tackles and one hammer hit on Lafayette Jeff’s quarterback. Will McCool ended the game with an interception. The freshmen team finished the season 5-4.

Great Job, Freshmen Rocks, in finishing strong!

Monday, October 15, 2012

#RockReport - Lafayette Jeff

Varsity Football took on Lafayette Jefferson on Friday, pounding out a 35-28 victory. The team was able to put it together and seal a victory despite a late surge by the visiting Bronchos.

Offensively, the Shamrocks seemed able to score at will, led by the consistent play of Johnny Crawford. The front line dominated, pushing the ball forward on the ground and putting up the points. Jacob Robinson helped to finish several of those drives, powering the ball through to the goal.

Defensively, the Rocks held a speedy and athletic Broncho offense in check. Jacob Robinson was again instrumental, and the consistent play of Adam Horkay helped anchor the defensive efforts. Ethan Goins provided the big play of the night, scooping a fumble and returning it out of the Red Zone.

Special Teams was able to keep the Rocks sailing through the transitions of the game, providing some good returns and solid punt protection.

Special mention should be given to Austin Mazura, Bubba Maloy, Josh Hayward, and Grady Young. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They put it together this week during practice, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks host the Noblesville Millers in Friday’s Sectional Opener. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Leadership is... Teamwork

“Championship teams are made up of people who are concerned about something beyond themselves.”

  • One of the most important fundamentals of successful teamwork is the elimination of selfishness. Selfishness on the team level or with any individual player will destroy a team faster than anything else. 
  • A team first attitude allows people to accept roles that make others better. Great teams have individual players who each make their own unique contribution to the group’s success.
  • Roles can either be a force that binds the team together or creates jealousy between individuals. If value is shown equally to every role, it is easier for each role to be embraced by every player. The more each individual squad member feels like they are part of the team, the more they will contribute. 
  • The power of an effective team is directly proportional to the effort each team member brings to their individual skills and role.

“The team must always come first.”

“Don’t let your teammates down” speaks to every situation in which athletes can find themselves.”

“Teamwork allows ordinary people to attain extraordinary results.”

“There are no individual winners on a losing team.”

“What sets apart championship teams is the degree to how deeply committed the members are to one another.”

“If your goal is to play together and play hard, then winning takes care of itself.”

A champion team will beat a team of individual champions.”

“In unity there is strength.”

“Everyone on a championship team doesn’t get publicity, but everyone can say he’s a champion.”

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

#RockReport - JV and Freshmen Results

JV (3-5)

The JV Football Team won Monday night, beating Noblesville 34-14.

Offensively, the Rocks had rushing touchdowns from Elvin Caldwell and Johnny Crawford. Ryan Pepiot also threw two touchdown passes, one to Ben Lotfalian and the other to Jeff Lackey. The offensive line blocked well all night led by Ben Wainscott, Bubba Malloy, and Ryan Pape.

Defensively, the Rocks flew around and forced 6 more turnovers! Grady Young had an interception, Gavin Cross had two interceptions, and Bailey Partlow had an interception that he returned for a Touchdown! The Rocks had multiple sacks from the defensive line and linebacker position including ones from Evan Slagle, Bailey Partlow, and Sam Coe.

In the special teams phase, Luke Peters had tackles, Paul Waite kicked 4 extra points, and Ben Lotfalian averaged well with his punts Monday night.

The JV Rocks conclude their season next Monday as they travel to Lafayette Jeff at 6:00 P.M.

Freshmen (4-4)

The freshmen football team lost on Monday against Noblesville 42-34. The freshman team never gave up and continued fighting throughout the entire game. Brandon Karsnick scored on a 10 yard run with Henry Decker kicking the extra point. The Rocks got it rolling in the 3rd quarter putting up 19 points. Brandon Karsnick scored again on an 8 yard run. Mile Beam caught a 13 yard touchdown pass from Sam Trompen. Jordan Grimes also caught a 25 yard touchdown catch. In the 4th quarter, Jordan Grimes caught another touchdown pass. The defense worked hard and forced 1 turnover. Colton Murphy recovered the fumble and tried to return it for a touchdown but the whistle was blown first. Chris Davis and Noah Smith both had tackles for loss. The freshmen team’s last game is at home this Saturday vs. Lafayette Jeff at 10 A.M.

Monday, October 8, 2012

#RockReport - Noblesville

Varsity Football faced the Noblesville Millers last Friday, falling 6-14. It was a night where it seemed that even the weather worked against the team. The Rocks struggled in all phases of the game, despite clawing their way to an early lead.

Offensively, the Shamrocks were only able to put up 6 points on a long strike from Ferrer to Reece. Defensively, the Rocks had a great first half, but were unable to keep the Millers off the board in the second. Special Teams battled the weather, but were never quite able to flip the field.

Special mention should be given to Trey Stewart, Colin White, and the entire scout O-line. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They Pounded the Rock this week during practice, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks host Lafayette Jefferson this Friday for the final home game of the regular season and Senior Night. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Friday, October 5, 2012

#Gameday - Noblesville (And BSU Trip)

Big game tonight against the Millers to the east. Midland Rail trophy on the line. Game's at Noblesville, kickoff at 7:37pm (edit: bumped up). It's homecoming for them, and the game will be televised on HTSN Indy.

Need directions (sorry I missed you for McCutcheon last week, it was a busy one and I wasn't able to get this post up)? We've got ya covered this week. Just a straight shot down the road


View Larger Map

In other news, Coach Gilbert wanted me to pass along the exciting information that the BALL STATE TRIP IS ON for tomorrow. I've embedded the waver form below that players should have signed and brought with them. Here's the revised schedule:
  • Freshmen: No practice
  • Varsity: Film at 11:30
  • JV: Practice at Noon.
Click for larger view

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Leadership is... Focus

“When you are properly focused to perform, you pay attention to what’s important in the play happening right now and completely block out everything irrelevant. When you are not focused, you pay attention to all of the wrong things at the worst possible times. The what-ifs steal your courage and kill you confidence.”

When you practice or compete you can mentally be in the past, the future, or the present. If you’re in the past, your mind is behind your body. For example, while you perform, your focus could be on a recent mistake, a bad call, or a missed opportunity. If you’re in the future, you mind is ahead of your body as you perform. You’re thinking about what might happen. If you’re in the present, your concentration and your body are working together. Your focus is locked onto what you are doing at that moment. You must consistently stay in the now of your practices and performances in order to perform at your best.

“Focus allows you to eliminate all of the unnecessary distractions that interfere with reaching the goals that have been set. Developing a laser focus on the agreed upon goals is one of the key ingredients to team success. Focus promotes attention to detail. Greatness is achieved through the discipline of attending to detail. Focusing is a skill that can be learned; it is also an attribute that is within your control. All performances improve when there is focus.”

One of the mental skills that distinguishes the athletes who are successful is their ability to adapt and re-focus in the face of distractions. When you enter competitive situations, many things have the potential to distract you, upset you, lower your confidence, or put you in a bad mood. But something becomes a distraction only if you let it distract you. You can choose to be distracted by it, or choose to let it go.

“You don’t lose your performance skills because of distractions; you let yourself lose the focus that allows yourself to execute your skills effectively.”

Coaching legend John Wooden always coached the process, not the outcome. Wooden never focused his players on winning, an uncontrollable. Instead, he got them to pay attention to giving a full effort and executing to the best of their ability. In doing so, he narrowed his players’ concentration to the process of the game.

“The world’s top athletes achieve their best results when they focus only on their performance and not on the outcome.”

“Stay focused on those things that are within your control.”

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

#RockReport - JV and Freshmen Results

JV (2-5)

The JV Football Team won Monday night, beating McCutcheon 24-12.

Offensively, the Rocks had touchdowns from Matt Crupi, Ryan Pepiot, and Elvin Caldwell. Also, they had great blocking on the O-Line by Ryan Pape and some great receptions from Cameron Harrison.

Defensively, the Rocks flew around and forced 8 turnovers for the second time this season! Grady Young, Gavin Cross, and Jay Simons had interceptions. Ryan Wonderlin and Matt Kinney forced fumbles. Matt Crupi, Ben Huntley, Evan Harlan, Luke Peters, and Trey Stewart all recovered fumbles on defense.

In the special teams phase, Luke Peters was outstanding with lots and lots of open field tackles! Also, Paul Waite made a FG and was consistent with Punt and PAT.

The JV Rocks will be at home again next Monday as they take on the Noblesville Miners at 6:00 P.M.

Freshmen (4-3)

The freshmen football team lost on Monday against McCutcheon 20-6. Sam Trompen passed for 199 yards. Will McCool caught a touchdown of 12 yards. Milo Beam had 81 yards receiving. Brandon Karsnick rushed for 88 yards. On Defense Noah Smith had 7 tackles and 2 were for a loss. Their next game will be on Monday October 8th against Noblesville.

Monday, October 1, 2012

#RockReport - McCutcheon

Varsity Football faced the McCutcheon Mavericks last Friday, earning a 34-16 victory and raising their record to 2-5. The Rocks stepped off the bus after the long drive and never looked back. They started strong, and finished strong.

Offensively, the Shamrocks were led by the outstanding play of Quarterback Nick Ferrer. Frank Grimes provided the big play of the night with a long, shifty touchdown scamper. Grimes was also Mr. Consistency, providing solid ground gains all night.

The Rock D frustrated the Mavericks throughout the game, bottling up the run game and limiting the pass. Nick Woerner sprung a key fumble, and the consistent play of Jacob Robinson on the D Line anchored the defensive efforts. The Special Teams were led by the stellar play of Mitch Turley and the consistent play of Jay Simons.

Special mention should be given to Ben Huntley, Wes Gagnon, Cam Harrison, Trey Stewart, Luke Peters, and Jacob Eccles. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They Pounded the Rock this week during practice, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks travel to Noblesville this Friday for a rivalry game against the Millers. Kickoff is at 7pm.