#RockReport Harrison Freshmen

The Rocks freshmen kicked off their football season Wednesday, August 27th, making the trip to the marshy field of the Harrison Raiders in Lafayette. The frosh squad was chomping at the bit, as the originally scheduled game had been postponed twice due to lightning. After the lightning, the young men of Westfield brought the thunder with them. From kickoff until the clock read zero, the protagonists of the game ran the field at a blazing tempo, scorching the Raider defense numerous times and laying the hammer down defensively.

The Rocks were led offensively by players of the game Nate Froelich and Cameron Nance. Froelich, a running back, set the tone offensively, storming his way down the field for a 70 yard touchdown while mowing down any defender who stood between him and his goal. Nate continued to pound the ball every time he touched it, willing the offense down the field. To complement Froelich’s thunderous running style, Laveal Gibson stepped in and provided his lightning quick skills in running the football, giving the Rocks their second touchdown of the day. Cameron Nance showed the poise of a veteran quarterback. The field general called his own number and ran the ball in for a touchdown and the Rocks’ third score of the day. Between his bursts running the ball, the dual-threat quarterback also assaulted the Raider D through the air, connecting with the speedy slot receiver Kaleb Pettijohn for two more touchdowns. Jacob Miner contributed at multiple positions, coming up with big grabs to keep the seemingly mechanized offense rolling downfield, while the offensive line stood firm in the face of daunting pressure, and acted as five blocks of granite in their protection of Nance and the others.

Defensively, the Rocks rolled over the Harrison protection, and plugged the holes on the runs. Playing against the flexbone option of Harrison, the defensive line led the charge, with Conner Henderson pile driving the Harrison quarterback one time, and Matthew Robinson another, ending a strong first half. Logan McClurg, playing on his island at cornerback changed the game by darting for an errant pass and intercepting it, bringing it past the fifty and into Harrison’s own territory. The linebacking crew was stout, and big plays by Welch, Lickfeldt, and Noyes helped secure the game. Eli Akers also hammered the nails into the Raiders’ coffin by picking off the football as the game wound down.

Coach Myron Burr called an excellent game at special teams. The kicking squads were always aggressive and flying down the field. Nate Froelich displayed that he has a golden toe to match his swift feet. Booting the ball deep down the field, he and the kickoff squad pinned Harrison deep into their own territory. The return teams led by Laveal Gibson always stormed hard upfield, giving the Rock offense an easy path to the end zone.

Students, parents, and fans of all ages: kick off your three day weekend, and come see your freshmen Rocks compete this Saturday, August 30th at home as they take on the Cardinals of Southport High School.