Shamrocks Step Up

This group of young men was faced with a very difficult task. After making a state run, and then graduating a large portion of the starting line-up, it puts a lot of pressure on the incoming players to step up. Just because you're starting new guys doesn't mean that the end goal has changed. Obviously, the Rocks fell short of that end goal on Friday, falling to Snider 32-24.

Yet, a second, perhaps less-defined goal was to represent the Shamrock Football Family well. To come in after a successful previous year and prove that we are no flash-in-the-pan. After struggling through a grueling regular season schedule, we weren't given much respect in the state. We went from top of the polls, to not even top ten. 

Respect is earned. It is a lesson learned more often through stumbles and falls than through easy successes. This team was one that had to pave their own road. In the end, they made it back to the Regional game, knocking off the #1 5A team in the state along the way, and falling just short in a fantastic contest. While it was not the end we had in mind, I think there is no doubt that this team laid it on the line to establish that Westfield Football is no short lived phenomenon. We are a program and city that is still on the rise, and we're building something special through the hard work and dedication of the young men that have taken ownership of this program.

Thank you, seniors, for stepping up to heed the call. It was a tall task, and while we know you would all still rather be watching film this morning, we can also say that you represented your community well. Next season we will kick off in a new stadium with high hopes to be practicing when it starts snowing again, but never forget that it was your sweat that fell first on that new turf. 

One of the positive principles of life states that we should strive to leave things in a better condition than when we found them. From a football perspective, that applies to both the program and the people in it. While there is no doubt that our program continues to rise, we hope that each of our family members has experience real personal growth this season, and can carry that on to be leaders and competitors on whichever field their next contest takes place. 

For us, we will continue to forge ahead with a tip of the helmet toward those who have sacrificed to provide the kind of a experiences that are life-changing. Westfield Shamrock Football continues to have a very bright future, and despite the pain we may feel at the end of something wonderful this morning, it is a very great day to be a Shamrock.

#GameDay Regional Championship, Snider

Here's a quick history lesson. 2014 will be the 50th season that Fort Wayne Snider has competed in football at the varsity level. Not including this season, the Panthers have gone 428-124-3 over that time, winning 77% of their games. They have had only two losing seasons. In the postseason, they are 88-29, winning 75% of their games. They have been to the state title game in 5A five times, winning it once. In the past five seasons, they have made it to the Regional game every year, winning it twice.

On our playoff path, it is likely that only Cathedral has had more varsity football success, and the argument could be made that they often did it at a lower class level. Snider is a prolific football program, and we have a lot of respect for them.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Westfield has been to the 5A state championship game once. We have never been to back to back regional games at any level. We have had far more than two losing seasons. We do not often get the opportunity to compete on this stage. Our community has not had the chance to cheer for their home team in many playoff games, period.

It's going to be cold tonight. It's going to be a tough, grind it out game between two well-prepared teams. It could be the last game ever played at Red Stanley Stadium. It should be loud, and green, and full the brim of pride and support for the young men strapping it up, representing to the best of their ability a young and hungry Westfield city.

Will you be there to see it?

Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Choose to be Great.

#RockReport Sectional Championship, Harrison

Rocks Varsity Football took step two of their playoff journey on Friday, defeating the Harrison Raiders 45-24.

Offensively, the Shamrocks put up plenty of points, thanks to the strong play of the Offensive Line (Jonathan Mendoza - LT, Ryan Pape - LG/C, Kelly Thompson - LG, Zach Krieg - C, Austin Dollens - RG, Renzo Alvarez - RT). Those men had a huge night, along with the consistent play of both Westfield Quarterbacks Ryan Pepiot and Andy Sweet. All of the offense really came together during the execution of an under two-minute drive to end a dominating half.

The Rock Defense started and finished solid, with only a little frustration in the middle. Matt Crupi led the way alongside the stout D-line play of Mike Patterson. Crupi's big play came when he knocked down a pitch in the Raider backfield, scooped, and scored the football for some defensive points.

Shamrock Special Teams had a great night as well. The field goal team stepped in and calmly added to the point total, while the Bailey Partlow helped to keep the Raiders contained. Will Harrison came in at the end of the game for a victory-icing punt down to Harrison's 1 yard line.

Special mention should be given to Matthew Tongate, Kaleb Pettijohn, and Austin Ward. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were Great during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Choose to be Great and support Rocks Football next Friday, when Westfield will host the Fort Wayne Snider Panthers for the Regional Championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.

#GameDay Sectional Championship, Harrison

They say that one of the tougher things to do in football is beat a team twice. Revenge is a strong motivator, and you both know how you match up. The question facing both teams tonight is: Did we improve enough over the course of the season? The Harrison Raiders are a much improved team with a good coach. Though they may not be ranked as highly as their cross-town rivals that we faced last week, teams like Harrison can come out and surprise you.

If beating a team twice is difficult, then repeating as a champion in any bracket is even more so. Our Rocks will need all of your support tonight in order to defend our Sectional Title. It's a home game, so no directions. Follow the detour signs, and bring your voice (and warm clothes). It's a reality that every home game could be our last ever at Red Stanley Stadium. We'd love to see it packed tonight!

#RockReport Sectional I, McCutcheon

Rocks Varsity Football took step one of their playoff journey on Friday, defeating the McCutcheon Mavericks 28-7

Offensively, the Shamrocks stayed determined on a blustery, cold night. Andy Sweet started the game in place of an injured Ryan Pepiot, and did a fantastic job of leading the offense with key contributions from Elvin Caldwell and Ben Lotfalion. Caldwell, in particular, found the end zone for all four touchdowns.

The Rock Defense held an explosive Maverick offense to only one score. Noah Smith declared a no-fly zone, along with help on the outside from Cameron Harrison and Ryan Rubicz. The Rock secondary prevented the Mavericks from gaining pretty much anything through the air, and the rest of the defense held a tops-in-the-state run game to fewer than 4 yards per carry.

Shamrock Special Teams made some big contributions, as well. Bailey Partlow kept consistent contain, while several other Rocks generated big plays. Noah Smith caused a fumble that was recovered by Justin Frey, and Koby Hauser tacked on a stellar punt return that setup a touchdown.

Special mention should be given to Donnie Watson, Christian Mccarron, and Cameron Nance. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were Great during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

Choose to be Great and support Rocks Football next Friday, when Westfield will host the Harrison Raiders for the Sectional Championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.