Unbreakable Rocks

The final Rock Report of the season is always a difficult one to write. I always try to do something a little less formulaic as a thank-you to the team and especially our seniors. The last game of the season is often bittersweet and emotional. On one hand, you have hopefully taken home some hardware (which we did). On the other, there is only one 5A team in the state that doesn't have to end their season with a loss (unfortunately, not us this season).

The Rocks traveled up to Kokomo hoping to secure a 5A regional championship, but they ran into a team that was hungrier for victory. The Wildkats are likely still celebrating their first ever 5A regional title, with a 21-19 win. Congratulations to them, and best of luck as their season continues. In defeat, we are reminded as to how fleeting championships can be. Celebrate every win, especially in the post-season, because it can easily and suddenly be your last. Which is exactly why we must always reflect on the positive when and where it occurs.

This senior class has earned 3 consecutive sectional titles. They have been a part of 3 winning seasons. To put that in perspective, in the last ten years, no other class (with the exception of last year's seniors) had been a part of even back-to-back winning seasons. Success on the football field has never been easy in Westfield, Indiana. And success is never given; it is always earned. This group of young men is one of the smaller groups in recent memory, but what they lack in numbers they have more than accounted for in heart and hard work. It is easy to be part of a crowd. It is much harder when you are one of a small few. It requires extra dedication, and their stewardship of the program should serve as inspiration for those that follow. To be a Rock is not always to win, but always to fight, always to work, always to persevere. To be a Rock is to be unbreakable. The unbroken dedication of this group of seniors translated into success for the program, both on and off the field. Thank you, Seniors. It has been a pleasure to row alongside you.

To the rest of the 2015 Rocks, continue to pack light and bring a workman's attitude. This is not the summit. There are yet peaks to see, if only you have the courage and fortitude to make the journey. For you, the offseason has already begun. The closing of one chapter can be the start of another. How will you honor the dedication of these seniors? How will you build upon what it means to be a Rock?

#GameDay Regional Championship - Kokomo

There are only 8 5A teams still playing football in the state of Indiana. Kokomo and your Rocks are two of them. They meet tonight on the Wildkats home field, just 30 short miles to the north.

Kokomo comes in with an unblemished 11-0 record. They've mastered an old school rugby scrum formation that has led to a highly productive run game. They are averaging 45 points per game with 468 yards per game (366 on the ground). They have a three pronged attack with RBs Jeron Gray (#1), Keenen Wheeler (#31), and Marcelle Kenner (#87). They've had several games where all three have gone for over 100 yards on the ground. Gray leads the way, averaging about 150 yard per game on the ground. Despite the heavy ground attack, QB Kyle Wade (#7) still finds a way to average 100 yards per game passing. WR Jordan Matthews (#12) is his favorite target. 

The Rock D will be tested in a different way this week. Last week it was speed and athleticism. This week it will be physical, pound-the-Rock style football with a sprinkling of deep strikes thrown in. The Offense will need to put up some points early against a stout Wildkat defense that is only allowing a paltry 14 points per game. If the Rocks can score, it will put pressure on the Kats to get out of their comfort zone and have to play from behind. 

It's a tall task, going into a unfriendly territory. The Rocks could use every voice. It should be a beautiful night for playoff football. There will only be 4 teams left after tonight. Make the short drive to support your Rocks! Need directions? We've got you covered. Kickoff is scheduled for 7PM.

#RockReport - Sectional Championship

Rocks Varsity Football hosted the Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos, earning a 45-27 victory and claiming the Sectional 11 Championship.

On offense, the Rocks were led by Ryan Pepiot. The O-line provided consistent protection throughout the night, allowing Pepiot to pick apart the Broncho defense. Evan Manley had the big reception of the night on a long TD strike.

The Rock D stifled Jeff’s offense, surrendering only one score until late in the game when things were already out of reach. Jackson Garrett led the way and Jared Bayha added consistent coverage. The big play was a forced fumble recovered by the Rocks deep in the Red Zone by the tandem of Griffin Lickfeldt and Bryan Skelton.

Shamrock Special Teams had a solid night as well, led by Will Harrison. The PAT/Field Goal team added consistency, making good on all their attempts. The punt team was heard from as well, with a terrific pin of the Broncho offense inside the 1 yard line.

Special mention should be given to Eli Ross, Clint Hostler, Allen Bako, and Jake Miner. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will travel up 31 to take on the Kokomo Wildkats for the Regional Championship. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.

#GameDay Sectional 11 Championship - Lafayette Jeff

The representative of Sectional 11 in the state tournament will be decided tonight at Riverview Health Stadium in Westfield. Your Rocks face the Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos in a showdown of old conference foes. The Rocks haven't played Jeff in a couple years since the restructuring of the conference, but used to see them every year. Jeff typically brings a lot of athleticism to the table, and that looks to be consistent with this season's team.

The Bronchos come in with an 8-2 record. They average 37 points per game on 450 yards per game (270 passing). They are a team that will try to beat you with speed, and quick strikes, whether those be long runs or long passes. RB Latrell Brown (#22) averages 88 yards per game on the ground, while QB Devon Colonis (#4) throws for 266 yards per game. The only common opponent from the teams is Harrison. Jeff won their contest against Harrison 54-50.

The Rocks will need to stop the Broncho high-octane scoring attack to take home the hardware. Come out and lend your voice to the team tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

#RockReport Sectional Round 1 - Harrison

Rocks Varsity Football hosted the Harrison Raiders on Friday for the opening round of their Sectional, earning a 42-22 victory.

On offense, the Rocks were led by Touchdown Juggernaut Johnny Swidan, who found the gold paint several times over the course of the night. He couldn’t have done it without the consistent, physical presence of Milo Beam’s downfield blocking. The big play of the night was when Pepiot hooked up with Swidan for one of his long scores.

The Rock D surrendered points early, putting the team down at the half 14-15, but held firm in the second half, allowing only one additional score. They were led by Lucas Schultz snagging a pair of interceptions out of the air, stopping the Raider momentum and providing the Rock O with additional possessions. Bryan Skelton tacked on consistent frontline play in harassing the Harrison QB all night, no doubt contributing to some of those errant throws.

Shamrock Special Teams held firm throughout the night, clearly winning this phase of the game. Noah Smith led the way, while Lucas Schultz and Caleb Sanburn tacked on consistent coverage. Those three combined with the rest of the Special Rocks to prevent the Raiders from gaining any momentum via the kicking game.

Special mention should be given to Tanner Nichols, Dylan Simpson, Matthew Noyes, and Dorian Henson. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They were #unbreakable during the week, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will host the Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos this Friday for the Sectional 11 Championship. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm.