End of Season Rock Report

Only six schools in the state of Indiana get to finish the season on their terms, with a win. For everyone else, the immediate feeling is disappointment. Your Rocks felt the keen sting of disappointment after falling Friday night to the Carmel Greyhounds, 7-28. It was a frustrating finish for a football family that had not wanted the experience to end.

Hopefully, as time dulls the sting, this iteration of Rocks will be able to reflect upon the bonds they formed among their teammates, and cherish the memory of the 2018 football season. There is a lot to look forward to in the future. This year's JV and Freshmen teams combined for the best record we've had in a long while, though they will need to step up to fill in the spots vacated by departing seniors. This is true both on and off the field, as this year's senior class helped to keep the culture of the program strong, taking what had been passed to them, and pushing it onward with another layer blood, sweat, and tears.

As always, we want to close the season with a sense of gratitude. Thank you to all of the fans for showing up and screaming your hearts out. We continue to have one of the best followings in the state. Thank you to the parents for sharing your children and working tirelessly behind the scenes to help make our program a fantastic experience. Thanks to the school and administration for backing our program with all the resources that can be mustered. Know that we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generous community that surrounds the Rocks.

Finally, thank you to our seniors for your dedication and contribution to the team. We are proud and privileged to have coached you. We hope that your experience with us will always rank among the best of your lives and that, as you go forward in life, you draw upon your time as a Rock in order to reach your full potential in life. Remember, once a Rock, always a Rock.

#GameDay Sectional I @Carmel

Tonight, your Rocks will head down the road to take on the Carmel Greyhounds. The last time these two teams faced was in 2009 during the sectional, before 6A even existed as a class. Carmel won that one, 21-7. The Greyhounds enter with a 7-2 record, having lost to Center Grove and Warren Central. The only shared opponent this season was Noblesville, who Carmel beat 34-7.

The Greyhounds are led by QB Tyler Trent with 880 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air on the season. WR Christian Williams is Trent's top target, with 23 receptions and 5 TDs. RB Zach White leads the ground attack, racking up 707 yards and 5 scores for the year. The Rocks will need to bring their A game tonight facing a top ranked opponent that can score some points.

The weather looks to be chilly and wet, so wear some layers. We need warm and lively voices in the stands tonight! Need directions? We've got you covered. Kickoff is set for 7pm.

#RockReport JV vs Franklin Central

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team played their 9th and final game of the season vs Franklin Central High School. The JV Rocks team took a few early shots to the chin from the Flashes but answered every adverse condition as if it were an opportunity to show their dominance. The Rocks won the game 40-14 to earn an 8-1 record for the season.

The JV Rocks defense struggled a bit early on in this game. The first two drives for the Flashes offense were long and physical drives where it looked like the Rocks defense would not be able to stop the opposing team all day. After the first quarter, the Rocks defense put the clamps down and shut down the Flashes for the rest of the game. Player of the game, sophomore David Frey, was very productive on the day forcing a fumble and sacking the quarterback multiple times in clutch situations. Sophomore safety Joey Wolfe also contributed with an interception before half. Sophomore cornerback Ian Watson single handedly shut down the Flashes on 4 consecutive plays to keep the shutout in the second half.

The JV Rocks offense dominante through the air. Sophomore quarterback Nick Talley threw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns on his way to player of the game accolades. Sophomore wide receiver Adam Garretson was the recipient of one of those touchdowns to put the game away. Sophomore kick-off returner Mason Piening started the game by answering the initial Franklin Central touchdown with a kick-off return touchdown of his own to tie the game at 7-7. The big play on offense came from sophomore running back Jack Pfeiffer who scored on a huge screen reception that ran for 60 yards and tied the game at 14-14. Talley connected with sophomore Carson Voorhis at the end of the half to give the Rocks a permanent lead.

This was a great year for this JV team. They persevered and showed great heart while winning multiple close games. Their only loss came in overtime to the JV conference champion Avon team. Congratulations Rocks on a great JV season.

#RockReport Freshmen vs Franklin Central

The freshman Rocks of Westfield finished their first high school season with a 41-24 victory over a physical Franklin Central squad. The Rocks finish with their season with an 8-1 record, and are now excited to be a take part in the varsity team’s quest to be state champions. The Rocks played their last game on Saturday, October 13th, as the brisk autumn weather chilled the morning air at Westfield’s Riverview Health Stadium. While the climate cooled, the Rocks brought the heat from the first kickoff. The Rocks’ Defense forced a stop on FC’s first drive, and then the Rock O went to work. With a dominant offensive line paving the way, the offense mounted dual attacks through the air and on the ground. Led by players of the game Maximus Webster (QB) and Bryson Hoover (RB), the Rocks scored on two of the three drives they had in the first half. Sparked by a big play action pass from Webster to WR Jackson Wasserstrom, Hoover was able to dash into the end zone untouched for the Rocks’ second offensive score. Throughout the first half, the defense played the Flashes’ physical run game tough, not allowing the opponent momentum to really get going. Led by safety Alex Wolf and defensive tackle Kyle Widmer, the Rocks forced a punt from the Flashes’ own end zone. While the punt block unit did not block the punt, they forced a short kick that led to Wolf returning it for a touchdown. In the third quarter, the Rocks really came to life with three scoring drives. Running back Levi Harless returned to the field of play and scored on a long touchdown run, displaying his talented, shifty running. Defensive lineman Gerrick “Popeye” Williams bombarded the opposing offensive line and forced himself into their backfield forcing a fumble that then led to another Rocks score. Two special teams stalwarts -- kicker Easton Snodgrass and holder Evan Partlow -- added to the team’s excellent second half as Snodgrass forced a fumble of his own against the Flashes’ kickoff return unit while Partlow dove into the end zone to convert a two point conversion for the Rocks.

The coaching staff would like to acknowledge the hard work of young men on the 2018 freshman team. Their work ethic, love of the game, and love of each other laid the framework for a special season. Parents, family members, and other supporters are greatly appreciated as well for their enthusiasm and assistance. While the 8-1 record is one of the strongest freshman HCC records in recent memory, it is not the final destination for these young men. We are excited to see them continue to grow as people and progress into being the best team in the state of Indiana. Go Rocks!

#RockReport Varsity vs Franklin Central

Your Rocks hosted the Franklin Central flashes on a cold and rainy Friday night, coming away with a commanding 44-16 victory to end the regular season on a high note. The Rocks finish 4-5 overall, and 3-4 in the HCC.

It was all Shamrocks in this one, as the offense was led by QB Camden Simons with 3 rushing touchdowns in the first half. Offensive lineman Ross Krieg added consistent play for a squad that helped to produce 6 rushing touchdowns on the night. The Rock D had a solid night as well, with Eric Kriskovich coming up with a pick in the first half, and Franklin Bohannon snagging one in the second half. Defensive lineman Ryan Mahoney anchored a line that held the bruising running game of the Flashes in check for most of the night. Shamrock Special Teams were led by Sean Sullivan, who got his first start as kicker and made good on his scoring chances in the first half. Owen McGraw added consistent play across several units, and the kickoff team nearly sprung one, setting up the offensive with excellent field position.

Special mention should be given to Jack Pfieffer, Jonathan Hernandez, and Jonathon Frey. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. During the week, they brought it Now, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will have a week off, as 6A schools start post-season play with a bye, before heading down the street to face Carmel on October 26th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

#GameDay Franklin Central

Tonight, your Rocks host the Flashes of Franklin Central High School. The Flashes come into the game on a high note, having notched their first HCC win against HSE last week, 37-28. They are 2-6 overall, and 1-5 in the conference.

Franklin Central averages 11 ppg on 254 ypg (151 ground, 103 air). They are led by senior RB Johnnie Mickle (#8), who has 519 yards on the year and 7 rushing touchdowns. QB Dylan Bishop (#9) has thrown for 824 yards this year, but only 3 scores, all of them to WR Bryce Durm (#89). The Rocks will also have to keep tabs on dual threat Malieki Parks (#11) who will be featured heavily in both the run and passing game out of the backfield. Look for a steady diet of bruising runs complemented by play action passing tonight, as the Rock D will fast another physical running challenge. This one has all the makings of a grinder as the Shamrocks will make the push to end the regular season with a win.

No directions needed tonight. See you at Riverview Health Stadium! Kickoff is set for 7pm.

#RockReport JV vs Fishers

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team played their 8th game of the season vs Fishers High School.  The JV Rocks fought hard and bounced back after a difficult loss the week before with a 35-13 dominant victory over the Tigers.

The JV Rocks defense caused multiple turnovers on the day giving their offense short fields and many opportunities to put the Tigers away.  One of the highlights of the season came when sophomore safety David Frey caused an errant throw after blitzing the quarterback and sophomore defensive end Seth Martin intercepted it on the sidelines.  Sophomore linebacker Gabe Arvin helped seal the deal with a late interception.

The JV Rocks offense was rolling down the field behind the right arm of sophomore quarterback Nick Talley.  The Offensive Line as a unit did a great job of protecting Talley and allowing him to make big plays to sophomore receivers Adam Garretson, Carson Voorhis, Aiden Franzen, and Mason Piening, along with junior receiver Jacob Riddle and freshman tight end Luke Lewis.

The JV Rocks football team will finish out their season as they play Franklin Central High School on Saturday October 13th at 10 a.m.   The game will be at Franklin Central. 

#RockReport Varsity at Fishers

On Friday, your Rocks traveled to Fishers to take on the Tigers, falling 7-11. Neither offense was able to score in a back and forth first half, leading to a 0-0 halftime mark. The Rocks were able to punch it in during the third period, with the Tigers answering with a field goal. The Rocks gave up a safety, but lost the lead for good when Fishers scored midway through the fourth. The Rocks marched back down to answer, but failed to convert on four downs deep in their own zone, which resulted in the 7-11 final.

Special mention should be given to Dakota Arvin, Seth Poriah, Adam Garretson, and Kyle Pape. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. During the week, they brought it Now, providing the best possible look for their fellow teammates.

The Rocks will return to action next week in the final regular season game against the Franklin Central Flashes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

#GameDay Varsity @ Fishers

Tonight, your Rocks will travel to Fishers High School to take on the Tigers. Fishers enters this week with a 2-5 record (1-4 HCC), having most recently defeated HCC newcomer Franklin Central 17-12. Along the way, they've lost to Avon, Brownsburg, HSE, and Noblesville.

The Tigers are averaging only 13.4 ppg on 138 ypg (94 ground, 44 air). They are led by senior RB HL Lewis (#22) who has 381 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season. He gets some help from senior WR Mason McCartney (#89) on the outside who has chipped in 82 yards and 2 touchdowns. In general, though, this is a team that has struggled to produce offense, but when they do it can come from a variety of players. They've dealt with some injuries, especially at the QB position, that have perhaps really held them back, and relied on their defense to keep them in games.

The Rocks are coming off a couple of close losses to a pair of the top teams in the conference. They'll look to right the ship against the struggling Tigers tonight, but will be entering a hostile environment, facing a well-coached team. It will certainly not be a gimme, and they could use all the friendly voices in the stands that can make the trip.

Need directions? We've got you covered. Kickoff is set for 7pm.

#RockReport JV at Avon

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team played their 7th game of the season at Avon High School.  The JV Rocks fought hard and pushed the game into overtime but ended up losing their first game of the season, 33-41.  The JV Rocks how has a record of 6-1.  (19-1 over the last 20 games, spanning 3 seasons back).

The JV Rocks football team will look to regain their momentum when they play Fishers High School on Saturday October 6th at 10 a.m.   The game will be at home this week.

#RockReport Freshmen vs Avon

The Westfield freshman Rocks returned to their winning ways with a hard fought victory over the Orioles of Avon, winning 20-14. After a bit of a slow start, the offense found their way to the end zone, fueled by the powerful running of back Bryson Hoover, who earned player of the game honors. The offensive line provided great run blocking, plowing forward and carving big holes to run through. On the right side, tackle Will Strahm stood out as Mr. Consistency for his solid performance. The big play was a diving catch made by Jackson Wasserstrom to continue a drive that would eventually lead to a Rocks’ score. Defensively, the Rocks played a consistent, physical football game, holding the Orioles to only two scores. Led by player of the game, Evan Cannon, the Rocks wore down the opponent, forcing multiple takeaways that led to scores. The Big Play of the game was the last play, when the Rocks defense, featuring QB Maximus Webster at safety, got an interception to seal the Rocks’ victory. On special teams, returner Alex Wolf earned Mr. Consistency for solid performances on nearly every special team squad. The Big Play goes to the punt unit for their final punt, pinning Avon deep in their own territory, and making the Orioles drive 81 yards to try to tie the game. The Rocks will travel to Fishers for a Monday night game against the Tigers on October 8 th . Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m.

Dine to Donate

This Wednesday, at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Westfield, there's a Dine to Donate opportunity. If you dine in or carry out between 6pm and 9pm, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Shamrock Gridiron Club. Sounds like a Wednesday will be wing night!