Friday, August 29, 2014

#GameDay Southport

Red Stanley Stadium tonight, so no directions are needed. The AP poll has the Cardinals ranked at number 8 in 6A (just ahead of HSE) and they were undefeated in the regular season last year. Should be a great game. Remember, we're having a Red, White, and Blue theme, so put on your best Uncle Sam and pack the stadium!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

#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.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

#RockReport Harrison JV

The Westfield Junior Varsity football team started the season in impressive fashion with a 49-0 victory over Harrison High School on Saturday.

All phases of the game were performing at an optimum level. The offense started out with a quick touchdown drive, topped off with a short touchdown run by sophomore QB Andy Sweet. The offense scored 5 more touchdowns throughout the morning, three passes from Sweet to three different sophomore receivers; Evan Manley, Davion Gibson, and Nolan Rogers. Jared Bayha and Koby Hauser added to that total with hard fought touchdown runs.

The defense caused havoc in the Raider backfield all day. The highlight of the morning came when defensive tackle Austin “Tiny” Dollens tipped a pass by the Harrison QB and defensive end Brian Skelton intercepted the pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Zach Paterson caused another fumble later in the game and Safety Christan McCarron recovered, leading to an offensive score.

Special teams played a pivotal role in creating scoring opportunities for the offense as well. The Raiders first offensive possession ended with a punt, but Jared Bayha blocked the kick and set up the offense which scored two plays later. Kicker Will Harrison had a great day of kick offs and made every extra point attempt. Mitchell Aldrink flew around and made numerous tackles on special teams giving Harrison a long field to traverse to try to score.

The Junior Varsity football team will try to continue its winning ways next Saturday 8/30/14 at 10 am at Southport High School.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Rocks United Giveback

Friday is the home opener for us, and the theme is United. Players have been selling shirts, and we're hoping for the stands to be red, white, and blue. Also, we're always looking for good charities to serve, and we felt that the Wounded Warrior Project went well with the theme. To that end, we've set up a Rocks Football donation page if you are interested. Our goal is $1,000, but I think we should be able to easily achieve that and then some. Please consider giving to this worthy cause.

Thank you to our troops for everything you do for us!

Be sure to pack the house Friday (wearing something patriotic) as we honor those who serve and protect our great country.

#RockReport Harrison

Varsity Football opened the season with a solid win in swampy conditions over the William Henry Harrison Raiders, 35-14.

Offensively, the Shamrocks marched methodically down the muddy field for most of the night. Brandon Karsnick led the way on the ground, with Ryan Pepiot connecting through the air to Milo Beam. Joe Krambeer had the big play of the night, setting a key block that allowed Nick Henderson to score a long TD.

The Rock Defense allowed an early TD, but then dug in and held firm until late in the game, turning back the Raider attack twice in the Red Zone. Matt Crupi led the defensive effort, with terrific pressure all night. The consistent play of Sam Trompen and Cameron Harrison kept the Raiders bottled up. The big defensive play came in the form of a Red Zone stand that deflated the opposing Raiders, and help set the Rocks firmly in charge of the game.

Shamrock Special Teams played well with Nick Dowd leading the way. A majority of his kickoffs found the end zone Friday night. Josh Tuffnell added consistent special teams play, and the big play was when the kickoff return squad nearly broke one for a TD, setting the offense up in great field position.

Special mention should be given to Hank Grenda, Ruslan Abamislimov, and Liam Jagow. These Rocks made significant contributions in preparing the team for the Friday contest. They really built it 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 Southport Cardinals for the first time at Red Stanley Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Friday, August 22, 2014

#GameDay Harrison

The 2014 Kickoff Counter shows under 9 hours. Football season is almost officially here. We are excited to open our season against the Harrison Raiders tonight at 7pm. Worried about how to get to Harrison? We've got you covered. Can't make it? We'll be live-tweeting @ShamrockFB.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Building It

Ceremonial groundbreaking for the new stadium was celebrated on Monday. There is a nice article in the Hamilton County Reporter by Don Jellison that I wanted to highlight. It starts on the front page and continues onto page two, with some photos on the following page.

Meanwhile, we've got our own hardhats on, preparing for our Friday contest against the Harrison Raiders. They've got a new head coach this year and looked good in their scrimmage film from last week. Though we are no longer in the same conference, we still want to go up there and start off our season right with a win. If we're going to have the best stadium in the county, we'd better play like we deserve it.