Last Friday, your Rocks hosted the Dragons of New Palestine to open the 2023 season. Looking to avenge last year's opener, Westfield prevailed in this one, 34-14. The Rocks started on D for this one, forcing a three-and-out to quickly put the ball in their own hands. A tipped punt set the Shamrock offense up with a short field, and they capitalized with Jackson Gilbert punching it in for a score (Brody Boehm kick). Brock Stewart stepped up next for the Rock D, intercepting the football and taking the ball right back. Gilbert found Beau Braun on the next play with a deep ball to extend the Shamrock lead (Boehm kick).The Rock D forced another quick three-and-out, sending the game into the second quarter with the score 14-0 Rocks. After a missed Shamrock field goal, the Rock D continued to stifle the Dragon offense, this time holding through all four downs to take the ball back just across mid-field. The Shamrock offense marched back down for another field goal try, Boehm splitting the uprights on this one and extending the lead. The teams would then trade a pair of punts, with Westfield gaining a special teams advantage when Boehm expertly rolled his ball all the way down to the Dragon 1 yard line. The Rock D took full advantage, blowing up the opponent's mesh and creating a fumble that Mikeah Webster recovered in the end zone for a defensive score (Boehm kick). The Rocks would hold on the ensuing Dragon possession, taking a 24-0 lead into the break. Westfield started with the ball in the second half, and wasted no time continuing their scoring ways. Gilbert found Gabe Aramboles for a long gain, and then punched another score in on the ground (Boehm kick). The Rock D would hold through four on a pair of subsequent possessions, punting in between, and securing a 31-0 Rocks advantage heading to the fourth. With subs entering on the Westfield side, the D was unable to maintain the shutout, and the Dragons scored early in the fourth. The Shamrock offense would answer with a short Owen Wright field goal, before the New Pal offense went back to work. The Dragons were able to punch in one more score before time ran out, finalizing things at 34-14 Rocks. Your Rocks will return to action next Friday, when they travel to Lawrence Central to face the Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM.