Last Friday, your Rocks traveled to Carmel to face the Greyhounds for the first round of the 2023 IHSAA 6A football tournament. The contest represented a rematch from last year’s first round of sectionals, with the result ending up much the same, as Westfield secured a 37-21 victory. The Rocks started with the ball, but abruptly fumbled it away on their opening drive. Carmel’s ensuing momentum was short-lived, however, as Drew Law took things back with a pick-six that put Westfield on the board (Brody Boehm kick). William Goodvine had a big sack on Carmel’s next drive, forcing a punt that gave the ball back to the Rocks to end the first with a 7-0 lead. Mikeah Webster punched it in for a score to start the second (Boehm kick), extending the lead. The Greyhounds put together a solid drive on their next possession, but the Rock D stiffened and forced another punt. After a key connection from Jackson Gilbert to Parker Knott to extend their next drive, Westfield scored when Gilbert found Broc Parker wide open for a score (Boehm kick). With time dwindling in the second, Carmel pushed hard to get on the scoreboard, but Coleton Vondersaar stripped the ball in the process of sacking the QB, and Sam Bola scooped it up for the second Shamrock takeaway of the night. Finding themselves with an extra possession deep in Greyhound territory, Gilbert capitalized with his feet (Boehm kick), extending the lead for the Rocks. Carmel was left with less than thirty seconds to try to score, but the Rock D held firm with the shutout, and Westfield took at 28-0 advantage into the break. Westfield kicked to start the second half, and Carmel was finally able to put a score on the board with their opening drive. The Rocks responded, however, when Gilbert found Gabriel Aramboles for a score (Boehm kick). Andrew Lieske snagged an errant Carmel throw on the next possession, taking it back for the Rocks. Westfield ended up punting, and the 35-7 score would stand headed to the fourth. The expert placement of Brody Boehm’s kick to start the fourth stuck the Greyhounds back at their own 7 yardline. Westfield was then able to force a safety to further extend their lead by a couple points early into the final quarter. The Rocks made some substitutions after that, and attempted to wind down the game with a running attack. Carmel was able to score a couple times as the game clock approached zero, but it was too little, too late. Thomas Vandergriff was able to notch an interception late in the game, and Westfield ended things with a knee and a 37-21 victory. Next week, your Rocks will travel to Noblesville to face the Millers for the Sectional Championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.