By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
WESTFIELD – There was a lot on the line on Friday night at Westfield. It was a battle of two unbeaten teams in what was probably the best matchup in the state with two highly ranked teams in Class 6A.
One team came prepared, while the other found itself playing from behind all night long. The visiting Bulldogs had their way all night long in spoiling Westfield’s homecoming, giving the ‘Rocks its first loss of the season, 37-7.
Forcing Westfield to punt after three plays, Brownsburg showed why they’re ranked No. 2 in 6A. On its first play from scrimmage, Garrett Sherrell busted outside of the tackles and down the visiting sideline 57 yards for the first score of the game. That put the Bulldogs up 7-0 and 11:01 still in the first period.
“Obviously, we weren’t really prepared to play. We were embarrassed in all three phases of the game,” said Westfield head coach Jake Gilbert.
The Shamrocks started putting together a drive on their second series, but wound up turning the ball over on downs at the Brownsburg 36.
The ensuing set of downs for the Bulldogs resulted in quarterback Jake Dunn rushing 29-yards untouched for a touchdown. Midway through the first, it was 14-0.
“They were coached and played better and deserve all of the credit. That’s a great football team. They were ready tonight, came over and kicked our butts,” continued Gilbert.
After another ‘Rocks punt, Dunn used his legs again. On the third play, Dunn raced 26-yards to pay dirt and through one period, Brownsburg had jumped out to a 21-0 lead, stunning Westfield.
Another three and out, Westfield punted again. The defense had a better series, holding kicker Spencer Porath to a 45-yard field goal that pushed it to 24-0.
“They just annihilated us and outcoached and outplayed us. Credit to Brownsburg. They’re a great program for a reason. They certainly showed that tonight against us,” stated Gilbert.
Late in the second, the Bulldogs methodically marched down the field to use up a lot of clock. On a first and goal at the seven, Dunn connected with a wide-open tight end Cameron Edwards. The two-point run attempt failed that made for a 30-0 halftime score.
The first drive of the third would be no different. Brownsburg scored in just five plays. Edwards was again all alone over the middle for a 41-yard touchdown pass for a 37-0 count.
“I don’t know that we did anything well, to be honest. Some of that was self-inflicted mistakes. But again, credit to them for taking our offense away,” said Gilbert.
The next drive on offense, Westfield was able to find their way back to what they do best. With a running clock and 5:15 left in the third, Jackson Gilbert found Maximus Nosler for a completion beyond his defender and scored 39 yards later. That would eventually be the final of 37-7.
“We came in scoring 35 points per game and we scored seven on their JV and none on their varsity, so essentially we got shutout by their varsity, so they deserve all of that credit,” continued Gilbert.
Garrett Sherrell led with a game-high 153 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. Jake Dunn scored twice in his four rushes for 67 yards. Dunn also threw for 156 yards on 8-for-12 passing and two touchdown passes. Cameron Edwards highlighted the receiving with three catches for 51 yards and two scores.
Brownsburg moved to 6-0 and 4-0 in HCC play. Next week, the Bulldogs host Zionsville (3-3, 1-3), which lost 34-24 at home to Hamilton Southeastern.
Kendall Garnett ran 18 times for 79 yards for tops in Westfield rushing. Jackson Gilbert was 8-of-14 passing for 96 yards and a TD. Carsen Melvin subbed in to go 3-for-6 and 25 yards with an interception. Maximus Nosler led the receivers with four receptions for 73 yards and the lone Shamrock score.
Westfield (5-1, 3-1 HCC) takes its first loss of the season. The ‘Rocks hit the road to face the Avon Orioles (0-6, 0-4 HCC) next Friday. At halftime, seniors Isabelle Snyder and quarterback Jackson Gilbert were crowned homecoming queen and king.
BROWNSBURG 37, WESTFIELD 7
Score by Quarters
Brownsburg 21 9 7 0 – 37
Westfield 0 0 7 0 – 7
Team stats WF
First Downs 8
By Rush 4
By Pass 4
By Penalty 0
Rushes-Yards 27-109
Passing Yards 121
Comp-Att-Int-TD 11-20-1-1
Penalties-Yards 4-22
Westfield Scoring
Third Quarter
5:15 – Maximus Nosler 39-yard reception from Jackson Gilbert (Brody Boehm kick)
Westfield individual stats
Rushing: Kendall Garnett 18-79, Carsen Melvin 3-27, Nosler 1-3, Gilbert 5-0.
Passing: Gilbert 8-14-96, Melvin 3-6-25.
Receiving: Nosler 4-73, Parker Knott 3-25, Gabe Aramboles 3-19, Beau Braun 1-4.