The REPORTER
Being the night after Halloween, the best way to describe Westfield’s Class 6A Sectional 3 semifinal win over Harrison (West Lafayette) would be that it was ‘like taking candy from a baby.’
The ‘Rocks scored early and often on their way to a dominating 49-0 win over the visiting Raiders on Friday night at Riverview Health Stadium.
“I think our guys got off to a great start,” said Westfield coach Josh Miracle.
Westfield’s first drive took no time at all for the first score. Carsen Melvin found Parker Knott for a 12-yard touchdown for the quick 7-0 lead.
The Shamrocks scored three more times in the final four minutes of the first to open the door of opportunity and mainly to try to shut the door early on Harrison.
Melvin then threw a touchdown pass of 40 yards to Preston Pakala for 14-0.
The running game got going toward the end of the quarter. Broc Parker ran in the third touchdown and Deacon King the fourth for a 28-0 lead after one.
“I just felt like everything was clicking early for us in the first half,” said Miracle.
It would be like deja vu in the second for Harrison. King scored his second rushing touchdown, then Parker scored twice more before the end of the first half to make it 49-0, which turned out to be the final score.
Broc Parker had a career-best 145 yards on just eight carries and three TDs. King ran for 71 on eight rushes and scored twice.
Melvin threw 5 of 9 for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Preston Pakala led all receivers with three receptions and 86 yards.
The second-ranked Shamrocks (9-1) host Zionsville (4-6) for the Sectional 3 championship on Friday.