On Friday night, Westfield came closer to knocking off the Bulldogs than any other team has this season.
The Shamrocks kept the pressure on Class 6A No. 2 Brownsburg the entire game, but the Bulldogs eventually escaped with a 30-28 victory. The win kept Brownsburg perfect in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference at 4-0 and for the season at 6-0.
Westfield led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter; Eli Patchett scored on a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and Alex Bales’ extra point kick put the ‘Rocks on top. In the second quarter, Owen McGraw then extended Westfield’s lead by making an interception, and returning it 45 yards to the end zone.
Camden Simons scored on a 6-yard run later in the period, and Bales hit the extra point, as he did with the earlier score. Brownsburg’s Clay Chase made a field goal, but still, Westfield led 21-16 at halftime.
The Bulldogs took the lead in the third quarter, when Donny Marcus punched the ball in from the 1-yard line. Bryce Kirtz got Brownsburg ahead 30-21 with a 54-yard touchdown reception.
Westfield kept things close, however: Dane Wheeler caught a 26-yard TD pass from Simons. That brought the Shamrocks within two points, but Brownsburg was able to hold on for the win.
Simons had an outstanding game, completing 16 of 19 passes for 230 yards. Wheeler and Patchett both made five catches. Simons also led the rushing with 69 yards. Colin Caldwell made 12 tackles in the game, with Eric Kriskovich getting six stops. Ryan Mahoney made three tackles for a loss and had two sacks.
Westfield is now 2-2 in HCC play and 3-3 overall. The ‘Rocks return to Riverview Health Field next Friday for another tough game, against Avon.
