The REPORTER
The Westfield football team dropped a tough Class 6A north semi-state game at Crown Point Friday night.
The Shamrocks were behind 17-0 at halftime, but came back to tie the game at the end of regulation. It took two overtimes to decide the semi-state, with the Bulldogs winning 38-31 to advance to state and finish Westfield’s season.
After a scoreless first quarter, Crown Point put up 17 points in the second period. Westfield began its comeback when Brody Boehm made a 43-yard field goal with four minutes left in the third quarter. The Shamrocks then blocked a punt, and Jackson Gilbert ran it to score. Boehm’s kick made it 17-10, and that would be the score going into the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs scored again to lead 24-10, but Westfield quickly drove down the field, then Kendall Garnett ran in a touchdown, with Boehm’s kick getting the ‘Rocks within 24-17. Westfield then got a turnover on downs, and Garnett stepped up again, punching the ball in for another touchdown. Boehm tied it up at 24-24.
Westfield’s offense went first in the initial overtime, and Garnett ran in his third touchdown of the game. Boehm’s kick made it 31-24. But the Bulldogs tied it up with their own score to make it 31-31. Crown Point went first on offense in the second overtime and quickly scored, then its defense held off the Shamrocks to get the win.
“We just didn’t show up in the first half,” said Westfield coach Jake Gilbert. The coach said his team “came out in the second half a different team, showed more of the team we’ve been all year.”
The Shamrocks finished their season 11-2, which included their fourth consecutive sectional title and third regional championship in the past four years.
“It’s been an amazing year, we just ran out of magic tonight,” said Jake Gilbert. “God is good either way. It’s been an honor and blessing to coach these kids.”