By RICHIE HALL
sports@readthereporter.com
WESTFIELD – It only took a few minutes for Westfield to take command of the opening game of the 2023 IHSAA football season.
The Shamrocks scored two touchdowns during the first four minutes, and rode the momentum to a 34-14 victory over New Palestine Friday in a home game at Riverview Health Stadium. It was the first time Westfield had won a season-opener since 2019.
“We wanted to get out to a fast start, but we always do,” said Westfield coach Jake Gilbert. The coach remembered the game between the Shamrocks and the Dragons last season, where he said the team “struggled to get going against these guys until about the fourth quarter. So, that was a point of emphasis and to play with a little more discipline. I thought we did both.”
The Shamrocks, ranked No. 7 in the IFCA’s Class 6A pre-season poll, set the tone early. Senior quarterback Jackson Gilbert finished Westfield’s opening drive with a nine-year touchdown run. Seconds later, Brock Stewart intercepted a pass, and the ‘Rocks quickly had the ball back.
Westfield wasted no time scoring again, as Jackson Gilbert tossed a 38-yard touchdown reception to Beau Braun. Brody Boehm made both extra-point kicks.
Boehm added a 28-yard field goal in the second period, giving the Shamrocks a 17-0 lead. The Westfield defense came up big again a few minutes later, as Mikeah Webster recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Boehm again made the extra-point kick.
Hey, they want the banner! The Westfield student section welcomes WISHTV’s
Anthony Calhoun to Riverview Health Stadium. (Richie Hall)
Jake Gilbert called his team’s defense “really good.”
“That’s a great o-line, excellent running back. Their running back’s ran for about 4,000 yards,” said the coach. The Dragons averaged 42.4 points per game last season.
“I felt like that was a great defensive performance overall,” said Gilbert. “A little bit better than I anticipated, honestly.”
Jackson Gilbert added one more touchdown in the third quarter, a 13-yard run. Boehm made the extra-point kick, putting him perfect on the night at 4-for-4.
“I was pretty happy overall, but I do think there’s more in the tank for improvement there,” said Jake Gilbert of his son at quarterback. “I think he will improve, so I was happy for his first start. It was a good night.”
Westfield celebrated the 25th anniversary of its girls cross country state championship during halftime. That cross country win was the first state title in any sport for the Shamrocks. (Richie Hall)
Jackson Gilbert was 9-of-16 through the air, collecting 142 yards, while also rushing four times for 23 yards. Gabe Aramboles and Maximus Nosler both had three receptions. Kendall Garnett led the rushing with 70 yards. Jackson Floyd and Coleton Vondersaar both had nine tackles on defense.
The Shamrocks go on the road next week, playing at Lawrence Central.
WESTFIELD 34, NEW PALESTINE 14
Score by Quarters
New Palestine 0 0 0 14 – 14
Westfield 14 10 7 0 – 31
Team Stats NP WF
First Downs 17 17
By Rush 13 9
By Pass 3 7
By Penalty 1 1
Rushes-Yards 48-268 36-157
Yards Passing 70 169
Comp-Att-Int-TD 6-15-1-1 11-19-1-1
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 2-0
Penalties-Yards 3-15 4-35
Punts-Average 5-19.8 4-35.0
Westfield Scoring
First Quarter
8:45 – Jackson Gilbert 9-yard run (Brody Boehm kick)
8:27 – Beau Braun 38-yard reception from Gilbert (Boehm kick)
Second Quarter
4:19 – Boehm 28-yard field goal
2:21 – Mikeah Webster fumble recovery in end zone (Boehm kick)
Third Quarter
9:45 – Gilbert 5-yard run (Boehm kick)
Westfield individual stats
Rushing: Kendall Garnett 16-70, Webster 4-27, Gilbert 4-23, Austin Umbaugh 7-18, Aiden Grabowski 3-13, Jacob Braun 1-4, Gabe Aramboles 1-2
Passing: Gilbert 9-16-142, Grabowski 2-3-27.
Receiving: Armaboles 3-71, Maximus Nosler 3-20, B. Braun 1-38, Broc Parker 1-22, Will Irwin 1-8, J. Braun 1-5, Reis Middleton 1-5.