Last season was one to remember for the Westfield football team.
The Shamrocks continued to establish themselves as an elite program, making it to the state finals for the third time since 2013. Westfield’s run turned many heads because it was the first time the ‘Rocks had gotten all the way to the final game in Class 6A.
The good news for Westfield is that many of the players that were on the Shamrocks’ 12-2 team – which also won an unbeaten Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship – are back. That includes reigning Hamilton County Player of the Year Micah Hauser, stellar quarterback Maximus Webster and an offensive backfield that Shamrocks coach Jake Gilbert said is his team’s greatest strength.
Things have been going well for Westfield in practices thus far. Gilbert said they have been “pretty good,” calling them competitive and focused.
“We’ve stayed healthy at practice, which is what I want most,” said Gilbert.
If the coach has any concern, it’s when he was asked about the team’s focus after last season. He noted that in addition to the varsity success, the Shamrocks’ junior varsity and freshmen teams were both undefeated, giving the Westfield program a collective record of 30-2.
“Can we stay hungry and focused or will we get complacent and soft,” said Gilbert. “Time will tell.”
With so many experienced seniors and so much leadership on this team, it’s difficult to see the Shamrocks growing soft. A prime example of that is Hauser, who is dominant on both offense and defense. He played hurt during the later games of Westfield’s run with ankle and knee injuries, but was still effective.
Hauser led the Shamrocks in rushing last season with 941 yards, also scoring 11 touchdowns. On defense, he collected exactly 100 tackles (28 solo and 72 assists).
Webster, who committed to play Division I football at Ball State University over the summer, was a revelation at quarterback last season at junior. He completed two-thirds of his passes (127 of 190), gained 2,023 yards over the air and threw for 27 touchdowns. Webster also was a forceful runner, totaling 813 yards and had a team-leading 18 rushing TDs.
Gilbert said Webster and Hauser “are backed up by two great players as well:” Junior Cole Ballard at quarterback and senior Trevon Hatchett at running back. Ballard got playing time in several games last season.
The safety position looks deep with Hauser, Alex Wolf and Dillon Theieneman, a junior All-State player last year. Gilbert also likes the depth at the linebacker position, although he admits it is “just banged up to start the year.”
“Bryson Hoover, McGwire Graybill, and Charlie Dager all return,” said Gilbert. “Evan Cannon, Jayden Bernaville, and Tyler Dikos will all play a lot as well.”
Senior Popeye Williams is listed the defensive end spot. He led the Shamrocks in tackles for a loss last season with 10 and in sacks with five.
Westfield graduated two good receivers last year in Mason Piening and Reid Schepers, but there are two good ones back this season for their senior years. Nic DePasquale made 32 catches, while Jackson Wasserstrom had 21 catches; both had four touchdown passes.
The Shamrocks will open their season Friday by hosting another elite team: Defending Class 5A state champion Cathedral. Westfield then goes on the road for its next two games, traveling to Harrison on Aug. 27 and to Zionsville on Sept. 3 to start HCC play.