Westfield HS athletics: 鈥榊ou either win or you learn鈥�
WESTFIELD, Ind. — ‘You either win, or you learn.’ It鈥檚 one of the many mantras plastered around the Westfield locker room that form a bedrock of principles that ground and guide our team. And while we鈥檇 always prefer to win, when we don鈥檛, we are sure to learn as much as we can from the experience.
On Saturday, November 27, the state of Indiana learned a lot about the character of the 2021 Westfield Shamrocks. Much had already been known about their opponent, the Center Grove Trojans, and the Rocks stood steadfast against the nationally ranked juggernaut, refusing to blink. Like a marquee bout between top heavyweights, the two teams traded blows, bloodying each other but both refusing to fall to the mat before the final bell forced a decision.
The Rocks displayed the perseverance they learned from last year鈥檚 run, and they matched it with the love and passion that they鈥檇 cultivated from years of striving alongside one another on the field. Though in the end, they finished just short of their ultimate goal, these Rocks poured their hearts into the game, playing with grit and determination and, unquestionably, ‘running the race to win.’
Center Grove struck first in the game, but Mario Chalmers blocked the extra point. Chalmers then recovered a fumble on the next Trojan possession, and the Rocks got going. Maximus Webster found Nic Depasquale for a long catch, and then Micah Hauser powered it in for the lead (Caleb King kick). The Rocks would hold a 7-6 edge to end the first. The Trojans scored early in the second to regain the lead, but the Rocks answered when Ian Bruch dove to haul in a deep Webster pass. Then Hauser finished off the drive for his second score of the night (King kick). The Trojans would score again before the break, and the Rocks headed in to talk things over, down 14-20.
Center Grove received the ball to start the second half, and pushed the lead by scoring on their initial possession. The Rocks stumbled from the blow, but Bruch was able to recover a muffed punt to return possession to the Shamrock offense. Footing restored, the Rocks punched back with Hauser鈥檚 third score of the night (King kick) and headed to the fourth quarter trailing 21-27.
Both defenses tightened down, with Popeye Williams coming up with some key tackles for loss for the Rocks. Webster flipped the field for the Rocks with a big punt, and the Rock defense forced a three-and-out to get the offense the ball back with around six minutes to play. The Shamrock offense ground its way downfield, fighting all the way to the Trojan 11 before an interception ended the scoring threat and broke the hearts of the Shamrock faithful. Center Grove would pick up a pair of first downs before kneeling it out and denying the Rocks the victory.
It can be devastating to come within a short grasp of your dream, only to have it snatched away. Yet, we choose to recognize the prizes that this team earned along the way. To make it to back-to-back 6A Football State Finals is a historical feat for Westfield, as is the run of dominance in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference. The number of victories, trophies, and accolades amassed by this group is evidence of the potential that was always there, even from the early youth football days.
We are reminded, however, that even though the prizes are great, it really is the journey that is more important than the destination. The memories and experiences created by this unprecedented run of success will stick with this team for the rest of their lives. The expectation of excellence for the program has been elevated by the elite work ethic and overwhelming love these players have shown for one another. We are reminded that this is more than a game, as this group has continually represented their community with honor, from the small things to the big things. On the field and off the field, whether fighting for a first down or fighting for lives against illness.
We are grateful for everyone who has contributed to this season and the amazing experience. Our community never ceases to amaze us by how they rally around our teams. From the fans standing in the rain, cheering our busses as we left, to the dedicated parents and supporters that met us well after midnight in the cold when we returned. We felt the love, and it is overwhelming. We are very aware that it is not like this everywhere, and we appreciate it. To all of the managers and support staff who worked tirelessly to keep us moving at an elite pace, we could not do what we do without you. And to our players, especially our seniors, we love you and find ourselves better today for the experience of having run the race alongside you. Thank you for doing what you do and being who you are.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.