Westfield football opens season with blowout win against Brookwood

PERRY — For a team looking to start off strong, the Westfield Hornets attested to that sentiment with a 55-6 statement win against the Brookwood Warriors. 

Led by a balanced offensive effort, Westfield (1-0) made their way to the end zone with ease, scoring on six of their first seven possessions. 

The Hornets’ defense stood tall, coming up with a big pick-six in the second quarter by Brock Johnson whilst not allowing the Warriors to cross midfield until late in the game when it was out of hand. 

Brookwood (0-1) could not get the ball moving as their quarterback scrambled around in the backfield for most of the night under duress from the Hornet’s defense. 

After starting their first series with a turnover on downs, the Hornets’ offense began to click on their second drive. A 27-yard run from Jackson Hair led to a 20-yard touchdown run by Neal O’Brien that put the Hornets up 7-0 in the first quarter. 

On their next possession, Westfield quarterback Brayden Gay aired it out for 48 yards followed by a six-yard touchdown run by Jackson Hair. 

Stone St. Clair came up with a big 28-yard reverse to the left sideline and two quick plays later, the Hornets were up 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

Late in the second quarter, Westfield’s quarterback composed himself after a penalty call and fired a 43-yard pass that led to a one-yard scamper into the end zone, bringing the score to 41-0 after the extra point was no good. 

The Hornets’ defense inflicted heavy pressure on the Brookwood quarterback, sacking him four times. 

A rolling clock in the fourth quarter allowed the Westfield second-string players to get playing time under their belts. 

Brookwood managed to get on the board with the final play of the game as the clock reached zero. 

Westfield head coach Chad Campbell spoke of the team’s progress throughout Friday night’s game: 

“We were much improved tonight from our scrimmage two weeks ago. We cut down on mistakes and we did a lot of things technically better. We just have to continue to improve each day. We got a lot of experience back and it showed tonight. We just want to continue to improve week by week.”

“Our goal is to go deep in the playoffs and win a state championship. We’re taking care of the football and as long as we can do that, I’ll feel good,” Campbell added. “Our defense is playing good, playing solid. We were young and inexperienced last year, but we’re grown up now. I am proud of the guy’s effort, they played well, and it was a good night.” 

UP NEXT 

The Westfield Hornets travel to the Southland Academy Raiders (0-1) in a non-region game next Friday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.