Westfield Hornets fall at home to Brookstone Cougars, 38-17

Coming into the matchup on a two-game win streak, the Westfield Hornets hosted the Brookstone Cougars Friday in an important region matchup.

Brookstone was 0-1 in region play, and Westfield was 2-0. It was also Senior Night at Westfield, and the festivities commenced at halftime, honoring the seniors who are getting ready to take that next step and transition into adulthood. The tears were flowing as the tight-knit community prepared to say goodbye to all of the seniors.

The game started out as somewhat of a defensive struggle as the two teams remained scoreless throughout most of the first half. Like boxers, they were feeling each other out.

Late in the second quarter, however, Brookstone managed to kick a field goal, putting them up 3-0 with 2:26 left to go in the second quarter.

Westfield answered right back on the next drive, when Hunter Kirkley managed to break free for a 41-yard touchdown run, putting Westfield on top 7-3 after the extra point. Brookstone responded as well, throwing a touchdown pass right before halftime to make it 10-7.

In the third quarter, Brookstone added another touchdown early in the quarter as the quarterback hit the receiver for a 72-yard touchdown catch. Westfield struggled to get the offense going after halftime, and on the ensuing offensive series, Brookstone stopped them and forced them to punt.

Feeling the momentum, Brookstone drove right down the field and scored another touchdown — this time on a 27-yard pass — which put them up 24-7. Westfield struggled to contain the pass all night, allowing 332 yards and four touchdowns.

Brookstone scored another touchdown on their next possession, putting them up 31-7, but Westfield managed to get the offense going as well, and Kirkley took it in for another rushing touchdown, making it 31-14. Still in control, Brookstone tacked on another touchdown, making it 38-14. Westfield eventually tacked on a field goal, but it was too little, too late, as the Brookstone Cougars finished the game on top 38-17.

Next Friday, Westfield will travel to Columbus to take on St. Anne-Pacelli, who is 7-1 on the season and undefeated in region play, in another important region matchup. St. Anne-Pacelli is a tough team, and the Hornets have a difficult task ahead. They will have to dig deep and find a way to establish the run.

Coach Fitzpatrick will have to devise a great game plan in order for Westfield to emerge victorious — they are definitely the underdogs in his matchup. Throughout the season, Westfield has demonstrated that they can compete with any team in the region when they are on their game. It should be an interesting matchup.

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