The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The visiting Rushville-Industry Rockets used their powerful running game and strong defense to pick up a road win over the West-Prairie Cyclones last Friday night 32-14.
The loss drops the Cyclones to 4-4 on the season and puts them in a must win situation next Friday if they hope to make it to the playoffs.
The Cyclones travel to Onieda for a week #9 match up with undefeated and state-ranked (#7 in Class 3-A) Alwood-ROWVA and need a 5th victory to have any chance at post season play.
The Cyclones were outgained by the Rockets 355 total yards to 263 yards. Most of that Rockets yardage came on their 43 rushing attempts (for 335 yards) as the WP-LH defense could not stop the hard charging R-I running backs.
The Cyclones countered with 237 yards rushing on 51 carries. Senior Joel DeCounter led WP-LH with 126 yards on 21 attempts, inclued both WP-LH touchdowns.
WP-LH also got 53 yards from senior fullback Kylen Carpenter, 35 yards from senior halfback Matt Woolam, and 17 yards rushing from QB Bryan Rodeffer.
Rodeffer also completed 3 of 5 attempts for 26 yards. DeCounter had 2 catches (20 yards) and Woolam had 1 reception (6 yards).
The Cyclone defense was led by Brytton Mason (10 total tackles) and Skyler Pence (2 interceptions and 8 tackles). Also on the tackle chart with at least 4 stops were Jason Coplan, Tyler Sharpe, Matt Woolam, Blake Harper, Justin Ward, Dustin Derry, and Evan Wisely.
Filling out the tackle list were DeCounter, Dakota Hicks, Brice James, Jared Schwerer, and Keith Rittenhouse.
The game marked the final home regular season for the Cyclones and therefore was "Senior Night" for the 2006 campaign.
The seniors honored for their efforts during the last 4 years included: Derrick Daudelin, Joel DeCounter, Matt Woolam, Brice James, Justin Ward, Brian Butterfield, Kylen Carpenter, and Tyler Sharpe.
All of these 8 seniors have played 4 years and have given a lot to this program and should be commended for their efforts and dedication.