The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central Heat won their first homecoming game since consolidation with a 24-20 victory over the Ridgewood Spartans. The Heat started on defense and with 10:55 left in the first quarter drove the Ridgewood runner into his own end zone for a safety. On the ensuing free kick, Chris Cooper returned the ball 70 yards for another Heat score. The PAT failed making the score 8-0. The Heat defense was dominating in the first quarter not allowing the Spartans to reach the end zone. The Heat added 3 points on a 23 yard field goal from sophomore kicker Seth Mize to round out the scoring in the first quarter.
In the second quarter both teams failed to reach the end zone until Brandon Brent made a great grab on a 17 yard pass from Trey Goff for the score with 3:13 left in the half. Spartan Kevin Miller took the ensuing kick off 90 yards for the first Ridgewood score. The PAT failed. The Spartans would score again on a McCreary run with 40 seconds left in the half to make the score 18-12.
The lone score in the 3rd quarter came from a 63 yard pass play from Nate Humphrey to Jacob Peterson putting the Spartans ahead 20-18.
West Central would score to start the 4th quarter with a 3 yard dive by Ryan Russell. The Heat would attempt a 2 pt. conversion but were unsuccessful. The Heat would make a great defensive stand deep in their own territory forcing the Spartans to turn the ball over on downs. With little time left the Heat were able to run out the clock leaving the score 24-20.
Ryan Russell was the work horse for the Heat carrying the ball 17 times for 92 yards and 1 TD. Shane Cavanaugh had 6 carries for 55 yards. QB Trey Goff went 5/13 passing for 71 yards and 1 TD.
Linebacker Joel Fryrear led the team in tackles with 1 solo and 11 assists with 2 tackles for a loss. Shane Cavanaugh added 2 solo with 5 assists with 1 for a loss. Others contributing to the defensive effort were Dustin Hawk with 1 solo and 5 assists with 1 for a loss; Nate Daniels with 1 solo and 4 assists and Brandon Carter with 6 assists.
The Heat will host Annawan this Friday Sept. 23rd. Game time is 7pm. Come support the 3-1 Heat!