The number one rated United Red Storm were just way farther along in their team development and handed the West Central Heat a 40 to 28 defeat in the opening game of the season.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Coach Will Bavery
The number one rated United Red Storm were just way farther along in their team development and handed the West Central Heat a 40 to 28 defeat in the opening game of the season.
Coming off a state championship year, the Red Storm were way ahead of us in certain aspects of the game. United used a strong running game to build a 21-0 halftime lead. The United defense coupled with three lost fumbles kept the Heat offense off balance for the whole first half.
At halftime I told our team that I didn't know whether we could win the game or not, but that I wanted them to hang tough and play hard. I told the team that our goal was to win the second half scoreboard.
While we still were unable to totally shut down the strong United running game, we were able to show off some of the offensive potential that this team posseses.
Behind the thrilling performance of Aaron Landers' four touchdowns, the Heat outscored the Red Storm 28 to 19 in the second half.
Aaron Landers' four touchdowns were on passes of 40, 10, and 65 yards along with a two yard run. Aaron showed that he has great running speed and elusiveness as a ball carrier.
I cannot say enough about the contribution of Darick Clark, as he threw for 246 yards completing 14 of 20 passes. This performance was remarkable because Darick was pressed into action at quarterback just 15 days ago. Darick and Coach Floyd were really able to put together a pretty good show in a very limited time.
While the outcome of the game was disappointing, there were some real positives that came out. The interior offensive line of Josh Harkness, Brad Buss, and Cody Lane played the tough interior of United to a standstill. Calvin Covert and Andy Chockley showed that they can be counted on as receivers. Jayson Sams, Jacob Sanning and Jerry Morris really hung pretty tough on the defensive side of the ball.
United was good enough that they revealed to us where we would need to make changes in order to play at the high level that we want to play at. We will be working hard this week on implementing those changes, and hopefully next week we will be stronger both on defense and offense.
While the 40 to 28 defeat was not what we wanted to give our fans, the good news is that the Heat will be at full strength for our next game. Both of the injuries to the Chockleys were minor and they will be back this week. Adam Corzatt will be back from serving his game suspension for violating school rules. Both Adam and the team paid the penalty for a wrong decision.
Hopefully we will use the mistake and penalty as a learning device, and we will all be careful of what and who we are associated with. With Adam's return we will able to free up Darick do the things that will make him one of the most dangerous players in the area.I would also like to commend Coach Blender and his freshmen team on their fine showing in the Central Freshman Jamboree on Saturday. Coach Blender took sixteen boys to the jamboree and he returned with sixteen football players who had all contributed to the effort.
The freshmen Heat lost to Lewistown, who while playing some sophomores was easily the best team in the jamboree, 14-0. The little Heat beat Brown County 16-0. The little Heat lost their final game 14-6 to Carthage. It was really fun to watch the guys run all over the Blueboys, and only a pass interception for a touchdown kept the Heat from thoroughly dominating Carthage. Hats off again to Coach Blender and his team. There are good things coming down the road.
I appreciate the community for turning out in such large numbers to support the team. I know it really helped the team to fight on when things weren't going their way. The crowd was like a playoff crowd.
This week the Heat travel to Galva. Galva has a big strong team who likes power football. We will have our work cut out for us, but I think what we have learned from the United game will make us a lot different team.
Game Stats
Score 1 2 3 4 Total
United 6 15 19 0 40
W. C. 0 0 8 20 28
Total Off./First Downs
United 401 yds./ 13 F.D.
W.C. 323 yds./ 10 F.D.
Passing:
United: 0-8 0yds 1 Int..
W.C.: 14-20 246 yds 1 Int..
Rushing:
United 401 yds
W.C. 77 yds
Rushing:
Clark 6 for 27, Abe Chockley 6 for 8, Landers 5 for 19, Webb 5 for 13, T. Hartman 2 for 10,
Receiving:
Abe Chockley 3 for 6, Landers 5 for 140, Covert 4 for 59, Andy Chockley 2 for 28