Top-ranked Westside continued their rampage beating Norfolk 41-0 on Friday. The two hour bus ride didn’t affect the defense. This game is the second shutout of the season, holding the opponents to just 26 points.
The Warriors defense was led by linebacker Beau Ryan, who had six tackles. The senior also had a pick six on the third play of the game. Senior defensive lineman RJ Eckhardt, also had six tackles, one pass breakup and three sacks.
“So fun to get after the quarterback today, we’ve focused on a lot of run stopping with the teams we’ve been playing, “Eckhardt said. “But the coaches let us get after it this week, it was amazing.”
The Warriors on offense once again had a great game, Anthony Rezac had 18 completions for 285 yards and four touchdowns. The senior quarterback also added 52-yards rushing to his season total. Keynan Cotton was the offensive juggernaut in the matchup. The junior receiver had seven receptions for 136-yards and one touchdown. Seniors Teddy Rezac, Caleb Benning and Jahmez Ross each had one touchdown reception as well. Cotton believes the bus ride had no effect on the team.
“It felt pretty good, just happy to be back on the field,” Cotton said. “Coach said not to let the bus ride bother us.”
The game started off slow with four turnovers in the first four minutes, including Ryan’s pick six and only the sixth interception of Rezac’s high school career. The first quarter ended with a 14-point Warrior lead after a 42-yard touchdown pass between the Rezac brothers. In the second quarter, Westside had a 19-yard touchdown pass to Ross, and a 5-yard touchdown toss to Benning. Senior Will Bauerly also had a 33-yard field goal to make the score 31-0 at halftime. The only scoring in the second half was a 39-yard field goal by Bauerly and a 27-yard touchdown reception by Cotton.
The Warriors will look to continue their undefeated season as North Platte will have to travel to Westside. The Warriors will be seeking a little bit of revenge, as the Bulldogs were the only team to beat Weatside last year.
“Definitely a get back game,” Cotton said. “But if we can improve this week we’ll be just fine.”
The game against North Platte Friday will be at 7 p.m. for Westside’s homecoming game.
