Big plays key as Westfield oust rival Spring

 
Huge brawl leaves a dark shadow on neighborhood rivals

An unexpected fight overshadowed a traditional neighborhood rival game between Spring and Westfield high schools which ended the game with 6:18 left in the fourth quarter.
Leading up to the fight, were two back-to-back personal foul calls against Spring. Following, an unidentified Westfield and Spring player exchanged words before pushing and shoving turn into fighting.
“I feel like it’s an emotional game and we did a poor job of controlling that,” Spring Coach said.  “It led to the end of the game. I was talking to Dwight Hat at the time the scuffle broke out. As soon as I went out there, it just escalated.”
Seconds later, Westfield’s bench cleared as players raced to the field, joining in the brawl.
Immediately after, coaches from both teams ran onto the field. But fail to restore peace between the two teams.
The brawl had lasted nearly two minutes before several police officers ran to the field, breaking up two separate group of players fighting.  But moments later, the atmosphere returned peacefully.
“I’d be lying if I told you I knew how it started officially,” says Spring Coach.  “I thought thinks were allowed in the game that should have been penalized. When you allow those kind of things in this type of game, it’s going to escalate. But in the end results, we have to play with more control.”
After the brawl, Westfield coaches and players were asked to leave the field and the property according to an unnamed Spring ISD official.
There were talking among game officials and Spring ISD officials, but nothing was known.
 
Game Story
No. 2 area ranked Westfield executed several big plays to outlast district rival Spring 36-25 on Friday night at George Stadium.
Now at 5-0, and a possibility of facing suspensions, the Mustangs have a date with perhaps the toughest team in the district 15-6A when it meets No. 3 area ranked Klein Collins next Saturday at George Stadium at 2:00 P.M.
All of the Mustang’s touchdowns were big plays including the game clinching 21-yard scoring toss from quarterback Dilon Sterling-Cole to receiver Tyre Cleveland with 3:16 left in the third quarter. That gave Westfield a 29-18 lead that would stick.
“Everything they had in the first half, we had given it to them,” explained Lions’ head Coach.  “The interception for six points, the kickoff they ran back for six points. We just couldn’t put the ball in the end zone in the first half.”
Spring’s offense found it’s rhythm late in the third quarter, scoring on three consecutive drives.
Quarterback Eric Spencer connected with junior receiver Deonte Adams on a beautiful 32-yard scoring pass. Linebacker Myles Pearson, who lined up in the backfield for goal-line yardage, scored two rushing touchdowns from five yards out. But it wasn’t enough to account for Westfield’s big play offense evening.
“We got things rolling on offense, but they had some big plays on defense,” Spring coach said.
Running back Kenneth Rose, who lead the Mustangs in rushing with 164 yards on 13 carries, scored two back-breaking touchdowns. A 65-yarder and 32 yards. Both were in response to a pair of Lions scores which foiled any thoughts of a comeback.
Spring (4-1) also had its share of missed opportunities in the first half. A snap sail out of reach of punter Addison Mahana hands as he gave chase, scooping the ball up and soon after, wrestled down at the Westfield 20 yard line. Kicker Cesar Maya fail on an extra point try, missed a 27-yard field goal attempt and Westfield’s Jeremy Edwards returned an interception for a touchdown. That erase a possible 11-point swing which turned out to be the deficit.
Westfield increased its lead, 9-0 on Jay Vila’s 33-yard field goal with 3:20 left in the first quarter.
After, Spring put together it’s best drive of the evening with a 15-play drive that ended with Maya nailing a 22-yard field goal with 10:37 left in the second quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Tyrie Cleveland raced 98-yards untouched, stunning Spring fans which gave Westfield a 16-3 lead.
Spring’s next drive looked promising as it penetrated Westfield’s territory. However, a holding call wiped out a 12-yard gain by running back Alex McCray’s. Which would have given Spring a fresh set of downs at the Westfield’s 32-yard line. Instead, an incomplete pass led to a fourth-down punting situation.
“I think Westfield has a very good team and I think we have a very good team also,” Spring coach. “Its a tale of two halves. The first half, offense really struggled and the defense was playing lights out.”
Westfield took possession at its 20-yard line before being penalized ten yards for holding. That’s when Cole couldn’t handle an untimely snap from center. The ball got past Cole and went through the back of the end zone for a safety, making the score 16-5.
Right after, Spring’s cornerback Ka’Darian Smith turned a short kick off from its 38-yard line into a 23-yard gain down to the Westfield 39. The drive hit the wall when Vila’s 27-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left up right.
And lastly, the unexpected finish.