5th Grade White Defeats Westville in a Defensive Slug Fest:
Article by: ERIC SHAFFER
In the shadow of staggering losses by the 3rd and 4th grade White Pittbull teams, the 5th grade White Pittbulls squared off against a bigger, seemingly daunting opponent in the Westville Yellow Jackets. The Pittbulls proved to be the fiercest warriors on the field defeating Westville in gut wrenching, snot busting bash fest on the gridiron.
The Pittbulls approached the field, their resolve apparent, in the upcoming battle with Westville. The Pittbulls took the ball to open the game. The game soon developed into a battle for dominion of epic proportions. Late in the first quarter, Westville strikes and draws first blood. However, they are unable to execute and score the 2 point conversion. Up to this point, the game has been a battle of wills starting at the line of scrimmage and radiating outward, encapsulating all players on the field, on the sidelines, the coaches and all spectators in the stands. The game engulfed all those participating, both playing and watching. Early in the second quarter, Quinton Marrone ran a 40 yard Touch Down run. On the foot of Alex Elmore, the 2 point conversion attempt splits the uprights giving the Pittbulls a 2 point lead, 8 to 6. As the first half wears on, the Pittbull defense continues to inflict pain on the Westville offense. Both #99 Dustin McGowan and #53 Travis Freeman pounded the offensive line, pressuring Westville and making big stops. With 15 seconds remaining in the first half, Westville high snaps the ball to the kicker, too high for him to control and he has to drop on the ball. The Pittbulls take over deep in Westville territory. Unable to capitalize on the turnover, the first half ends with the Pittbulls up by 2.
On the opening drive of the second half, Westville was held to a 3 and out by the Pittbulls. In the succeeding drives, the Pittbulls moved the ball well and dominated the field in first downs and time of possession. The Pittbulls were able to air it out and managed to continue their dominance in the air as well as on the ground. But, the Pittbulls were unable to capitalize and open it up on the scoreboard. Westville, proved to be defiant enough to prevent the Pittbull offense from gaining entry into the Red Zone Holy Land. As the game wore on and the clock wound down, the war was one of wills, not bodies. The battle had unfolded into a see-saw of offensive gains and defensive stops for both squads. The whole Defense is to be commended for making big stops and ensuring the victory. Bodies were sacrificed to ensure the game would end victorious for the Pittbulls, leaving sheer will their only driving force. Late in the 4th quarter, the game developed into a red zone stand by both teams with Westville knocking at the door and the Pittbulls standing in the way. With 2 minutes left in the game, the final battle for dominance waged from the 13 yard line to the end zone, deep in Pittbull territory. Again, the waltz of gain and loss was danced almost as though accompanied by a symphony. Once again, the Pittbulls prove to be too resilient, and end the day shutting Westville down, ending the war, victorious.
Offensive players of the week are Brian Pullen and Quinton Marrone. Defensive players of the week are Ben Wood and Jacob Burch.
