At the Homecoming game, the football team brought home the win against Rancho Buena Vista, bringing their season record to 3-4, Oct.4. According to coach Mitchell Donnelly, Westview’s defense stepped up to outperform RBV, propelling Westview to a 14-0 win.
“The defense was outstanding, they allowed zero yards rushing on 17 carries,” Donnelly said.
Defensive lineman Patrick Piec (12) said the team was prepared and expecting to beat Rancho Buena Vista after last year’s 40-3 win. He said he knew their dedication and commitment pay off.
“We practiced hard, as always, leading up to the game and included a lot of strength training such as sled work and conditioning to keep us in good shape for all four quarters of the game,” Piec said.
Neither team scored throughout the first quarter. To break the stalemate, Westview had to adjust, countering the Longhorns’ defense.
“Their team was stronger on the defensive side of the ball because their defensive backs could occasionally come up and stop our runs,” Piec said.
Meanwhile, the Wolverine defense kept Rancho Buena Vista’s offense from scoring.
“Our defense not giving up any points and playing lights out helped us win,” safety Mason Walsh (12) said. “The offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage allowed us to run all over Rancho Buena Vista.”
Running back and linebacker Langdon Mullica (11) scored a touchdown during the second quarter to give Westview its first lead, 7-0.
“The touchdown was set up by a blocked punt and two penalties by Rancho Buena Vista,” Donnelly said. “We scored running the ball. The blocked punt play, a reverse, helped us seal the game.”
The score remained 7-0 until the third quarter, when Walsh scored a touchdown through a quarterback sneak, bringing the score to 14-0.
“The offensive line got a great push,” Walsh said. “Celebrating in the end zone and on the sideline was definitely a memorable part.”
Near the end of the third quarter, the Longhorns had the ball near the 30-yard line. When Walsh intercepted the ball in the endzone for a touchback, the Wolverines knew they were close to securing the win.
“I trusted what [Donnelly] had taught me and read my keys,” Walsh said. “I saw the ball was in the air, so I went up and made a ball. The defensive line getting pressure on the quarterback helped make the play a lot easier.”
According to Mullica, the game set a positive mood for the Homecoming dance and weekend.
“It felt amazing winning the Homecoming game,” Mullica said. “We had a big crowd and a lot of people rooting for us so we knew we had to show up. We treated it as any other game, but we all knew it was different with higher stakes as it sets the mood for our Homecoming dance.”
