The Kokomo Post Sports - Game of the Week: West Lafayette vs Western (Photo Gallery)
Sectional football always brings excitement across the state, with anticipation building from the opening kickoff through every high stakes play. Western experienced that full range of emotions Friday night as the Panthers hosted West Lafayette in the IHSAA football state tournament.
Western had already beaten the Red Devils earlier this season, the first victory in the all time series, and needed to execute head coach Austin Colby’s game plan to make it two in a row. The Panthers did just that, holding on for a 20-14 win to advance to the Sectional 27 semifinals.
Western’s defense set the tone early, forcing a three and out on West Lafayette’s opening drive. The Panthers responded with a 13 play drive capped by a 14 yard quarterback keeper from Levi Shoemaker, giving Western a 7-0 lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Panthers remained in control.
The lead grew early in the second quarter when Brycen Rucker scored on a four yard run, finishing a 15 play, 80 yard drive to make it 14:0 with 4:42 left in the half. West Lafayette responded before halftime as Koko Steffey broke a tackle and ran 21 yards for the Red Devils’ first score, cutting the lead to 14-7. Western missed a 31 yard field goal as the half expired.
The third quarter remained scoreless, with both defenses holding strong. Western struck again in the fourth quarter as Rucker powered in a one yard touchdown run to push the lead to 20-7 with 10:31 remaining. West Lafayette answered with a nine yard touchdown pass from Blake Biddle to Keaton Bartlet, narrowing the gap to 20-14 with 7:47 left.
The Red Devils threatened late but could not convert on fourth and eight, and Western’s defense made key plays to secure the win. Max Duke broke up a pass on third and eight, and Biddle’s fourth down attempt fell incomplete, sealing the victory.
With the win, Western advances to the Sectional 27 semifinals, where the Panthers will travel to face Frankton on Friday, October 31.
