Trenton Thompson(#25) runs over a Community defender on his way to his 4th quarter TD on Thursday night. (Photo by Rachelle Long)
A fumble recovery by Will Partin in the final minute helped preserve a 21 to 14 win for Westwood on Thursday night at Community. The win preserved an outstanding defensive performance by the Rockets.
A hard fought first half saw Westwood take an 8 to 0 lead into the intermission after Reynaldo Ramirez punched in a touchdown run and Trenton Thompson added the 2 point conversion. Community, who was held without a first down in the first half, scored early in the 3rd quarter to cut the deficit to 2 after the missed PAT.
Ramirez and Thompson each added a second half touchdown as Westwood made an adjustment at the half to attack the weak side of the Community defense. Ramirez kicked an extra point to extend the Rockets lead to 21 to 6 in the 4th quarter but the Vikings were not about to give up. Community added a touchdown with 1:30 left in the game and the 2 point conversion made it 21 to 14. The Vikings recovered the ensuing onside kick and marched the ball inside the 10 with 57 seconds left on the clock. On first and goal, Community fumbled on a lateral and Partin fell on it to give the Rockets the road win.
The road win is the first win away from Dyer-Bouldin Field in over a year for the Rockets. “It is great to beat a team with a lot of skill players“ said Coach Chad Dyer following the game. He went on to say, “it is great to find a way to win a game that is that competitive (at the end of the game).” After a police escort home by the Manchester Police Department, Westwood will take on Moore County at Dyer-Bouldin Field on Thursday in a 6:30 PM game. Thunder Radio will bring you the broadcast of the game as part of the 1st National Bank Hometown Sports Series.
