Local Sports

Patriots spoil Braves Homecoming

GLADSTONE -- The Ishpeming Westwood Patriots rolled the dice early and capitalized while handing the Gladstone Braves a 20-0 football loss at homecoming here Friday night.

Westwood, facing a fourth-and-three situation on its own 27-yard line on its opening drive, converted on an eight-yard run by junior running back Ellis King for a first down, paving the way to its first touchdown.

The Patriots, who marched 80 yards in seven plays during their first possession, took an 8-0 lead on a 45-yard keeper around left end by sophomore quarterback Andrew Beckman.

"The kids believed in themselves and wanted to go for it," Westwood coach Sam Gilles said. "It was great for them to convert and then score on the first drive. That absolutely generated some momentum."

Westwood then executed an onside kick and recovered the ball on the Gladstone 46.

Six plays later, Beckman scored on a QB sneak for a 14-0 cushion midway through the opening frame.

The Patriots added their third TD on Beckman's 36-yard pass to junior wide receiver James Mattila for their 20-point advantage 57 seconds before halftime of this WestPAC Copper Conference match-up.

Gladstone began to show signs of life on its last possession before the intermission.

Junior QB Landon Pepin completed 3-of-4 passes during that drive, including a 28-yard aerial to senior wide receiver Andrew Karl at the Patriots' six as the half expired.

The Braves gave themselves an opportunity early in the third when senior defensive back Nick Proehl intercepted a pass at the Westwood 41 and returned it to the 30.

Gladstone, however, was unable to take advantage and turned the ball over on downs at the 27.

"It was a little too late," Braves' coach Dennis Cannoot said. "It puts you in a situation where you're where you're trying to re-motivate the guys. We're having issues with snapping the ball. We've got to figure out what's going on with our snapping and clean up our technique. We also have to cheer the guys up. We need to get some wins. They're not giving up, but you can't scheme your way through this. You've got to execute."

Gladstone finished with 157 yards in total offense. Junior running back Wyatt Forvilly led the Braves in rushing with 77 yards on 22 carries.

"Wyatt was also playing on defense," Cannoot said. "We're trying to get fresher legs on offense. It's a work in progress."

The Patriots, operating out the I-formation, rushed for 194 of their 280 yards. Beckman ran 15 times for 88 and senior Alex Turek finished with 60 in eight attempts.

"Our defense played lights out," Gilles said. "The kids are playing their tails off. With a young team that's all you can ask for."

Both teams play again Friday with Gladstone (1-4 overall, 0-2 league) hosting top-ranked Menominee and Westwood (2-3 overall, 2-2 conference) facing third-ranked Negaunee at home.