By Sean Duffy

Bay Village, OH– Hard to believe but we are at the midpoint of the 2022 high school football season. it is the time of the year when teams are competing for conference superiority, and also keeping an keen eye on their post season future. Our spotlight game features two teams from the Great Lakes Conference West Division. The Westlake Demons (3-1,0-0) come into the game fresh off a 49-7 Victory over Parma in Week 4. The Bay Rockets (2-2,0-0) are looking to snap a two game losing streak after a 42-14 Loss in week 4 to Valley Forge.

Westlake opened the game by using tempo to drive the ball all the way down the the Rockets !0 yd line, it was there that the Bay defense would force a turnover on downs. The Rockets would spend the remainder of the quarter working their way down the field, leaning heavily on the run game. At the end of the first quarter the score was 0-0 but the Rockets were knocking on the door.

Rockets would open the second quarter with a 3yd TD run by FR RB Charlie Rodgers, a made extra point -gave Bay the 7-0 Lead with 11:56 Remaining in the half.

The Rockets would score again in the second quarter, turning an interception of Demon QB Sam Brucchieri into points. Bay Jr RB Brendan Spellman would cap off another sustained scoring drive with a 3 yd TD Run. Rockets’ increased their lead 14-0 with 6:11 remaining in the half.

Westlake’s offense was finally able to get into a rhythm and find the end zone on their next drive. Westlake Jr RB Matthew Porcelli would score from 6 yds out. Westlake cut the Bay lead 14-7 with 4:20 remaining in the half.

After the Westlake touchdown, Bay’s offensive unit picked up where it left off, grinding out yards and first downs. Rockets RB Brendan Spellman would score his second TD of the night , this time rumbling for 29 yds. for the score. Bay would go into halftime holding a 21-7 lead.

Defense was the story of the third quarter as both teams would hold each other to a stalemate for most of the third quarter. Westlake began to find success after forcing a fumble from Spellman late in the quarter. At the end of the third quarter Westlake still down 21-7, but were deep in Bay territory .

The Demons began the fourth quarter with a 23 yd TD Run from Porcelli , his 2nd TD on the night. Demons cut the rockets lead to 21-14 with 11:30 remaining in the game.

Bay would go back to what had been working all game, running the ball and controlling the clock. The Rockets would score on a 2 yd. TD run from Jr Mac Weingart. Bay’s lead increased to 28-14 with 7:28 remaining in the game.

Westlake would score on their next offensive drive. using a combination of quick passes and an up tempo offense, Sam Brucchieri would connect with Junior WR Kaden Cole for a TD. The Bay lead now stood at 28-21 with 3:37 remaining in the game.

Unfortunately Westlake’s bid for comeback would come up short after a crucial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty gave Bay first down and run the clock out. Bay would walk away with 28-21 victory.

Westlake falls to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in the Great Lakes Conference. The Demons were led offensively by Junior RB Matthew Porcelli, two rushing TDs on the night. Westlake will look to get back on track in Week 6 as they play host to North Olmsted (3-2,1-0).

Bay improves to 3-2 and 1-0 in the Great Lakes Conference. The Rockets were led offensively by Junior RB Brendan Spellman, two rushing TDs in the game. Rocket RBs Charlie Rogers and Mac Weingart would also score rushing TDs. Bay will look to continue their winning ways in Week 6 as they travel to Rocky River (1-4,0-1).

So long from Bay Village!