Westside- The Baldwin Indians are 3-0 after their victory on the road against Westside 24-7. The Indians upset Bradford in week #2 , in a game that showcased their ability to win with defense and special teams as their kicker Zach Norris scored all of the Indians offensive points. Going into their game against an undefeated Westside team, they wanted to capitalize on big plays. And early on they did.
After a Westside punt, Baldwin would go to work on offense. However, the Wolverine defense and special teams would step up big. First, Jordan Hall sacked Baldwin quarterback Bryce Tompkins forcing a fumble that was recovered by Westside. Yet the Wolverine offense was unable to do anything on the drive, turning the ball over on downs. Next, Westside would block a punt taking over the ball in Indian territory. Again, the Westside offense would struggle.
While Westside’s offense struggled, Baldwin’s offense got hot as Bryce Tompkins hit Christian Sanderson on a 50-yard touchdown pass to put the Indians on the board first 7-0. Tompkins would hook up with Sanderson a second time in the game, this time on a 40-yard touchdown pass down the left side to put Baldwin up 14-0.
Westside’s offense continued to turn the ball over as Baldwin recovered an errant snap. Good news for the Wolverines was that their defense would keep them in the game. Chadwick Martin would sack Tompkins twice in the game. Ahmari Mahan and Justin Bradley made big hits on defense, and they galvanized their team in the second half.
In the third quarter, Westside would finally get on the board when quarterback D.J Otis took a direct snap around the right side 25-yards for a touchdown closing the Baldwin lead to 14-7.
Baldwin would respond like a team craving it’s third win on the season. Tompkins hit Sanderson on a big 70-yard touchdown catch and run, however the play was called back due to a penalty. Tompkins would continue to sling it with is big arm, and this time Xavier McGriff would be on the receiving end of the touchdown.
Baldwin would add a field goal by Zach Norris, and dominate on defense to suffocate Westside. Theo Harris intercepted a pass, and recovered a fumble on a sack by Aaren Sims. Defensive lineman Dale Walker accumulated sacks, and linebacker Gregory Washington registered sacks and led the team in tackles. Their efforts is what has Baldwin undefeated, and what bumped Westside (2-1) from the unbeaten.
Baldwin faces West Nassau (2-1) on a short week, while Westside takes on Jackson (1-1).
