High school football: West defense dominates on road
Published 4:46 am Saturday, October 5, 2019
Staff report
CONCORD — West Rowan and Concord, programs that were perennial state-title contenders in 3A not that long ago, competed under different circumstances on Friday at Bailey Stadium.
West reached the break-even mark (3-3) for the season by rallying for a 38-16 victory.
Concord fell to 0-6. The Spiders have lost 11 in a row dating back to the 2018 season.
Concord made several big plays on special teams and went on top 16-7 in the second quarter with the help of a safety after a fine punt and two long kickoff returns, one for a touchdown.
West turned momentum with two touchdowns to close the first half, and the Falcons owned the second half. The Falcons scored 31 unanswered points.
West Rowan’s defense was dominant, holding Concord to 37 yards and getting interceptions from KJ Hernandez, Reggie Everhart and Daniel Sell. Chaz McCombs had two sacks and a forced fumble. Zeek Biggers and Baiden Suddarth also had impactful games.
Jalen Houston had a rushing TD and a receiving TD. The TDs were the 36th and 37th of his career.
Ty’Kese Warren caught three passes, including a 48-yard TD from Noah Loeblein.
Federico Cruz kicked a field goal and five PATs. Cayleb Brawley and Suddarth had rushing TDs.
West won its third straight against Concord, although the Spiders still lead the all-time series 16-7.
The Falcons start North Piedmont Conference play next week at East Rowan (3-3). Concord starts South Piedmont Conference play at Cox Mill (3-3).
West Rowan 0 21 10 7 — 38
Concord 0 16 0 0 — 16
Second Quarter
CON — Safety
CON — Sledge 2 run (Clark kick)
WR — Houston 43 run (Cruz kick)
CON — Robinson 75 kickoff return (Clark kick)
WR — 3 run (Cruz kick)
WR — Houston 14 pass from Loeblein (Cruz kick)
Third Quarter
WR — Warren 48 pass from Loeblein (Cruz kick)
WR — Cruz FG 30
Fourth Quarter
WR — Brawley 2 run (Cruz kick)
