West Jeff passes by Harvest Prep
By JEFF GATES
For The Madison Press
Pinball wizard.
Before this generation’s craving for computerized video entertainment, the most hypnotizing game in an arcade was the pinball machine — a contraption where the ball in play would literally bounce off at all angles before the final point total would be determined.
With the flashbulbs of the cameras of an enthusiastic Homecoming crowd lighting the way, both host West Jefferson High School and visiting Harvest Preparatory School filled the field with many highlights.
In the end, Roughriders quarterback Seth Casto proved to be the difference as he combined precision passing with determined running to lead the home squad to a 53-21 victory over the Warriors Friday. West Jeff busted open a once-close contest in the second half.
The victory was the first in what West Jeff hopes is three straight wins over a trio of tough Mid-State League Cardinal Division opponents. The Roughriders face Licking Heights and Liberty Union the next two weeks.
“We will now move on and get ready for the next one,” said West Jeff coach Shawn Buescher. “We have a big road game and have to dialed in from the beginning.”
In a game of electric offensive series, the end of the first half may have epitomized the heart of Casto and his teammates.
With less than a minute remaining before the half, Harvest Prep scored to cut the West Jeff lead to 28-21.
After the Roughriders offense incurred a five-yard penalty, it appeared as though they might be best to just run out the clock.
Buescher and his group had better ideas, however, as West Jeff went on the attack.
First, senior running back Austin Johnson broke through the Warrior defense for a 37-yard jaunt.
Then, with the coolness in the pocket he has shown all season, Casto threw a strike down the middle of the field (into the wind) to Logan Stepp for a 36-yard gain to near the goal line.
After a running loss and an incompletion, Casto capped the drive in very Tim Tebow-esque fashion as he hopped forward, fell back, and threw a strike to Blake Floyd in the back of the end zone. A tremendous catch by Floyd gave the Roughriders a two touchdown lead — with eight seconds to spare before the half.
“That was extremely important,” Buescher said. “We know we have some playmakers who have the ability to score quickly.”
Just as electrifying was the play-making ability of Harvest Prep’s Zachary Yousey. A first quarter run demonstrated Yousey’s talents. He lined up in the backfield and weaved in and out of the Roughriders defense for a beautiful 82-yard run.
The Warriors started off the scoring as QB Josiah Stacy ran in from 32 yards out.
West Jeff answered on their drive with a seven-play, 69-yard series that culminated in a five yard Johnson run.
After the Yousey TD, Casto tied it up with a long scoring pass to Ryan Love. Midway through the second quarter, Casto put the Roughriders ahead to stay with a five yard run. Another Casto to Love connection put West Jeff ahead 28-14.
The rains came right before he half and continued throughout, increasing in strength. The Roughriders mustered a Casto to Mitch Denes pass, a Jake Hatfield run and another Johnson run in the second half to conclude the scoring for the home squad in the blustery conditions.
