Westfield's Winning Streak Continues, Tops Noblesville 38-18
Westfield's Winning Streak Continues, Tops Noblesville 38-18
The 2024 edition of the Millers vs Shamrocks fight for the Midland Rail Trophy didn’t disappoint, with the Shamrocks extending their dominance in the rivalry with a 38-18 win Friday night. Entering the game, Westfield had won the last nine meetings between the two teams, and they were looking to make it ten in a row—and they did so in convincing fashion.
Westfield, widely considered the top team in Indiana, continued their early-season dominance, following decisive wins over Center Grove, Carmel, and Zionsville. On the other side, Noblesville came in hungry, aiming to snap their losing streak in the series.
Noblesville got the opening kickoff, but the Shamrocks' defense set the tone early, forcing a punt after a quick three-and-out. A poor punt gave Westfield prime field position on the Millers’ 21-yard line, but Noblesville’s defense answered the challenge. On 3rd and 4, Westfield fumbled, and Noblesville’s Owen Swinford recovered on his own 7-yard line, momentarily keeping the Shamrocks out of the end zone.
However, Westfield’s relentless pressure forced another three-and-out, and a costly personal foul on the ensuing punt set the Shamrocks up at the Millers' 16-yard line. This time, Westfield capitalized. Senior RB/LB and Ball State commit Mikeah Webster punched it in from short yardage, giving the Shamrocks a 7-0 lead with 5:09 left in the first quarter.
Late in the first quarter, after another defensive stand, Westfield added to their lead with a 35-yard field goal by Owen Wright, making it 10-0 as the first quarter wound down.
The Millers responded with a lengthy, methodical drive that chewed up over 10 minutes of game time. Pounding the ball between the tackles, Ty Holmes capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:50 left in the first half. However, a botched snap on the extra point attempt left the score 10-6 in favor of Westfield.
Westfield quickly threatened again with a strong return on the ensuing kickoff, but penalties derailed the drive. Noblesville’s defense stepped up, with James Wilhelm sacking Westfield’s quarterback to push them back, leading to a blocked 47-yard field goal attempt as time expired in the first half. Westfield entered the locker room clinging to a 10-6 lead.
In the second half, the Shamrocks wasted no time extending their lead. A 10-yard touchdown run by Carsen Melvin with 7:31 left in the third quarter made it 17-6. Noblesville’s next drive stalled on fourth down, and a fumble gave Westfield the ball back. Melvin struck again, this time finding Gabe Aramboles for a 17-yard touchdown pass to put the Shamrocks comfortably ahead, 24-6, with 4:29 left in the third quarter.
Noblesville, however, wasn’t done yet. After a big pass play to Aiden Brewer got the Millers deep into Shamrock territory, Ty Holmes punched in his second touchdown of the night from 2 yards out. A botched fake field goal attempt on the extra point left the score at 24-12.
Holmes continued to shine as he recovered the ensuing onside kick with under five minutes to play. Noblesville QB Max Miller then connected with James Wilhelm for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 3:44 left, closing the gap to 24-18 after another botched extra point attempt.
But Westfield answered right back. Melvin and Aramboles connected once again, this time for a 50-yard touchdown strike, stretching the lead to 31-18 with just over three minutes to go. Any hopes of a Millers comeback were dashed when Drew Law intercepted a pass and returned it 57 yards for a pick-six, putting the final stamp on the game at 38-18.
With the win, Westfield improved to 4-0 on the season and retained the Midland Rail Trophy. Next week, they will face Hamilton Southeastern next Friday in a much-anticipated matchup at home. Noblesville, now 2-2, will look to rebound on the road against Zionsville.