Westside 13 TR 12: Special Teams Made The Difference

ANDERSON - Travelers Rest and Westside squared off in a key Region 1 AAAA game on Friday. Both teams played keen defense but it was special teams that made the difference. Westside escaped with a 13-12 win and improved to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in region play. TR fell to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the region. TR's chances of a region championship melted a bit but the Devildogs are still in the hunt - they just need a little help from other teams.

Trailing 3-0 late in the first half Riley Gilbert intercepted a Ram pass inside the Westside 10 yard line. TR drove to the one yard line where Cam Henderson took it in for a Devildog 6-3 lead. The ensuing PAT attempt failed

and would become the difference in the final outcome of the game.

Westside was held in check by Devildog defenders until late in the third quarter. The Rams tied the contest at 6-6 off of a 42 yard field goal by Bryce Earley.

In the fourth quarter TR defenders forced a Westside fumble but the Rams recovered when Joshua Williams scooped the ball and raced 25 yards for a touchdown. The PAT kick was good for a Westside 13-6 lead.

TR responded with a 49 yard touchdown pass from Cam Henderson to Caleb Mills to make it a 13-12 game. TR attempted a two point conversion but the attemp was denied.

In other Region 1 AAAA games Walhalla improved to 2-0 by whipping Easley 25-14 and Pickens fell in a non-region game against Hillcrest 28-13.

This week Travelers Rest will have to derail the Walhalla Razorback express which is unbeaten this season. Walhalla will invade Chico Bolin Stadium at 7:30. Again, the ticket situation which favors team parents and students, will be strained. Pickens will test Easley on Friday while Westside hosts Pendleton in a non-region encounter.