In the first round of the playoffs the Eisenhower Hurricanes, and the Beaumont Westbrook Bruins looked to get the upper hand in this loser goes home playoff game. Both teams came in with perfect records in their districts, and would be one of the most evenly matched games compared to others in the area.
The stadium was filled to capacity, as both schools came to cheer on their teams in their 2009 playoff debuts. Beaumont Westbrook opened the game with a lengthy drive from deep in their own territory all the way to the Hightower goal line, as Jeremy Cooper ran in for the touchdown; Westbrook failed to convert the extra point, as the Bruins took the lead 6-0 with five minutes to go in the first quarter. Hightower quickly demonstrated why it had an undefeated record in the district with a spectacular running game. Joshua Wilhite would run the ball up the heart of the Westbrook defense untouched as he zipped into the end zone from 13 yards out giving his team the lead with the extra point conversion 7-6. Beaumont Westbrook began the second quarter in the same fashion as the last drive.
Both teams were having trouble stopping the other, and this quickly turned out to be a grudge match between two potent offenses. Westbrook once again crossed the field with a balanced play calling, mixing in running plays, and short pass plays that kept the Hightower defense on its toe’s throughout this game. To culminate this drive, Bruce Reyes would find a wide open Reggie Begelton in the end zone for the 5 yard touchdown pass. But Hightower would quickly respond with a spectacular play of their own. Justin Rosborough found Tee Bracey 6 yards in with double coverage, to once again put the Hurricanes on top 14-13.
As both teams began to look forward to the half time, the Bruins got into field goal range, and Dominic O’Neal split the uprights as the game clock expired putting Westbrook on top 16-14 over Hightower at halftime. As the second half got underway, the Westbrook offense would continue its hot streak, this time with the running game as Jeremy Cooper out ran the Hightower defense to the end zone with a long 45 yard run for the touchdown. But the Hurricanes seemed reluctant to lose on this night, this time John Parrham would tuck it in from four yards out to put Hightower in distance to win the game with a field goal. However, on the next possession Westbrook would fail to reach the end zone and would settle for a 23 yard field goal that would be converted successfully by Dominic O’Neal.
The Hurricanes would have less than two minutes to reach the Westbrook end zone, but would fail to do so on the last play of the game as Westbrook intercepted a pass that would seal the victory for the Bruins. Final score, 26-21.
Beaumont Westbrook will face Katy Cinco Ranch at Rice Stadium this Thanksgiving weekend. Congratulations to the Hightower Football team for a spectacular 2009 season, and playoff run.
