The Woodstock High School Blue Streaks lost a conference matchup against the Burlington Central Rockets in front of a home crowd Sept. 29 at Larry Dale Field. Both teams were looking for a win after coming off tough losses the week before, and the Rockets came up with it, decisively defeating the Streaks 55-16.
The Rockets got on the scoreboard first with a touchdown pass just over five minutes into the game. Another big pass play by Burlington at the end of the first quarter with a good extra-point kick gave the team a 13-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
WHS senior Mickey Gardner forced a Rocket fumble early in the second quarter, but the Streaks were unable to capitalize on the opportunity and score. Tackled while carrying the ball, starting quarterback senior Tanner Heidtke was slow getting up, and an injury time out was called. Sophomore Michael Purkey took over in the quarterback position.
With 10:17 left in the second quarter, the Streaks were in field goal range, and junior Caleb Warmbier booted a 35-yard kick to put WHS on the scoreboard, 13-3.
The remainder of the second quarter belonged to the Rockets, who crossed the Streaks’ goal line five times to end the first half with a 45- point lead, 48-3.
Scoring again in the third quarter, the Rockets increased their lead to 55-3.
In the fourth quarter, senior Jonathan Simpson came in as quarterback. With 8:16 left in the game, WHS freshman Max Walrod snagged an interception, opening the door for Simpson, who ran the ball in for a touchdown with 5:52 left in the quarter, bringing the score to 55-10.
With 2:36 left in the game, Simpson was able to run the ball into the end zone again for a touchdown and a final score of 55-16.
Simpson, who plays running back and linebacker, said, “I have faith in my team. I do whatever they need me to do.”
Senior wide receiver and defensive back Dylan Grisolia said of the Rockets, “They played fast, and they had some big guys. They kept getting to our quarterback.” On the plus side he said, “Our pass plays were working well when our line blocked.”
WHS head coach Tommy Thompson said turnovers were a factor in the loss as well as injuries taking some players out of the game and forcing others to play out of position. He said practice this week will focus on blocking and work back from there.
He credited his team for their attitude and sportsmanship. He said, “There was no negativity on the sidelines. I’m proud of them. They kept battling and never gave up.”
He said, “We have three games left. I think we’ll get some of them.”
With a record of 4-2 for the season, WHS will face the Johnsburg Skyhawks (6-0) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in Johnsburg.