MATT TYSON

Staff Writer

Westwood Middle School football’s defense of its 2025 conference title began in impressive fashion Thursday evening.

Hosting Community to open their 2026 season, the back-to-back Duck River Valley Conference champion Rockets gave the home crowd plenty to cheer for on the way to a 38-0 shutout victory.

The Westwood offense got started on its first drive of the game, reaching the end zone on a 16-yard carry from Berott Clem to put the Rockets on the board. Quarterback Brody Ahlijah went on to connect with Walker Lovelace for a 2-point conversion to make it an 8-0 Westwood lead.

After forcing a fumble on the next Community possession, the Rockets quickly added to their lead on a 5-yard scamper from Brentley Brown for another touchdown. Westwood was unable to complete the 2-point conversion this time around, leaving its lead at 14-0 with 2:39 left in the first quarter.

The Rockets continued to push ahead as the first half continued, adding another touchdown on a 35-yard run to the end zone from Clem. Ryder Hickerson followed on the carry for the 2-point conversion to ultimately put Westwood up 22-0 at halftime.

Clem picked up right where he left off once play resumed, opening the third quarter with a long touchdown run to move the Rockets further ahead. Clem proceeded to add the 2-point conversion as well to make it a 30-0 Westwood lead.

Westwood followed this up with one more touchdown on the evening, this time on a pass from Ahlijah to Lovelace. The two connected once again on the 2-point conversion, bringing the game to what would be its final score.

Westwood (1-0) remains at home to take on Eagleville next Friday evening. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.