Power Running Boosts Westfield Past Robinson in Playoffs

After a scoreless first quarter, top-seed  needed a spark against Robinson in the quarterfinals of the AAA Division 6 Northern Region playoffs. The Bulldogs went with the formula that helped produce an undefeated 10-win regular season: Westfield (11-0) put the ball in tailback Kendell Anderson's hands and the senior standout led by example.

Anderson's two rushing touchdowns and 199 yards on the ground, guided the Bulldogs to a 21-3 win over the Rams in a game that was closer than the final score appeared. Robinson (4-7), which lost to Westfield 28-0 on Sept. 23 did not play like an eighth seed. The Rams trailed 7-3 early in the fourth quarter and had opportunities to shock the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to close out the stubborn Rams. Kendell Anderson ran for a 1-yard touchdown midway through the final quarter and a 3-yard play-action pass from senior quarterback Matthew Pisarcik to senior tight end Charles Johnson with four minutes remaining ended the Rams' season.

"Robinson was a tough draw," Westfield head coach Kyle Simmons said, adding about their defense: "They had two inside guys that were all-district and we had a fit with them."

Early in the second quarter, Kendell Anderson found a wide open seam behind his right guard and took a simple handoff all the way to the end zone, untouched for a 61-yard touchdown to give Westfield a 7-0 lead.

"We've been practicing that all practice and my line did the job," Anderson said. "We knew coming in against a Concorde District team like Robinson that we had to step it up."

Robinson stayed in the game with a ball controlled offense that was dictated by using a quarterback option offense with senior Patrick Baker, who ran the ball 14 times for 73 yards.

The Rams' defense held strong for three quarters and came up big by stopping Westfield twice on two separate fourth-and-short opportunities deep inside their own territory, but field positioning hurt Robinson's chance at an upset.

Westfield took momentum early in the fourth quarter by virtue of their special teams punt coverage following a 39-yard punt by Matthew Delaney that was downed at the Robinson 1-yard line. The Rams went 3-and-out and gave the Bulldogs a short field starting at the 42-yard line. Westfield utilized their field position and two minutes later scored on an Anderson 1-yard touchdown dive.

The Bulldogs were helped offensively by senior wide receiver Artie Pickett, who grabbed 7 catches for 50 yards.

Two late interceptions by junior Justin Little and senior Bo Hartman in the final three minutes solidified the victory for Westfield.

The Bulldogs will play West Potomac next Friday in the Division 6 Northern Region semifinals. Westfield previously beat the Wolverines 31-10 on Oct. 14.

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