News Summary
The Westside Patriots defeated the Aquinas Irish 20-14, maintaining their unbeaten streak at 5-0. The thrilling matchup featured strategic plays and pivotal moments, with key performances from Westside’s Elliot Jackson and Josh Crawford. The Patriots’ defense showcased its strength as Aquinas attempted a late comeback. Looking ahead, Aquinas will face Howard next week, while the Patriots enjoy a bye before their next game.
Augusta – The Westside Patriots have emerged victorious against the Aquinas Irish, winning 20-14 and continuing their unbeaten streak at 5-0. This matchup took place on Friday night, showcasing two local teams that had yet to suffer a defeat this season.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Cedric Mason, Westside’s triumph marks an impressive continuation of their dominance in the cross-town rivalry, as they have now claimed victory in eight of their last ten meetings against Aquinas. The game was a nail-biter, characterized by strategic plays and pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Westside began the game strong, advancing to the Aquinas 10-yard line during their first possession. However, an attempt at a field goal was unsuccessful. The breakthrough for Westside came from sophomore running back Elliot Jackson, who scored the first touchdown of the game, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead.
As the game progressed, the score remained in favor of Westside at 7-0 by halftime. Aquinas attempted to stage a comeback in the second half, initially showing promising offensive movement. However, a critical interception by Westside’s senior defensive back De’Antre Charles shifted the momentum back to the Patriots.
Following the interception, Westside executed an impressive 52-yard reverse touchdown run by senior wide receiver Josh Crawford on a fourth-down play, extending their lead to 14-0. Late in the third quarter, Aquinas’s efforts paid off as their quarterback, Turner Stevenson, completed a touchdown pass to Jackson, putting the score at 20-0 for Westside after a missed extra point attempt.
Despite the substantial lead, Aquinas responded with determination. Stevenson connected with senior receiver Jack Rhodes, a Virginia commit, for a touchdown, making the score 20-7 as they entered the final quarter. This touchdown marked Rhodes’ 10th of the season, emphasizing his pivotal role in the Aquinas offense.
Aquinas continued to fight back, converting a crucial fourth-and-long, sustaining their drive late in the game. In the last 20 seconds, the Irish experienced a heart-stopping moment when a potential game-tying play was thwarted as a catch from Kates was ruled out of bounds by the officials following a defensive stand from Westside.
The defensive prowess of Westside has been a significant contributor to their success this season. Notably, their previous victory included a late pick-six against the Academy of Richmond County, showcasing their capability to turn defensive plays into scoring opportunities. Coach Cedric Mason highlighted his team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure as key factors in their latest performance.
Looking ahead, Aquinas is set to face Howard at home next Friday, while the Westside Patriots will have a bye week before returning to action on October 3 against Howard.
This exciting matchup not only added another win for Westside but also highlighted the competitive spirit of high school football in the region, promising more thrilling games as the season progresses.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Game Night Live – Westside vs Aquinas
- USA Today: How to Watch Westside vs Aquinas
- Augusta Chronicle: Westside Football Remains Perfect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Westside vs Aquinas
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
