Y1, G5 - vs Tulane
Report by Isaac Robinson - October 7th, 2018
Swarm improve to 2-4, taking down struggling Cincy in OT thriller
381 yards, 4 scores for Henderson, but also 3 turnovers -- Big plays save the day -- Still a lot of question marks for this team
B.J. Henderson had a career day, even with his 3 turnovers
Westlake, OH -- "F--k yeah!", yelled Dion Barkley as
Johnny Nash ran in a 2 yard TD to walk the Swarm off in OT. "Let's go!" The rookie head coach was all smiles as he celebrated his team's OT triumph over now 1-4 Cincinnati.
This game got off to a flying start, as
B.J. Henderson had 3 rushing scores and a passing score in just one half of play as Westlake State had by far their best offensive half of the season, putting up 28 points. Not to be outdone,
Nick Powell and Cincinnati scored 27 points of their own, with Powell carving up the Swarm for 199 passing yards and a score, completing 16 of 18 passes through 2 quarters.
There were big plays everywhere, as Cincy started with a bang, scoring in just 3 plays, with tailback
Lee Gandy finding a crease and finding the endzone from 32 yards out to open the scoring. A 9 play drive saw the Swarm equalize, with Henderson running one in from 14 yards out.
Gandy gets into the endzone
The Bearcats kicked a field goal, and then Westlake State turned nothing to something, as a sputtering drive ended with Henderson running in another score, this time scrambling to get in from 35 yards out on a 3rd and 8. Cincy scored again, forced a punt and then kicked a field goal, before Henderson (and
James Thompson) sliced through the defense to the tune of 10 yards a play for another quick score. 21-20, Swarm. But then the Bearcats would score in just 2 plays, as Nick Powell found
Cam Reddick for 18, then his main man
Will Valentine took a curl route 52 yards to the house thanks to a huge stiff arm after the catch.
Danny Wilson got demolished by Valentine here
B.J. Henderson would throw a questionable pick, the first of 3 turnovers that blighted his career day, on a corner route. It was reviewed, but upheld. Check out the picture below, this one was questionable for sure.
Definitely looked out of bounds
Anyway, Westlake State held firm, sacking Powell to force a 3rd and long where he couldn't complete the pass into tight coverage. The punt from
Eric Odom was inch perfect, and the Swarm would start at their own 1.
James Thompson picked up 7, then 6, and then Henderson found
Jon Smith for 10 on a slant. 2 plays later with just 21 seconds to go in the half, Smith caught a pass on a 15 yard in route, and with 3 defenders closing in on him, broke a tackle, put his foot in the ground and went the other way, gaining 63 yards and setting the Swarm up with a 1st and goal. 2 plays later, he capped the drive with a great grab over the middle for a TD.
Smith made a beautiful grab on this slant route
At the half, Westlake State led 28-27, and everyone was expecting a basketball score. The Swarm got the ball to start the 3rd, and the drive was going well until
Josh Roach dropped a wide open deep ball that would have gone for a score, then an option mishap saw B.J. Henderson pitch the ball to absolutely no one, and Cincinnati recovered. But again, the Swarm defense came up big and held the Bearcats to 3 points.
Westlake State scored, with Roach making up for his drop with a huge 39 yard catch and run to set up Johnny Nash for a goal line TD. Westlake State went for 2 and converted, a decision that proved to be absolutely crucial.
The offenses were shaky the rest of the way, as the Swarm wouldn't score again until OT, and the Bearcats' only points came from 2 field goals. Westlake State nearly blew it, as with 2 minutes to go, Henderson was pressured and threw a pick on a 3rd and long near midfield. Cincinnati ball at the 49. But sophomore corner
Mark Landrum put the team on his back, taking the ball right back as he picked off Powell to save the game. The Swarm would go 3 and out, but Cincinnati couldn't get anything going either.
TOP: Not sure who Henderson was looking for. BOTTOM: Mark Landrum saves the game.
Overtime. Nick Powell completed a pass to Lee Gandy, then misfired. On the ensuing 3rd and 4, Powell took a shot at the endzone. He overthrew his man, and
Shannon Wilkinson came up with his first pick of the season. Westlake State scored in 3 plays, with Nash scoring the walk-off from 2 yards out. Ballgame.
Wilkinson's INT
B.J. Henderson was reserved after the game, not sounding too hyped up over his performance.
True freshman tailback
Frank Nelson left the game in the 3rd quarter with an upper body injury and would not return, but he is not expected to miss further time.
Senior James Thompson posted 100 yards rushing for the first time this seaspn, as the Swarm ran for 308 as a team. It was a great showing on the ground, with the offensive line opening running lanes all day.
But as good as the line was blocking for the run, they were as bad at protecting B.J. Henderson. The sophomore QB was sacked 3 times, and it would certainly have been more if he wasn't able to escape the rush so well.
Westlake State will remain at home next week, hosting 1-4 UConn. We will see if the offense can continue to put up good numbers.
Nothing but green in front of Henderson on this 35 yard TD scramble
Henderson and Smith celebrate postgame
James Thompson had his best game of the season