West hopes romp leads to better things

By Brian Meadows | Statesville R&L

Published: October 29, 2009

West Iredell steamrolled West Wilkes 45-0 on homecoming Friday night.

Will such a rout in a nonconference contest against a noticeably weaker opponent help or hurt the Warriors entering a crucial stretch?

Stay tuned.

West Iredell coaches and players saw the victory as a springboard heading into the final two games of the season, though.

"It gives us a boost to come out and practice hard … and hopefully win those games," said running back L.J. Harper, who rushed for 130 yards against West Wilkes, including four touchdowns, which tied the school record.

The Warriors (4-5) can finish above .500 and improve their playoff seeding with victories against Carson on Friday and Statesville next week.

West Wilkes may just have been the beginning of a winning streak to end the regular season.

"I think the big thing for our kids, this was a fun Friday night, where they got to enjoy 48 minutes," West head coach Mark Weycker said. "The thing is to carry it over into the next two weeks, because they're really important ballgames for us."