Carmel’s Jacob Bellin scored a second-quarter touchdown for the Greyhounds during their game with Westfield. (Joshua Herd)
By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – The Carmel Greyhounds are hungry, and they got a big taste of success in their Week 2 football game Friday, Aug. 29.
Carmel played a dominant first half against Westfield, then held off a Shamrocks run during the second half, culminating in a 34-10 victory at Carmel Stadium. The Greyhounds are now 2-0, and getting closer to reclaiming their place at the head of the table.
“I wouldn’t say we’re back,” said Greyhounds quarterback Anthony Coellner. “I’d say we’re on the right track.”
The Greyhounds’ defense led the way, and it was clicking right from the start. Carmel held the Rocks to five consecutive three-and-outs for their first five drives, only allowing Westfield 16 yards of offense. The Shamrocks didn’t get a first down until there was 1:10 left in the second quarter, and that was on a Greyhounds penalty.
“I feel like the defense played outstanding,” said Coellner.
Meanwhile, Carmel’s offense was cruising. Matthew Obermeier got the Hounds on the board with a 42-yard field goal at the 8:15 mark of the first quarter. Quarterback Anthony Coellner stepped up late in the first quarter, sending a 25-yard touchdown throw to Jacob Bellin. Obermeier’s kick gave Carmel a 10-0 lead at the end of the period.
Coellner tossed a 36-yard pass to Dominic Shockley early in the second period that got the Greyhounds to the one-yard line. Ayden Johnson punched it in for the touchdown and Obermeier made another extra-point kick, putting Carmel up 17-0. Obermeier finished the half with a 35-yard field goal, and the Greyhounds led 20-0 at the break.
Westfield got on the board in the third quarter when Diego Herrera made a 39-yard field goal. That sparked the Shamrocks, and a 48-yard throw from Aiden Grabowski to Andrew Noble brought Westfield down to the two-yard line. Grabowski punched it in for the touchdown, followed by Herrera’s extra-point kick.
The Shamrocks made another fourth-quarter drive, but it stopped in the end zone when Greysen George made an interception. Coellner scored with 5:39 left in the game by making a 30-yard TD run, then Andrew Pemberton rushed 32 yards for a touchdown with 2:28 left. Obermeier kicked both extra points.
“I’m really proud of the seniors,” Carmel coach Kevin Wright told the team after the game. “You deserved it.”
The Greyhounds host Centerville (Ohio) this Friday, Sept. 5, while Westfield is 1-1 and plays Zionsville that same night to begin Hoosier Crossroads Conference play.
