Westside High School football remains undefeated with a 44-27 region win over Baldwin on Friday, Oct. 24.
The Patriots continue make history this season as not only are they looking for their first region championship since 2000 but are also looking for their first undefeated regular season since 1982. Even more remarkable is the streak comes under a first-year head coach, Cedrick Mason.
“Hats off to the administration staff for giving me the opportunity to come lead these young men,” Mason said. “The coaches I have on staff are committed to the players and this program. We came together in a short amount of time, and we all have a common goal of mentoring young men and playing decent football.”
After a low scoring defensive first half, the game changed completely as the Braves began the third quarter with an opening kickoff return touchdown by Jerrick Carswell. A missed extra point gave Baldwin a 13-7 lead.
Tamari Curry answered by scoring his first touchdown of many after a 28-yard run, giving the Patriots a 14-13 lead.
Westside followed that score on their next drive with a 98-yard drive by quarterback Jaylen Stone and Curry rushed in his second touchdown of the game.
After a fumble for a safety to end the third quarter, Westside continued to get on the board as Curry rushed in his third touchdown of the game on a 13-yard rush, giving the Patriots a 30-13 lead.
Baldwin did score and recover an onside kick to cut the Patriots lead to 10.
The Patriots defense would make one of the best plays of the night, forcing a fumble for a touchdown.
Curry sealed the Patriots win as he broke off a 55-yard rushing touchdown. Not only did Curry rush in four touchdowns, but he would also finish with 334 yards.
“I preached them all week, Baldwin was better than their record shown and they did well offensively and defensively,” Mason said. “They have a ton of playmakers, and I told my guys not to worry about their record because they are going to come to play. This is the most points we gave up all season, so hats off to them.”
Mason also praised Curry and the o-line’s performance after the game.
“He is definitely one of one,” Mason said.“He told me he wanted to have a great night tonight and he did, and the offensive line came up big.”
Westside will now advance to play another undefeated team for the region title in West Laurens for the region championship next Friday, Oct. 31.
“They are tough and got a pretty good running back themselves and he can’t be stopped either, so we need to contain him,” Mason said. “We take our fans with us and the band and put on a good show for everyone and hopefully come out victorious.”
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
