Warriors spoil Manila's season opener, 36-8

Westside ended three years of frustration against Manila, defeating the Lions 36-8 in the two teams’ season opener Sept. 1 at Warrior Field.

After a scoreless first quarter, Westside exploded, scoring three touchdowns to take a 21-0 halftime lead. Kody Anderson got the Warriors on the board with a 20-yard dash at the 8:43 mark and Tristan Escue tacked on the first of his four extra points.

David Fowler bulled in from four yards out with 3:13 left in the half to give Westside a 14-0 advantage.

Lion quarterback Lane Sims runs away from a Westside defender during the Warriors' 36-8 victory over Manila Friday, Sept. 1, at Westside. 

Logan McPherson capped off the first half with a 51-yard run with just 38 seconds left before intermission. The touchdown gave the Warriors a 21-0 halftime lead.

Westside struck again midway through the third quarter on a 13-yard touchdown scamper by Garrett Robinson.

McPherson tacked on a 47-yard dash early in the fourth period to give Westside a 36-0 lead.

Manila defensive end David Keys (60) teams with linebacker Hunter Tarver, stopping the progress of Westside running back Garrett Robinson. (Town Crier photos/Trent Fletcher)

Manila finally got on the scoreboard when Sims hit Hamilton with a 39-yard touchdown pass with 5:24 left in the game. Sims’ two-point run finished off the scoring on the night.

Westside rolled up 377 yards, all on the ground, on 43 plays. McPherson led the Warriors with eight carries for 161 yards. Fowler had 11 totes for 77 while Robinson finished with 11 rushes for 70 yards.

The Lions had just 40 yards rushing on 24 carries. Hamilton led Manila on the ground with six carries for 16 yards. Sims rushed 12 times for 13 yards, Carter had two carries for six while Cameron Wilson had four totes for five yards. The Lions lost two fumbles on the night.

Sims completed 9-16 passes for 105 yards while Hamilton was 0-1 with an interception. Robert McCallie led Manila in receiving with five receptions for 49 yards. Hamilton snared two passes for 40, Layton Staggs grabbed one reception for 12 yards while Grant Salzer caught one pass for four yards.