Westover Dominates Monroe 42-21 Behind Simmons’ Game-Changing Pick-Six
UPDATE: In a thrilling clash at Hugh Mills Stadium on July 15, 2023, Westover secured a decisive 42-21 victory over Monroe, fueled by a pivotal defensive play from Kell Simmons that turned the tide of the game. This win not only grants Westover bragging rights but also underscores the rise of sophomore quarterback Gabriel Hopper, who showcased his potential on the field.
The matchup was electric, featuring old teammates turned rivals—Monroe quarterback Keyon Thomas, a former leader at Westover, faced off against Hopper, who now carries the weight of the Patriots’ future.
Thomas struck first, connecting with his brother Calvin and later Jaciune King to give Monroe an early lead of 7-0. However, Westover quickly responded as senior running back Christian Nix sprinted 45 yards for a touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7.
The back-and-forth continued into the second quarter, with Thomas throwing a 50-yard touchdown to former Patriot Jordyn Shorter, reclaiming the lead for Monroe at 14-7. But Hopper, undeterred, delivered clutch passes, including a crucial fourth-down conversion that set up his own touchdown to bring the score to 14-14.
As the game progressed, a high snap over Thomas’ head led to another touchdown for Westover, granting them a 20-14 halftime lead. The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Simmons intercepted a pass from Thomas and returned it for a stunning 90-yard pick-six. This game-changing moment pushed Westover ahead 28-14, dampening Monroe’s hopes of a comeback.
“That play changed everything,” said Westover head coach Corey Joyner. “I’m happy about our performance, but not happy with the penalties. Still, it was a great job by our players and coaches.”
Hopper continued to build on the momentum, scoring early in the fourth quarter. Despite a touchdown run from Thomas, Westover’s defense held strong, sealing the victory with one more score to finish the game at 42-21.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Hopper, who is steadily improving as the starting quarterback following the injury of Jayshaun Bobb. Joyner commended the coaching staff for their mentorship of Hopper, who is proving to be a promising player for Westover.
Monroe’s head coach Lacey Herring acknowledged his team’s effort despite the errors that cost them the game. “All of our guys played their hearts out,” Herring commented. “We gave them three easy scores—two with bad snaps and then the pick-six. Simple mistakes hurt us most tonight.”
With this victory, Westover improves to 6-2 and will host their next game against crosstown rival Dougherty High on July 22, while Monroe’s record falls to 2-6 as they prepare to face Bainbridge.
This matchup not only showcased the talent on both teams but also highlighted the emotional stakes of former teammates now on opposing sides, making it a night to remember for fans and players alike.
