By Joseph Krum

staff writer

@joseph_krum

Saying Charles West had an explosive game is an understatement. The senior running back/kick returner totalled 158 total yards and 2 touchdowns in just his first 2 touches, including a 75 yard kick return, leading Coppell to a 42-3 win over Hurst L.D. Bell.

“The team came out with a great win,” West said. “We needed the confidence after the spank [61-34] we got last week, but we came out this week ready to play them and we showed it.”

After surrendering a field goal on the opening drive, West caught the opening kickoff at the 17 yard line and never looked back.

“I was just excited to get onto the field,” West said. “The (L.D. Bell) offense was on the field basically the whole quarter. I was anxious, and when I got onto the field I showed that I was ready.”

Soon after, the Cowboys took over on their own 25, and yet again, West showed his ability to control the game. On the first play, he took a pitch from quarterback Skyler Bonneau and then ran 75 yards into the endzone.

“I just did what I do,” said West. “The linemen blocked for me, and I am going to take it to the house every time I can.”

Although West had a big impact running, averaging over 21 yards per carry, he and the special teams definitely contributed immensely to the win.

“I thought we did great,” special teams coach Karl Pointer said. “The first kickoff return, we took it to the house, and that really put us back in the game after being on the field a long time. The onside kicks were great, they gave us a chance to get our offense back on the field and our defense off the field. Everyone executed really well. Special teams is a big part of the game, and we have kids that buy in and take a lot of pride into it.”

Another big aspect of special teams this game, other than the big return, was kicker Tyler Smith and his kickoffs. With one onside and plenty of touchbacks, he pinned L.D. Bell deep plenty of times and helped the defense stay off the field.

“I think our kicking game came along really well. Tyler Smith did a great job,” Pointer added. “Last week he did not have a too great of a night, but this week he really bounced back. He had a great week of practice, and he is really doing the things we are asking him to do, I am really proud of him.”