Westfield Shamrocks 2026 football preview

By Craig Adkins

The Shamrocks enter head coach Josh Miracle’s third-year leading the program and look to continue building on their recent post-season success.

Miracle has led Westfield to back-to-back Class 6A state runner-up finishes, both against Hoosier Crossroads Conference rival Brownsburg. Leading the ‘Rocks to a 23-5 record overall in his first two years, they’ve also had a remarkable 12-2 HCC record, going 6-1 against conference foes, with the two losses  coming to the Bulldogs.

“Our mission continues to be centered around each player, manager and coach in our program having a great experience en route to reaching his or her full potential,” said Westfield third-year head coach Josh Miracle.

Junior quarterback Cooper Melvin fully takes over the reins to lead the offense. Last season, Melvin platooned with 2026 grad Aiden Grabowski. The system worked well with the two combining for just over 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air and just over 900 rushing yards. Melvin was 115-181 (.554) for 1,318 yards, tossing four TDs and four INTs. He also ran 42 times for 260 yards and another four scores.

In the backfield, senior Baylor Connor is the top returning rusher with 424 yards on 81 carries and scored 3 TDs. Elliott Clevenger ran for 195 on 81 rushes and scored twice.

Back to catch passes from Melvin are three letter winners. Junior wide receiver Andrew Noble returns 595 yards on 32 receptions and 4 TDs, along with sophomore tight end Caiden Snow, who burst onto the scene as a freshman with 538 yards on his 43 catches, also scoring four times. Junior Henry Everts also provides tight end depth and caught six passes for 59 yards and a TD.

Senior center Allen Pierce (6'2, 200), junior guards Hudson Wood (6'0, 300) and Jack Eberhart (6'2, 275), along with senior Nick Schurman (6'5, 290) and junior Joseph Mavrick (6'3, 250) at the tackles are the starting offensive linemen.  

Defensively, the Shamrocks have three returning starters. A trio of seniors lead the defense. Olu Fapetu (6'0, 207) and Wade Washo (5'11, 200) are back at linebacker spots and Reid Dikos (6'2, 181) patrols the deep middle at safety.

They are all newcomers up front. The D-line will be made up of seniors Adrian Feltrinelli (6'5, 227), Gavin Pasyk (6'1, 255) and Sam Allen (6'0, 225), along with juniors Max Vandergriff (6'5, 221), Sullivan Meehan (6'0, 230) and Connor Smith (6'2, 250).

The kicking game has familiar feet. Senior Diego Herrera returns as one of the state's top placekickers. Herrera converted on 41-45 PATs and 12 of 14 FGs with a long of 39 yards. Nick Beam was a kickoff specialist in 2025 and will be again, as well as taking over duties as punter.

Westfield visited Metropolitan Conference power Ben Davis for their scrimmage on Aug. 14. The Shamrocks begin the season on the road this Friday, Aug. 21 at Homestead. Week 2 brings in Carmel for the home opener at Riverview Health Stadium on Aug. 28.

September starts league play in the HCC at home against Zionsville on Sept. 4. The battle for the Midland Rail Trophy takes place at Beaver Materials Stadium against Noblesville on Sept. 11.

Hamilton Southeastern visits on Sept. 18 mid-season. Then, the schedule shifts to playing both Hendricks County schools with a potential 1 vs. 2 showdown at Brownsburg on Sept. 25 and at home against Avon on Oct. 2.

The regular season closes with an away game at Fishers on Oct. 9 and the regular season finale on Oct. 16 against Franklin Central.

“This fall, we are excited to watch out players throughout our youth, travel, middle school and high school programs compete and represent the Westfield community,” added Miracle.

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