All-around team effort paved the road to a 34-8 Husky win Friday over the Stayton Eagles.
Senior Andy Ellis scored four touchdowns–his eighth in two games–and rolled up 166 yards to lead his team to their fourth league win (5-2 overall).
All of Ellis’ touchdowns came in the first half. He scored on runs of 2, 27, 4 and 1 yards.
Coach Rob Younger’s Huskies dominated their Capital Conference rivals the entire game, allowing only 30 offensive yards against the starting lineup.
“It was purely a team effort, where all 11 kids were playing well at all times,” Coach Younger said. “Our backs ran hard and our lined blocked well.”
Coach Younger said coaches were so impressed with the team performance they picked the entire offensive line as Huskies of the Week. Players included Josh Starha, Matt Miner, Josh Bondesen, Trevor Burchard, Matt Vassar, Daniel Brewer, Jason Rassbach, Sean Pierce, Richard Erevia and B.J. Emmert.
The Huskies racked up 372 yards on 72 carries for a 5.2 yard average. They were 0-2 throwing.
Ellis carried 22 times for 166 yards. Adam Knight carried 21 times for 83 yards; Ricky Stock had 6 carries for 49 yards; Troy Scott 11 for 40 yards and Levi McCubbins 7 for 30 yards.
B.J. Emmert booted four of five PATs.
Stayton carried the ball 23 times for 19 yards and completed 6 of 14 pass attempts for 56 yards.
“Andy scored all four of his touchdowns in the first half. He only carried the ball twice in the second half. Of 72 running plays, we went outside only twice,” Coach Younger said.
Although the Huskies scored seemingly at will, Coach Younger said the opening series of play stumbled and it took extra effort by senior Matt Kragness to turn the momentum.
The Huskies went three and out on the opening drive, turning the ball over to the Eagles. On Stayton’s third down, a pass play sent an Eagle receiver to within 10 yards of scoring, but Kragness used his excellent speed to track down the threat and halt it at the 10 yard line.
“Our defense held a goal line stand and we drove the ball 89 yards on 17 plays to shift the outcome and momentum,” Coach Younger said.
He added that the Huskies reaped rewards of months of hard work in this game.
“Everyone executed very well,” Coach Younger said. “We looked good on both sides of the ball.”
Defensively tackles Jason Rassbach and Josh Bondesen had excellent games, Coach Younger said.
“Our secondary supported us very well,” Coach Younger said. “When Stayton threw the ball, we were in the right position at the right time.”
This week’s game: The Huskies travel to Central in what could determine the Capital Conference championship. Central defeated Sisters last week.
“They will run out of an I formation and have good running and passing balance,” Coach Younger said. “Defensively they will run out of a 5-2 and will be very aggressive.”
Coach Younger said the two teams match up well on paper.
“Pre season I predicted they would be the league leader,” Coach Younger said. “They started out slow, but built up.”