Execution wins football games.
Coach Rob Younger said his Huskies played with authority and executed very well Friday, capturing the Capital Conference football title in a 23-6 win over rival Cascade.
The icing on the cake is that the game was the Husky homecoming.
“We could not have had better execution,” Coach Younger said. “We executed very, very well. It was a completely different game than the week before.”
The win clinched Sweet Home’s lock on first place in the league and perhaps as important, provided the Huskies with a home field advantage Friday evening for the opening of the state playoff series. The Huskies will host the Estacada Rangers at 7 p.m.
Friday’s win pushed Sweet Home’s record to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the Capital Conference. Their only loss was to Central. Cascade took the number two spot at 5-2 and Sisters (defending state champs) finished third.
The Huskies played well offensively and defensively. The Huskies rushed 47 times for 311 yards on the ground. Matt Matuszak connected on three key passes for 423 yards giving Sweet Home an impressive 354 yard night.
Husky defenders held the Cougars to 96 yards on 32 rushing attempts. Cascade hit 8 of 20 passes for 120 yards and a 216 yard night.
“A big key for us was our special teams,” Coach Younger said. “B.J. (Emmert) had a great night for us. He averaged 42 yards per punt and a 40 yard net return. We had great field position all night.”
Coach Younger added the Huskies had excellent play from the kickoff and kickoff return teams. “We had a 15 yard advantage on them all night,” he said.
Defensive back Brian Seward had his best game of the season, stopping two major Cascade drives with interceptions. Seward snagged his first Cascade pass in the third quarter at the Husky 29 and ended a 50-yard Cougar drive. His second interception came in the fourth quarter at the Husky 48.
The Huskies took advantage of Seward’s efforts to score on both interceptions.
Senior Andy Ellis again led a well-balanced scoring attack. Ellis carried 20 times for 188 yards and was closely followed by Adam Knight who completed the one-two offensive punch rolling up 106 yards on 20 carries. Ricky Stock carried once for a needed 19 yards.
Ellis scored the Husky’s first TD from the one yard line, culminating a 50 yard series three minutes into the second quarter.
B.J. Emmert’s foot again played a big role for the Huskies with just seconds left in the first half. Emmert kicked off deep into the Cougar’s zone, with the ball settling at the eight. Husky defenders hammered the Cascade offense, causing a fumble, which Emmert recovered from his linebacker position.
With just seven seconds left before half-time, Emmert shifted again to his kicking game, booting a field goal to boost the Huskies into a comfortable 9-0 lead.
Cascade came out of the locker room on fire to start the third quarter, scoring their only touchdown shortly after the opening kick off.
Cougar quarterback Darin Dalke hit Kyle Free for two quick passes, which were followed by a three yard touchdown run by Travis Crossland.
Seward’s first interception of the night was pivotal, four minutes into the third period, giving the Huskies the ball on their 28. Husky quarterback Matt Matuszak connected with passes to Richard Erevia and Matt Kragness to move the football to Cascade’s 31.
Sweet Home pushed the ball to the five, where Adam Knight took it in for a 15-6 lead. Emmert booted the PAT and the Huskies were up 16-6.
Later, Seward stepped into play again, snagging the ball at the 48. Adam Knight got the call from the 40 and raced in for the final Husky tally. Emmert’s foot was again true and Sweet Home went up 23-6 for the league championship.
“Our offense executed very well,” Coach Younger said. “Andy and Adam ran very well. Matt (Matuszak) hit some critical passes.”
Sweet Home’s Yellow Jacket defense including linemen Josh Bondesen, Daniel Brewer, Matt Miner, Jason Rassbach and others, handled Cascade’s offensive punch.
“Our defense kept us in good field position all night long,” Coach Younger said.
This week’s game…The Huskies host the Estacada Rangers at home Friday at 7 p.m. in the opening round of the state playoffs.
“Estacada is a very sound, well-coached team,” Coach Younger said. “They have a great track record and have been in the state playoffs the last four years. They are known for their defense (4-3 front line) with variations. Their offense is similar to ours.”