| Saturday | Nov 28th | 2015 | 2B | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Dome | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Napavine | 0 | 15 | 7 | 7 | 29 | |
| Pe Ell-Willapa Valley | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 | |
Napavine Advances to 2B Final, Looking to Avenge 2014 Outcome
By Steve Dion
Sometimes, a slice or two of humble pie is necessary component to winning a state title. For Coach Josh Fay’s Napavine football team, the Tigers will have the chance to change the result of ’14 when they fell to Okanogan 17-14 in the championship game. Additionally, they would need to even the score against Pe Ell-Willapa Valley who beat Napavine in the regular season 28-27. Would the Tigers earn their opportunity to avenge what happened a year ago or would the Titans punch their ticket to the final?
The Tigers were successful in moving the ball and racking up yardage early in the first half with balanced attack, but did not convert their drives into points. It wasn’t until the second quarter when the Tigers finally found the scoreboard. Quarterback Wyatt Stanley contributed to both scores with one run and one pass to a diving Chase Van Wyck. These touchdowns occurred after the opening score by Pe-Ell Willapa Valley; a 5 yard touchdown run by Kaelin Jurek. The Tigers recorded 133 total offensive yards in the first half; 99 of which were through the air. Conversely, the Titans were limited to 62 yards all of which were on the ground. Would the defensive clamps break in the second half?
The Tigers extended their lead to start the third quarter on a methodical ten-play drive that led to a diving Mac Fagerness reception near the ten yard line where he proceeded to slither through several defenders. Trailing by 15, Pe Ell-Willapa Valley needed a response and they crafted one when Jurek busted through the Tiger goal line formation to cut the deficit. Coach Fluke opted to attempt a two-point conversion to make it a seven point game. The Napavine goal line held strong as Jurek could not repeat what he did a play ago and the Tigers maintained a two-score lead. This uphill battle eventually sunk Pe Ell’s chances to make a comeback and a late pick-six by Cole Van Wyck sealed the deal for the Tigers.
The 2B championship game will be a repeat of last season. After the game, Wyatt Stanley explained “everyone in the community is rallying behind us. It’s fun.” He also added, “We have to stay focused, have a good week of practice, and finish it.” Expect a different outlook by Napavine this time around.
The Final Score:
Napavine 29, Pe Ell-Willapa Valley 13
Top Performer
Napavine
Wyatt Stanley- 7/22, 119 yards, 2 TDs, 18 rush, 52 yards, TD
Pe Ell-Willapa Valley
Kaelin Jurek- 13 rush, 56 yards, 2 TDs