Council Cruises 46-8, Advances to State Semifinals
Two familiar foes battled in the state quarterfinals last Friday night, with Council dominating its way to victory. Garden Valley struck first, grabbing a quick 8-0 lead, but Council’s formidable offense then scored the next (and final) 46 points of the game.
Council’s QB/MLB Owen Hatfield was available to play, but has been nursing a sore shoulder, so the plan was to have him suit up, but mostly just be as-needed. Thus, Council’s starting running back, sophomore Jim Tucker, took the helm at QB with another Sophomore Brody Davis starting at running back. Council basically chose an aggressive, direct running attack for this game, with 48 rushes, compared to only 8 passes. Junior Linemen Remington Crowell and Wyatt Hatfield, and sophomore center James Yoakum were up to the task, providing solid blocking throughout the contest.
Tucker led the way with 206 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. Bryson Evans had five carries for 79 yards, including a 56-yard score straight up the middle. Brody Davis added 39 on the ground as well.
Evans, a dynamic playmaker, also added two interceptions, including an 84-yard pick six. Hatfield did enter the game in the second quarter, quickly going 2/2 passing on consecutive plays for 58 yards and a touchdown on a drive that took all of about 30 seconds. Both completions were to the Lumberjacks’ big-play receiver Garrison Zielinski, who made a highlight reel over-the-shoulder catch for the TD.
Defensively, in addition to Evans’ interceptions, Council looked sharp. Remington Crowell put pressure on the quarterback all night, tallying five QB Pressures, a sack, and half a tackle for loss. Carson Roberts had a great night as well, leading the team with 9 solo tackles and two assists, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and breaking up a pass. Even though Council has won four straight District Championships, they have been both cursed and snake bit in the playoffs, suffering early-round defeats for sometimes inexplicable reasons. That curse is finally broken, as Council has now advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2014.
As the #1 seed, they will now host the Carey Panthers, champions of the Sawtooth Conference, in the semifinals. That game will be here in Council this Saturday at 1:00 p.m..
Rushing: Jim Tucker 23 for 206, 3 TD; Bryson Evans 5 for 79, 1 TD; Brody Davis 13 for 39; Thaine Bauer 4 for 7; Beau Hackett 1 for 2; JR Conaway 2 for 2.
Passing: Owen Hatfield 2/2 for 58, 1 TD; Jim Tucker 3/4 for 9; Thaine Bauer 0/2. Receiving: Garrison Zielinski 2 for 58, 1 TD; Ayden Heinemeyer 2 for 6; Bryson Evans 1 for 3.
Tackles: Carson Roberts 10; Brody Davis 5.5, Wyatt Tharp 4.5; Garrison Zielinski 4; Jim Tucker 4; Bryson Evans 3.5; Ayden Heinemeyer 3.5; Tucker Armichardy 1.5; Wyatt Hatfield 1.5; James Yoakum 1; Remington Crowell .5.
Tackles for Loss: Ayden Heinemeyer 1; Remington Crowell .5; Wyatt Hatfield .5.
Sacks: Remington Crowell 1 QB Hits: Wyatt Tharp 2; Ayden Heinemeyer 1; James Yoakum 1.
QB Pressures: Remington Crowell 5; Ayden Heinemeyer 2; Wyatt Tharp 2; Wyatt Hatfield 2.
Forced Fumbles: Carson Roberts 1
Fumble Recoveries: Carson Roberts 2
Interceptions: Bryson Evans 2 (1 TD Ret)
Passes Defended: Brody Davis 3, Wyatt Tharp 1; Carson Roberts 1; Jim Tucker 1.
