Lumberjacks Slay the Wolverines 40-8
A steady drizzle set the mood for a 7:00 p.m. start last week in Garden Valley, a new atmosphere for a stage that never had Friday Night Lights until this year. The somewhat slippery conditions limited successful passing and attention turned to the running game.
The game started slow, with neither team having success. Finally, on their third drive, a balanced running attack between Owen Hatfield and Jim Tucker marched the ball downfield and ended with Hatfield punching it in from three yards out to give Council a lead it would never relinquish. Two more Hatfield rushing touchdowns put Council up 22-0 at half.
The second half mirrored the first, with a steady rushing diet. Jim Tucker adding two rushing touchdowns and Hatfield adding one more as Council steadily pulled away.
Council’s defense has proven extremely stingy so far this year. In five games, the Lumberjacks have only given up 32 total points (6.4 points per game). If not for 1 long pass and a missed tackle, Garden Valley might not have ever found the end zone in this one.
Council’s secondary has proven difficult to pass against. Garrison Zielinski had two defended passes and Jim Tucker picked off one pass.
The defensive line put pressure on all night. Remington Crowell is an imposing force, usually drawing a double team, and James Yoakum, Wyatt Hatfield, Tucker Armichardy, and Rowan Green kept the quarterback uncomfortable most of the night.
Owen Hatfield led all tacklers with a grand total of 11 (7.5 regular and an additional 3.5 more tackles for loss). Bryson Evans was next with a total of 7.5.
Council’s kicking game looks really good this year. Bryson Evans has a strong leg and in fact, made most of the tackles on his own kickoffs. That has definitely helped win the battle of field position.
Council now sits at 4-1, with the lone narrow loss to #2-ranked Kamiah in the next division up.
There has been a scheduling change, so this Friday, rather than playing Horseshoe Bend (which has canceled their varsity schedule for this year) the Lumberjacks will play Notus in Notus at 7:00 p.m. Then, next Friday the 17th is a home game against a good playoff-caliber team, Salmon River. Finally, Senior Night and the last regular-season home game of the year is the 24th against Tri Valley. That game could potentially feature two of the very top teams in 8-man football with a lot at stake.
Rushing: Owen Hatfield 23 for 166, 4 TD; Jim Tucker 16 for 106, 2 TD.
Passing: Owen Hatfield 4/14 for 42
Receiving: Garrison Zielinski 1 for 28; Bryson Evans 3 for 14.
Tackles: Owen Hatfield 7.5; Bryson Evans 6.5; Garrison Zielinski 4; Remington Crowell 2.5; Brody Davis 2; Rowan Green 2; Jim Tucker 1.5; Wyatt Hatfield 1.5; Tucker Armichardy .5.
Tackles for Loss: Owen Hatfield 3.5; Remington Crowell 2; Bryson Evans 1; Tucker Armichardy 1; James Yoakum .5.
Sacks: Brody Davis 1; Remington Crowell 1; Wyatt Hatfield .5; James Yoakum .5.
QB Hits: Owen Hatfield 1, Remington Crowell 1.
QB Pressures: Remington Crowell 2; Tucker Armichardy 2, Wyatt Hatfield 2.
Interceptions: Jim Tucker 1.
Passes Defended: Garrison Zielinski 2; Bryson Evans 1; Tucker Armichardy 1.
Fumble Recoveries: Bryson Evans 1
