(Photo courtesy of Jesse Dugas for the Illinois Valley News)
The Illinois Valley High School football team had its first football playoff game since 2011.
In a muddy contest in Gaston, Oregon Nov. 3, the Cougars came out on top 16-12.
According to first year head coach, Jonathan Reece, “The field conditions were decent to start which helped our offense move the ball.”
In the first half No. 7 junior Zack Dugas threw for 101 yards and one touchdown to No. 22, senior Jozia Williams. Williams was also credited for one sack and five tackles on the night.
On the ground the Cougars scored a second touchdown by No. 23, sophomore Tanner Brazil who also had six tackles and two interceptions on defense.
The second half the field fell apart and both teams struggled offensively. “Muddy and raining, we struggled to move the ball at all and the defense kept us in the game,” Reece said. Reece said three fumble recoveries and Brazil’s two interceptions occurred in the second half.
The Cougars will be moving on to face the No. 1 seed Weston-McEwen / Griswold at Hermiston High School near Pendleton Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.
Reece has high hopes that the team’s speed on the outside will work well with the Weston’s man to man defensive coverage; the IVHS athletes should be able to run well on the synthetic turf. “If we stop the run, they have a great running back; I think we will be alright, it will be a dogfight for sure with us on top,” Reece stated.
If things go well Saturday, the Cougs will move on to a natural site to play the winner of the Regis vs. Heppner Nov. 18.
Go Cougs!