Tigers continue strong start to season

Celebrating homecoming in front of their faithful fans, the Clatskanie Tigers defeated Vernonia High School 64-0 last Friday, improving their record to 4-0 to open the season.

A 64-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Will Van Voorst to senior Daylon Gutierrez opened the scoring, followed by short touchdown runs by junior Michael Simpson and senior Lucas Andreasen. Two more short touchdown runs by sophomore Landyn Winton and Andreasen brought the score to 36-0 Tigers. Clatskanie's defense briefly took over the spotlight in the second quarter with a 55-yard "pick-six" each for Winton and Gutierrez, bringing the score to 50-0 before halftime.

The second half proved quiet for Clatskanie, as the Tigers only had two touchdown runs, one being the second of the night for Simpson. The Tigers were led through the air by Van Voorst, who threw for 176 yards and a touchdown. Andreasen led all rushers with 107 yards, and Gutierrez led all receivers with 69 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, senior Russ Carver led the team in tackles with seven. Aside from Gutierrez and Winton's twin 55-yard interception returns for a touchdown, junior Gunner Engen led the team with two picks, and senior Quinten Combs contributed with one of his own. Senior Braiden Roden had the lone fumble recovery of the night for the Tigers.

"[It was a] strong team effort all around," said Head Coach Sean Gorley. "We got lots of pressure on their QB to force turnovers. On offense [it was a] very efficient job by Van Voorst. All of our backs ran well behind a solid job from our O-line."

The Tigers (4-0) travel to Gaston Friday, Oct. 3 to take on the Greyhounds (2-2). The team returns home Friday, Oct. 10 to take on Harrisburg at 7 p.m.