Tigers varsity football wins close one to remain undefeated

Clatskanie remained undefeated following its 21-14 victory last Thursday at Knappa. Quite the contrast to last week's 55-26 victory over Neah-Kah-Nie, all three of Clatskanie's scores came through the air. The first score of the game by way of a 26-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Will Van Voorst to junior wide receiver Michael Simpson in the first quarter. Van Voorst would connect on a 17-yard touchdown pass with senior wide receiver Daylon Gutierrez in the second quarter to bring the score to 14-0, but Knappa would counter with a 75-yard touchdown pass before halftime to cut the lead in two. Senior Ayden Blackshire caught Van Voorst's third touchdown pass of the night, a 28-yard toss in the third quarter, to bring the score to 20-7. Junior kicker Gunner Engen connected on his third extra point of the night to make the score 21-7.

A late, 81-yard pass by Knappa brought the Loggers to within a score in the fourth quarter. Although the Tigers were held scoreless on the board in the final frame, they managed to hold off Knappa to improve their record to a perfect 8-0.

"Our defense had a great game," said Head Coach Sean Gorley. "Outside of two long pass plays, I felt we dominated the game. Standouts on defense were Ayden Blackshire, Mike Simpson, Russ Carver, and Lucas Andreasen. On offense, we stayed very balanced. Will Van Voorst did a great job of helping with that."

As has been customary with the sophomore quarterback, Van Voorst led the team through the air with 164 yards passing and two touchdowns. Andreasen rushed for 88 yards to lead the team, while Blackshire caught for 93 yards and a touchdown. Blackshire got the lone sack of the game on defense for the Tigers, and Engen executed the team's lone defensive turnover with his fumble recovery. Carver led the teams in tackles with five, and Andreasen led the team in tackles for a loss with two.

The Tigers close (8-0) out their regular season this Friday, Oct. 31 at home against Nestucca at 7 p.m.