COOS BAY, Ore – The Henley Hornets 7-0(4-0) played staunch defense en route to a 29-15 victory over the Marshfield Pirates 5-2(3-1).
It’s been typical for the Hornet’s offense to strike quick this season, and they began the night in explosive fashion. The Henley defense forced a turnover on downs after the Pirates’ first possession, then the offense scored in one play as Shaw Stork found Owen Cheyne downfield for a 74-yard house call. Marshfield coughed the ball up on their next drive when Landon Croff pitched it behind running back John Lemmons. Chris Janney recovered the fumble, then Henley opened up the bag of tricks when a fake run turned into a pass as Logan Whitlock uncorked a 32-yard touchdown pass to Janney.
Both teams seemed to have figured each other out about halfway through the opening quarter, and both offenses turned the ball over often in the first half. Chris Janney forced another turnover with an interception but the Hornets gave the rock right back when Stork threw a pick on the next play. Stork lost the ball again to open the second frame with a fumble recovered by Marshfield.
The teams traded punts then traded turnovers on downs when finally Marshfield broke the stalemate when Lemmons punched it in from three yards out with 1:53 to go in the half. After a failed two-point conversion, Henley again gave the ball back after another Stork fumble. The Pirates took advantage and knocked in a field goal to close the half with a score of 14-9.
In the second half, the Pirates scored first on a touchdown rush from Lemmons, his second of the game and ninth of the season. 15-14 Pirates with 4:43 to go in the third. But the Hornets wasted little time firing back. Henley engineered a three-play 61-yard drive capped off with Cheyne’s second score of the night. He would find the endzone again in the fourth with a 48-yard reception that made the score 29-15 after the extra point. Then, Owen slammed the door with an interception on Marshfield’s next drive.
The 7-0 Hornets had some turnover trouble but still came away with an important league win. Shaw Stork completed 9/15 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Logan Whitlock rumbled for 83 yards on 14 carries. Owen Cheyne torched the Pirates’ secondary for 168 receiving yards and three scores. Marshfield quarterback Landon Croff went 15/31 with 153 yards and two interceptions. Running back John Lemmons carried the ball 33 times for 119 yards and two scores.
This win for the Hornets frames Week 8 as the most important game not only for the #2 Hornets but for the entire 4A classification as they take on #1 Mazama in the South Side Series. Playoff seeding is on the line and you’ll be able to watch for free on mybasin.com
