Photo Credit: God’s Gifts Photography
Late Score Lifts Warriors Past Huskies
The Crosspoint Christian Warriors (5-0; 8-2) used a fourth-quarter score to get past the Elgin Huskies (4-2; 7-4) in the OSAA On-Point Community Credit Union 1A[8] Football State Championship Quarterfinals 22-20.
Elgin got the first points of the ballgame with a Hunter Myers rushing touchdown from 7 yards out. Crosspoint battled back later in the opening frame when Nate Gibson rumbled for a 76-yard score, with Chris Kelly adding a two-point conversion, giving the Warriors a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter. But the Huskies wasted little time, punching in another score on the next drive with Myers’ second rushing touchdown of the game.
Crosspoint put together a 9-play drive that took them 48 yards downfield, but Baylon Cundall threw an interception that Elgin’s Tyler Perkins returned for six points. Crosspoint added a late second-quarter score when Chris Kelley punched it in from five yards out, but still trailed 20-16 at halftime.
The teams played to a defensive stalemate in the second half, resulting in a scoreless third quarter. The Warriors’ offense finally capitalized on the play of the defense late in the fourth quarter. After Crosspoint forced five consecutive three-and-outs for Elgin, the Warriors marched down the field in six plays and scored when Trey Johnston found Jason Ledgerwood for a 29-yard touchdown. When Elgin got the ball back, Myers threw an interception on the first play, allowing Crosspoint to drain the clock and hold on for the victory.
For Crosspoint, Johnston led the team in passing yards, completing 4/8 passes for 68 yards with a touchdown. Chris Kelly paced the group in rushing yards with 106 and a score. Nate Gibson was a close second, with 105 yards and a touchdown. Gibson also led the team on defense, collecting 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack. Myers finished as the team’s rushing leader for Elgin, amassing 158 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns.
With this win, Crosspoint advances to the state semifinal for the second year in a row. They’ll take on the top-seeded Dufur Rangers in the semifinals. The Warriors and Rangers met earlier this year on September 12th when Dufur beat Crosspoint 20-12. The semifinal will be played on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Summit High School in Bend, along with the 2A semifinal featuring St. Paul and Heppner.
Other Football Scores
The Henley Hornets (5-0; 8-2) made a statement in their 42-0 quarterfinal win over the Estacada Rangers (3-1; 7-4). Henley opened the scoring on their first drive when Joe Janney faked a handoff and scored from seven yards out. The Hornets continued the onslaught, scoring on each of their first four possessions, and nearly their fifth too, but Janney threw an interception in the endzone late in the second quarter. Henley kept the pedal to the metal and would finish 6/8 on scoring drives. Henley’s defense held Estacada, which averages 286 rushing yards per game, to only 92 rushing yards, 120 yards of total offense. Janney finished 8/12 passing with 154 yards and 48 rushing yards with two touchdowns. Jeremiah Brunik led the team in rushing with 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kai Montag had 97 receiving yards and added a catch for a two-point conversion. Henley will face league rival Marshfield in the semifinals. The Hornets defeated Marshfield on October 24th, 21-6. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Grants Pass High School.
The Lost River Raiders (5-0; 10-1) used a potent ground attack to get past the Myrtle Point Bobcats (3-1; 7-4) in the quarterfinals, 30-20. The Raiders outgained the Bobcats 266-79 on the ground. Kyle Diaz was the X-factor for Lost River, completing 6/12 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a team-leading 141 yards. Kellen Dunlea pitched in 88 rushing yards and 102 receiving yards with a touchdown. Drew McDonald also added a receiving touchdown and finished with 20 yards. Lost River advances to the semifinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons and will meet the Bandon Tigers, who are making their first semifinal appearance since 2004. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Grants Pass High School.
Winter Athletics/Activities Begin Practice
With all but one fall sport in the rearview, it’s time to begin winter sports and activities in the Basin. The Oregon Schools Activities Association’s first day of practice is November 17th, meaning basketball players, wrestlers, swimmers, dancers, and cheerleaders all take the first step towards their goal of a state championship.
The first contest date for boys and girls basketball is December 3rd, and two teams from the Basin tip off the season as Lost River hosts Tulelake!
