Mule JV's score win, tie

October 4 , 2007

The Wahkiakum Mule junior varsity football team earned a win and a tie in their last two games.

On September 24, the Mules beat the Mossyrock Vikings 19-8, avenging a defeat earlier this season.

"The game was not as close as the final score," said Coach Kevin Patching. "The mules controlled the game start to finish and had a chance to score three more times, but two fumbles stalled drives. We were able to overcome penalties because of strong running and great line blocking."

Playing good defense were Cameron Elliott, Jeff Vik, Phil Doumit, Tony Tischer, Jordan Fritch and Zach Pierce. Brandon Fudge picked off a Viking pass to set upa Mule score. James Goldsmith played a great game all around running the ball and with a punt block and a fumble he stripped from a Mossy runner.

Bryce McClain gained 169 yards on 16 carries; Zach Schneider gained 94 yards and Goldsmith 36. Fudge had 12 yards rushing and completed two of three passes for 20 yards.

On October 1, the Mules traveled to Toutle and came away with a tie in a hard fought defensive battle.

"I was proud of the kids' effort," Patching said. "We suited up only 15 kids, mostly freshmen, and were able to match a Toutle team that had a roster of 30 including 11 juniors and four seniors. We had six quarterback sacks on the night and many tackles behind the line of scrimmage."

The defensive line of Tischer, Major Thomas, Fritch, and Doumit were in the backfield wreaking havoc all game, Patching said, and that allowed the linebackers to make tackles and have outstanding pass coverage.

The Mules had a chance to score when Schneider picked up a fumble at the 10 and tried to run it in only to be tripped up at the five with no time left on the clock right before half. The Mules twice penetrated the Toutle 10-yard line late in the game but couldn't score.

Schneider led the Mule ball carriers with 37 yards. McClain had 31 yards and Goldsmith 11. Fudge completed two passes. Leading tacklers were Elliott, two tackles and three sacks; Vik, five tackles; Doumit, two sacks; Schneider four tackles, Goldsmith, four tackles and one sack, and Tischer with four tackles.

The team's season record is 2-2-1.