Tigers bite Mules in 4th quarter rush

Mules’ quarterback Brandon Fudge lobs one over the heads of the Tigers line during the second quarter of the game Friday night. Photo by Stevan Morgain.

The Napavine Tigers pounded out a 27-7 Central League football victory over the host Wahkiakum Mules last Friday.

The Tigers scored early in the fourth quarter to break a 7-7 tie.

"That gave them the momentum," commented Mule Coach Eric Hansen. "They started believing they could win."

Napavine went on to score three times in the fourth quarter to claim the win.

The Tigers opened the scoring on Micah Brown's five-yard run at 6:50 in the second quarter. Zach Wichert kicked the extra point.

The Mules responded with a good drive capped by Bryce McClain's 36-yard run. Lars Blix kicked the conversion to tie the game 7-7 at 4:47 of the second quarter.

That score stood until the first play of the fourth quarter when Brown scored on a four-yard run. Subsequent Mule turnovers gave the Tigers good field position and Brown scored on runs of 26 and eight yards.

The Mules had nine first downs, 243 yards rushing and 20 yards passing. They were called for eight penalties for 50 yards and lost four of four fumbles.

Mules’ running back Bryce McClain carries the ball down the field for a first down. Photo by Stevan Morgain.

.McClain gained 109 yards; Zach Schneider had 56, and Joel Nicolazzi 10. Ty Bain had 12 tackles, Brett Chaput 11 and Luke Thomason 10.

The Tigers had 11 first downs, 220 yards rushing and 30 yards passing. They were called for five penalties for 30 yards; they lost three of four fumbles. Brown led the rushing attack with 126 yards.

The Mules head to central Washington this week. They'll take on Davenport on Saturday, 1 p.m., at Othello High School.

They will host the combined team of Morton/White Pass October 23 in their homecoming football game.

See video from the game here>>><>>>>