Balanced Mules kick Vikings 40-7

Balanced play paved the way for a 40-7 Wahkiakum Mule victory over the host Mossyrock Vikings last Friday in Central League football.

The Mules scored three touchdowns by running the ball and three by passing. But the defense set the stage by intercepting two Viking passes and recovering three Viking fumbles.

"Our defense played really well," said Mule Coach Eric Hansen. "Mossyrock's turnovers really hurt them."

A Viking fumble on a punt attempt deep in their own territory set up the Mules' first touchdown. Lars Blix took the ball in on a one yard one yard run for a 6-0 lead at 8:31 of the first quarter.

The Mules blew the game open in the second quarter on three passing touchdowns. Blix connected with Wyatt Parker for two touchdowns of 21 and 38 yards, and he hit Travis Wegdahl for a 67-yard scoring play. Blix passed to Austin Good for a two-point conversion on the last touchdown, and the Mules led 26-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Parker scored on runs of 21 and seven yards, and Blix made the two conversion kicks for a 40-0 lead at 3:28.

At that point, the Mules put in the junior varsity, and Mossyrock scored on a 73-yard run. The Mules recovered a Viking on-side kick attempt, and the Vikings then put in their JV's.

The Mules gained 163 yards rushing and 180 yards passing for 343 yards of offense. Mossyrock had 136 yards rushing and 19 yards passing.

Blix completed seven of nine passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Kohl Bergseng caught three for 21 yards; Parker caught two for 59 yards and two touchdowns; Wegdahl had his 67-yard touchdown reception, and Steven Doumit caught one pass for 19 yards.

Parker carried the ball eight times for 61 yards; Bergseng gained 54 yards on 10 carries; Ethan Cothren had 19 yards on seven runs, and Doumit gained 18 yards on four carries.

On defense, Parker, Blix and Nathan Cothren all made 10 tackles, and Bubba Calvert had nine. Parker and Blix intercepted passes.

The Mules head to Toutle Lake this Friday to take on the Ducks, with the winner probably securing at least fourth place in the league standings. Toutle Lake, 2-1 in league and 3-1 overall, played undfeated Adna tough last Friday but lost 20-0.