Mini-Mules reign in the rain

For the second straight year, the Wahkiakum Mini-Mules finished as league champions, beating the Castle Rock Rocket youth football team 14-6 last Saturday.

The Mini-Mules, who finished as the regular season champions, had to battle down to the very end to secure the victory in the playoff championship game, at Castle Rock's stadium.

Playing in a consistent rainstorm for the second week in a row, the Wahkiakum defense took advantage of a Rocket fumble on the second play of the game as middle linebacker Gabe Moon fell on the ball at the Castle Rock 40 yard line. The Mini-Mules marched confidently on their first drive, marking three first downs. Quarterback Dominic Curl scored from eight yards out halfway through the first quarter. Kicker Logan Nelson booted the two-point extra point kick through the uprights to give the team an early 8-0 lead.

As the game moved into the second quarter, the Rockets slowly marched the ball down the field and got inside the 10-yard line. The Mini-Mule defense held stout, keeping Castle Rock out of the end zone on six straight plays, including a touchdown saving tackle by defensive end Niko Hawke at the one-yard line. Castle Rock fumbled on the ensuing play, which was again recovered by Moon.

Moon, Curl and halfback Beau Rose, behind the precision blocking offensive line, managed to work the Mini-Mules out of the shadow of their own end zone, before finally punting to Castle Rock.

A third fumble by the Rocket's offense was recovered by defensive end Hank Bassi. Runs by Moon and halfback Tanner Collupy kept the ball in Wahkiakum hands until the end of the half, securing an 8-0 lead.

After receiving the second half kickoff, the third quarter again saw dominant drive blocking by the Mini-Mule Train. Two long runs by Curl, including a sweep around the right end from 34 yards out, gave Wahkiakum a 14-0 lead just 1:34 into the second half.

Castle Rock, who lost their regular season matchup to Wahkiakum 6-0, continued to battle and fought their way down the field again. On a fourth down play from the Wahkiakum 16-yard line, a halfback pass surprised the Mini-Mules for a touchdown. A missed extra-point kick kept the score at 14-6, in favor of Wahkiakum.

The fourth quarter was marked by big stands by the Mini-Mules defense. Safety Nathan Garrett saved a breakaway run by a Rocket running back, stopping a sure touchdown. After forcing the Rockets to turn the ball over on downs, Wahkiakum consumed some clock before punting to the Castle Rock 36-yard line with 1:52 in the game. Castle Rock made a couple of quick plays that were moving the ball, but that ceased on a diving interception by Garrett. A final defensive stand kept the Rockets far from the end-zone, sealing the victory and championship at 14-6.

The Mini-Mule train scored more points (146) than any other team in the league, while the stingy defense only allowed 42 over the eight game season, the least points surrendered. This is the second year that Wahkiakum Youth Football lead in both of these categories.

This was a really emotional and hard-fought game. Every player contributed and worked hard to achieve the team's goals. It was truly a terrific thing to be a part of this year.