Mules collar Bulldogs for season opening win

Photos by Diana Zimmerman

As part of an east-west football doubleheader, the Wahkiakum Mules defeated the Colfax Bulldogs 14-0 last Saturday in Cathlamet.

In the day's other game, the Napavine Tigers handed the Liberty Lancers a 41-7 defeat.

The teams will gather on Liberty's home field in Spangle next year to open the 2019 season.

The Mules controlled the game, gaining 278 yards on offense while holding the visitors to 83 total yards.

Sophomore quarterback Kaden Anderson connected with senior Quentin Nelson on a 15-yard pass play to give the Mules a 6-0 lead with 2:48 left in the second quarter. Lucas Brown kicked the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Nelson scored again at the beginning of the fourth quarter on a six-yard run. Brown's conversion kick made the score 14-0, and the Mule defense did the rest.

Nelson gained 135 yards on 16 carries; Brown had 24 yards; J. Anderson 20 and Chance Cothren five yards on one carry. K. Anderson completed five of 11 passes for 41 yards and one touchdown; Brown completed his single pass for five yards. Nelson and J. Anderson each caught two passes; KC Berry and Brown each caught one.

Nelson was the leading tackler with 10. Brown had nine, J. Anderson eight, K. Anderson six Ashden Niemeyer and Chase Heagy five apiece, Cothren and Beery four each, Evan Quigley three including two quarterback sacks, Tristan Collupy three including a sack, Eli Moon two, and Beau Carlson one. K. Anderson intercepted a Colfax pass.

The Mules head to Adna this Friday to play the Pirates, 35-0 victors over Willapa Valley last Friday.

The eastside teams stayed overnight in Cathlamet school gyms. On Friday, they traveled to Skamokawa Vista Park for a barbecue and games such as tug of war. On Saturday morning, they breakfasted together before their games.

"It was a really good experience," commented Mule Coach Eric Hansen. "Everyone had a great time. We look forward to next year."