Youth football team notches two more wins

Story and photo by Coach Brad Moon

Following a soggy home win over Rainier (OR) on September 18, the Wahkiakum Mini-Mules added to their undefeated season (3-0) by dominating Toutle Lake this past Saturday in Kelso.

Two weeks ago, on their home turf, the Mini-Mules fought hard to maintain their home field advantage against a physically bigger Rainier team. Halfback Josh Moon scored the only points of the game in the first half with a nine-yard scamper into the end zone, giving Wahkiakum the early lead. Both teams battled throughout the remainder of the game in front of Wahkiakum's home crowd of a couple hundred fans. Both teams also had touchdowns called back on penalties later in the game. A tackle for loss by defensive end Aiden Scott late in the game sealed the Mini-Mules' home win, 6-0.

This past weekend, Wahkiakum found their full stride as the Mule Train led the way in blocking for big runs throughout the game. Fullback Joe Merz had a 20 yard run for a touchdown in the first half, capped by a two-point extra point kick by Scott. The touchdown was set up by an interception by linebacker Chris Stewart and a big run by Moon.

After nursing the halftime 8-0 lead, the Mini-Mules let loose with two touchdowns in the third quarter. Moon stepped in to quarterback a sneak for Wahkiakum's second touchdown. After a Moon interception deep in Toutle Lake territory, a highlight reel run by Merz towards the end of the third quarter broke the game open as he bolted 72 yards to put the Mini-Mules up, 20-0. Led by a hard-blocking offensive line, Moon added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter as Wahkiakum handed Toutle Lake a 32-6 loss.

This Saturday the Mini-Mules travel to play Woodland on their home turf. They are the only other undefeated team in the league.