Ontario opens football season with blowout
Grizzlies man-handle La Grande 39-7
Sunday, August 31, 2008 12:36 AM PDT
Argus Observer sport staff
THE DALLES
The Ontario defense forced four turnovers, three interceptions and a fumble, as the Tigers were able to run away with a 33-6 win over The Dalles, Friday in The Dalles.
Jake Turner picked a pass and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, as the Tigers grabbed a 12-0 lead early into the second quarter.
Offensively, the Tigers were able to run a balanced attack, as they ran for 129 yards and passed for 150 yards.
“We wanted to be more balanced,” Ontario head coach Trever Wilson said. “We were able to run the ball and were able to throw to keep them off balance. So, it was nice to be able to do that. I knew that Tad (Anzaldua) could throw the ball and we had receivers who could catch it, it was just a matter of doing it on the field.”
Anzaldua finished with 150 yards through the air with a pair of touchdown throws, while Turner finished with 75 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
The Tigers (1-0) travel to Grant Union, Friday at 7 p.m.
Fruitland 39
La Grande 7
LA GRANDE — The Fruitland football team began their season on a high note, scoring on their first six possessions to jump out to a 39-7 win over La Grande, Friday evening in La Grande.
Nick Varriale led the way on the ground for the Grizzlies (1-0) scoring on runs from 42 and 80 yards, as he finished with 129 yards on five carries. Tommy Macfarlane rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Caleb Crim rushed for two scores.
Defensively, the Grizzlies limited the Tigers to 139 yards offensively, while tallying four sacks on the night.
“We are pleased with our effort,” Fruitland head coach Bruce Schlaich said. “We have a lot of things to clean up.”
The Grizzlies return to action at 7 p.m. Friday, hosting Emmett.
Emmett 18
Weiser 14
EMMETT — Weiser’s Gavin Eisenbarth rushed for a pair of touchdowns, but it was not enough as the Wolverines fell to Emmett 18-14 in a non-conference matchup Friday night.
Eisenbarth rushed for touchdowns from one yard and 16 yards, but Emmett scored 18 points in the second quarter on a three-yard run, a 43-yard run and a 70-yard pass.
Eisenbarth finished with 170 yards passing, and Trent Winegar had 78 yards on the ground to lead the Wolverines.
Weiser (0-1) travels to Baker, Friday.
Payette 32
Cole Valley 0
PAYETTE — The Payette Pirates were able to overcome 120 yards in penalties and cruised to an easy 32-0 win over Cole Valley Christian, Friday in Payette.
Payette’s Offense churned out 483 total yards, with 325 yards coming on the ground.
Damian Reynolds led the Pirates with 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while teammate Phillip Kowalski rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Travis Blackwell threw for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Tobby White caught three passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Pirates held Cole Valley to 233 yards, with 189 coming on the ground.
The Pirates (1-0) travel to Melba Friday.
Baker 20
Parma 12
PARMA — The Parma football team struggled stopping the big play against Baker, falling 20-12, Friday night in a non-conference matchup in Parma.
The Panther’s defense allowed 162 yards on both the ground and through the air. Baker used two big pass plays, and an 8-yard touchdown pass to come away with the win.
Baker scored on passes from 30 and 25 yards.
“I was disappointed in the passing game. We had receivers open but we did not make the plays,” Parma coach Greg Asbury said. “Baker is a much improved team, they have a couple of kids that are big and physical up front that we did not see on any of the game film last year.”
The Panthers (0-1) had a good showing from Isreal Urabazzo, who rushed for 53 yards and scores from 25 yards and two yards.
The Panthers travel to Nyssa Friday for a non-league contest.
Salmon River 40
Council 28
RIGGINS — Council gave up three turnovers and allowed Salmon River to recover three onside kicks, as the Savages defeated Council 40-28 Friday night in Riggins.
A big second quarter helped the Savages to a 28-22 lead at the half.
“We gave them six extra possessions,” Council head coach Dan Shumway said. “We told the kids who ever won the turnover battle, would win the game.”
The game started well for the Lumberjacks (0-1) as Bo Green returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown and a 8-0 lead.
From there, the Lumberjacks were outscored 40-20.
Keith Heil threw for 142 yards and one touchdown, while Randy Nichols had 99 yards receiving one touchdown and a 70-yard kickoff return.
The Lumberjacks host Rimrock Friday in Council.
Jordan Valley 64
McDermitt 24
JORDAN VALLEY — Josh Deen rushed for 115 yards and the Jordan Valley Mustangs picked up a 64-24 win over McDermitt, Thursday.
“I was pleased with our first game of the year,” Jordan Valley coach Tim McBride said. “We have a long way to go. Our seniors played well as a unit.”
Offensively, the Mustangs ran for 142 yards and passed for 38 yards in the win.
Koehl Trautman led the defense for Jordan Valley with seven tackles.
The Mustangs (1-0) host Monument/Dayville Friday.
