10/31/23
Playoff football got started a little early in the Central 2B League as two playoff games took place on Tuesday night. Wahkiakum took on Adna while Rainier traveled to take on Pe Ell/Willapa Valley with all four teams seasons on the line. Both home squads dominated in their respective games as Adna defeated Winlock and PWV knocked off Rainier to punch their tickets into the crossover round on Saturday.
Adna 56, Wahkiakum 6
A new offensive system for the Adna Pirates seemed to light a spark under an offense that had been a little stagnant for most of the season as new quarterback Layden York allowed former QB Lane Johnson to move to running back and lead a dominant rushing attack in the Pirates playoff win over the Wahkiakum Mules.
Adna ran the ball for over 225 yards in the ball game while their defense held up their end of the deal, forcing four turnovers in the Pirate win. Wahkiakum found the endzone for the first time in the second quarter on a touchdown pass from Zakk Carlson to Grant Wilson for 35 yards on a screen to make it 28-6. After the Mules recovered the ensuing onside kick, they had a chance to score again and then get the ball to open up the second half. However, quarterback Zakk Carlson was forced out of bounds at the one-yard line on 4th and goal and was injured on the play as well. That injury kept Carlson out for most of the second half as Adna ran away with the game, winning 56-6.
Adna moves to 3-6 and will continue their season on Saturday when they visit the Napavine Tigers in the crossover round. Unfortunately, the Wahkiakum Mules finish their season 5-5 as their 2023 campaign comes to an end.
Our Thorbeckes MVP of the game was Pirate running back Lane Johnson. The senior ran the ball 12 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns and added an 18-yard catch. Defensively, Johnson was all over the field making some tough tackles in open space and even recorded an interception in the win. It was a complete game for Lane Johnson and he looked very comfortable in his new role as the senior will look to put the finishing touches on a strong career.
Luke Mohney was another standout performer on the day as he carried the ball seven times for 111 yards and a touchdown and had two catches for 10 yards. Elijah Jimenez also had four carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns. Layden York then mixed in four carries for 25 yards and a touchdown and then went 8/9 through the air for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Beau Miller caught three passes for 42 yards while Gavan Muller had a 13-yard touchdown catch and Grayson Humphrey had a 40-yard touchdown reception. Humphrey added an interception with Jens Neilson also tallying a pick as well.
For the Wahkiakum Mules, Zakk Carlson led the offensive charge with eight carries for 46 yards and went 6/18 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown. Jayden Stoddard took over at quarterback for most the second half and had six carries for 20 yards and went 5/16 passing for 70 yards. Kyler Sause had two carries for five yards to cap off the Mules rushing attack and added an 8-yard catch. Cooper Carlson tallied four catches for 56 yards and Grant Wilson had two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. Parker Leitz had two catches for 37 yards and Gage Robinson had a nine-yard reception. Mason Curl stood out defensively for the Mules with many tackles in open space.
Highlights
Postgame Show
BHG Takin’ it to the House Play of the Game (York to Humphrey 40-yard TD)
Wahkiakum Gets on the Board
Mohney Big Reception
Pe Ell/Willapa Valley 41, Rainier 12
Pe Ell/Willapa Valley took care of business themselves with an impressive win over the Rainier Mountaineers on Tuesday night. Rainier hung around, trailing just 21-0 at halftime before the Titans pulled away in the second half. With the win, PWV advances to take on the Kalama Chinooks on Saturday night for a spot in the 12-team state bracket. For the Rainier Mountaineers, they finish the 2023 season with a 6-4 record.
For more on this game, check out the recap of the game by the staff at the Chronicle.
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