Day After Report: Hockinson 46, La Center 35
Hey, that Rick Steele guy knows a thing or two about the Hockinson Hawks.
Actually, he knows a whole bunch. You know, as the head coach and all.
But it should be known that back in July, he told The Columbian that he believed his receivers were going to be a strength of the team. Sure, two receivers from last year are now playing college football. But he believed the next wave would excel. Especially with quarterback Canon Racanelli returning for his junior season.
So far, so good. Matt Henry caught four first-half touchdown passes in the first game of the season. For more on the Hawks’ victory, read Paul Danzer’s game story.
As far as La Center, the Wildcats did a lot of good things, too. Here are La Center notes, courtesy of Mr. Danzer:
Despite coming up on the short end of a high-scoring opener at Hockinson on Friday, La Center coach John Lambert was pleased with his team – with the adjustments they made during the game and with the way they fought to the end after trailing 32-14 at halftime.
His postgame message to his Wildcats after the 46-35 loss: Losing a game to a good opponent is much more valuable than beating an inferior opponent.
Lambert noted that the La Center offense was forced to punt only once – on its second possession of the game. Turnovers ended five Wildcat possessions – four in the first half – but Lambert said those are correctable mistakes.
And Hockinson’s Racanelli was not the only impressive quarterback on the field. La Center’s Jeremy Scott threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns, completing 11 of 17 passes. A senior, Scott missed the second half of last season with an injury.
“Jeremy played really well,” Lambert said.
It also was a nice debut for freshman La Center placekicker Sean Fox. In his first time on a football field, he made all three extra points he had a chance to kick. His only miss came when the ball never got placed on the tee, Lambert noted.
Lambert raved about the play of Hockinson’s Racanelli and his athletic receivers. He noted that his Wildcats will see a similarly accurate quarterback in Week 2 when they host Woodland and Wyatt Harsh.
Another test that is certain to help his team get better.
