Tuesday, October 30, 2007
NHS Senior night video
Here's a video shot and produced by the Observer's online editor Crindalyn Lyster, with still photos by the Observer's Damian Mulinix from the biggest game of the year — Naselle's senior night win over South Bend. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Booya
Last night was Senior night and it could not have ended any better for the four seniors on the team. Jason Gradt, Cody Gilbert, Kevin Maki and myself have played football since 7th grade. We had never beaten South Bend until tonight. It was worth the wait!
We knew we had a tough task ahead of us. During the week as we prepared for Friday night's game we focused on containing the quarterback and their triple option. Our hard hitting at practice paid off as we caused 5 fumbles which we recovered. As Coach Eaton said "We knocked the stuffing out of them."
The most exciting fumble recovery was the one Tony Fletcher picked up at their 6 yard line and ran all the way for a touchdown to seal the game. Our first 2 scores were passes to Gabe See of 9 yards and 40 yards. The third touchdown was an 8 yard pass to Alan Erickson.
Ever since my freshman year I have been hearing "Naselle is going to be good next year." Finally, next year has arrived!!
We continue our quest next week at Ocosta. Come cheer us on if you can.
Kyle Burkhalter, QB,DB
We knew we had a tough task ahead of us. During the week as we prepared for Friday night's game we focused on containing the quarterback and their triple option. Our hard hitting at practice paid off as we caused 5 fumbles which we recovered. As Coach Eaton said "We knocked the stuffing out of them."
The most exciting fumble recovery was the one Tony Fletcher picked up at their 6 yard line and ran all the way for a touchdown to seal the game. Our first 2 scores were passes to Gabe See of 9 yards and 40 yards. The third touchdown was an 8 yard pass to Alan Erickson.
Ever since my freshman year I have been hearing "Naselle is going to be good next year." Finally, next year has arrived!!
We continue our quest next week at Ocosta. Come cheer us on if you can.
Kyle Burkhalter, QB,DB
Fishermen win at Stevenson
The Ilwaco Fishermen got their second win of the season Friday night in Stevenson, beating the Bulldogs 25-14. The win keeps the Fishermen out of last place, which they shared with the Bulldogs going into the game.
The Ilwaco defense picked off seven Stevenson passes, and Eddie Knick returned from injury to run for 240 yards and three scores.
Ilwaco (2-8, 1-5 league) plays Winlock in a district crossover game next Friday in Winlock.
“It’s been a long time since our last victory (Aug. 31), so we’re letting the kids savor it,” Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty said. “It was good for our kids to get the win, because they played very well offensively and defensively.”
Ilwaco rushed 68 times for 388 yards, with Knick toting the ball 34 times. Knick has now carried the ball 190 times for 1,121 yards this season, making him the first player in the state to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons since Jonathan Stewart of Timberline completed the four-peat in 2004.
Jake Nesbitt also rushed for 144 yards. Defensively, Jordan DeSimone picked off four passes and Matt Kaino intercepted three passes.
*Game info from TDN.com
The Ilwaco defense picked off seven Stevenson passes, and Eddie Knick returned from injury to run for 240 yards and three scores.
Ilwaco (2-8, 1-5 league) plays Winlock in a district crossover game next Friday in Winlock.
“It’s been a long time since our last victory (Aug. 31), so we’re letting the kids savor it,” Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty said. “It was good for our kids to get the win, because they played very well offensively and defensively.”
Ilwaco rushed 68 times for 388 yards, with Knick toting the ball 34 times. Knick has now carried the ball 190 times for 1,121 yards this season, making him the first player in the state to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons since Jonathan Stewart of Timberline completed the four-peat in 2004.
Jake Nesbitt also rushed for 144 yards. Defensively, Jordan DeSimone picked off four passes and Matt Kaino intercepted three passes.
*Game info from TDN.com
The dream comes true
Huddled before the scoreboard that displayed a final of 25-13, a score that assured their dreams had come true, the Naselle Comets posed for pictures to preserve this historic moment — at least a share of the Pacific League football title, and their first playoff appearance since 1998 (they haven't won a playoff game since 1986).
The game had a palpable excitement to it. Not only was the league championship and a playoff spot on the line, but the Comets were playing perhaps their greatest rival, South Bend. WHile some fans cheer for their team hoping to win, South Bend fans seem to have a sense that they fully expect a win. So while it was a home game for the Comets, at many times the South Bend made it feel like it was being played in the north county.
South Bend's spread offense, lead by senior quarterback Randy Eang, was giving the Comets fits right out of the gate, with the option play being run in a variety of ways, the Comets had a hard time picking up were the ball was at ot where it was going. South Bend scored early, taking a 7-0 lead.
This was however short-lived, as the Comets, through a series of run plays to the outside by Tony Fletcher (above) and two long touchdown strikes to Gabe See put the Comets on top for good. They would add another score later on perhaps the play of the year, a 90-plus interception return for a TD that sealed the deal for the Comets.
The win had to be sweet for the whole valley, but perhaps especially for those seniors who played on a 1-win team their freshman year. They've certainly come a long way, but it's not over yet. The Comets play their final regular season game this Thursday at Ocosta. They will then wait for state playoff seeding to find out if they will play their first round game on Friday Nov. 9 or Saturday Nov. 10. You can find updated playoff info here at Friday Night sights and at www.chinookobserver.com-D.Mulinix, Observer photojournalist
Friday, October 26, 2007
Week 8 preview
Comets play 'game of the quarter century' tonight
NASELLE — This is the one that everyone has been waiting for — for a very, very long time.
The ninth-ranked Naselle Comets (6-1 overall, 4-1 league), who currently sit in a two-way tie for second in the Pacific League, face off with their north-county rival South Bend (6-1 overall, 5-0 league) tonight at Ruben Pentilla Field at 7 p.m. in Naselle. South Bend is currently ranked fifth in the state and are in first place in the Pacific League, one game ahead of Naselle and Willapa Valley.
The game holds weighty implications for the Comets, who haven't tasted the postseason in around 25 years. A win tonight would assure them a trip to the postseason and a share of first place in the league. A loss would not necessarily cost them a playoff trip — depending on how Valley fairs and whether the Comets win their final game at Ocosta next Thursday — but it would pretty much put them out of the running for the league title.
Naselle and South Bend match-up well. Both teams score high — NHS averages 29 PPG while SB averages 34 — and both hold their opponents to limited points — 11 per game for NHS and 12 per game for SB. South Bend's only loss came in their season opener to Life Christian, 6-17, and have won their last six. The Comets only loss came to Valley, in a 0-7 defensive battle in week four.
See photographs from the game and read recaps from the players Saturday morning right here on the blog. See full coverage of the game in Wednesday's Chinook Observer. Or better yet, get out to Naselle tonight and grab a seat for what has shaped up to the biggest football game played in this region in, well, who knows how long.
IHS travels to Stevenson
The 1-7 Ilwaco Fishermen travel to Steveson tonight to face off against the 1-7 Bulldogs. The two teams are tied for last place in the Trico league.
The banged-up Fishermen forfieted last week's game 1-0 to Kalama after not having enough eligible players to man a team. Stevenson lost last week to Rochester 7-39 after winning their first game of the year the week before at Winlock 49-12.
Both teams have had some limited success scoring this season — SHS 17 PPG, IHS 12 per game — but where their troubles really lie is on the defensive side of the ball — IHS gives up an average of 40 PPG, while SHS allows 42.5 per game.
NASELLE — This is the one that everyone has been waiting for — for a very, very long time.
The ninth-ranked Naselle Comets (6-1 overall, 4-1 league), who currently sit in a two-way tie for second in the Pacific League, face off with their north-county rival South Bend (6-1 overall, 5-0 league) tonight at Ruben Pentilla Field at 7 p.m. in Naselle. South Bend is currently ranked fifth in the state and are in first place in the Pacific League, one game ahead of Naselle and Willapa Valley.
The game holds weighty implications for the Comets, who haven't tasted the postseason in around 25 years. A win tonight would assure them a trip to the postseason and a share of first place in the league. A loss would not necessarily cost them a playoff trip — depending on how Valley fairs and whether the Comets win their final game at Ocosta next Thursday — but it would pretty much put them out of the running for the league title.
Naselle and South Bend match-up well. Both teams score high — NHS averages 29 PPG while SB averages 34 — and both hold their opponents to limited points — 11 per game for NHS and 12 per game for SB. South Bend's only loss came in their season opener to Life Christian, 6-17, and have won their last six. The Comets only loss came to Valley, in a 0-7 defensive battle in week four.
See photographs from the game and read recaps from the players Saturday morning right here on the blog. See full coverage of the game in Wednesday's Chinook Observer. Or better yet, get out to Naselle tonight and grab a seat for what has shaped up to the biggest football game played in this region in, well, who knows how long.
IHS travels to Stevenson
The 1-7 Ilwaco Fishermen travel to Steveson tonight to face off against the 1-7 Bulldogs. The two teams are tied for last place in the Trico league.
The banged-up Fishermen forfieted last week's game 1-0 to Kalama after not having enough eligible players to man a team. Stevenson lost last week to Rochester 7-39 after winning their first game of the year the week before at Winlock 49-12.
Both teams have had some limited success scoring this season — SHS 17 PPG, IHS 12 per game — but where their troubles really lie is on the defensive side of the ball — IHS gives up an average of 40 PPG, while SHS allows 42.5 per game.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
NHS: Spoiled Hyak Homecoming
Coach Eaton said before the game Friday night, "Being number nine will either go to your head or you will come out and play like the number nine team. I hope its the second. "
We didn't let a number on paper go to our heads.
The game, after a lightning delay, started late. But the Comets were the thunder following the lightning. After kicking off, the struggling Hyaks gave the ball to their running-back Jamaal Lind who fumbled due to a brutal hit by Jason Gradt. We scored quickly. Unfortunately, the Hyaks were able to muster up a strong drive and score on us. It was their only score of the night.
Our offense was sparked by a 22 yard Burkhalter-to-Burkhalter connection on third and 21 during our next drive. After that we pounded the football. Our offensive line played a great game allowing an amassed 397 russing yards. Kyle Burkhalter, ten rushes for 70 yards, ran well as did Tony "Cheetah" Fletcher who ran for 145 yards on 14 touches. Nike Hines saw the hole well, running for 66 yards on 10 carries. I also ran well, touching the ball 21 times for a 111 yards. Although we ran well, we had some trouble finishing a couple drives due to fumbles. Next week we will need to eliminate miscues when we play South Bend.
We led 14-8 at half. In the locker room we talked about how we need to play like the number nine in the state. Also, we discussed the plays working for the Hyaks. With the made corrections, we came out with a stiffened defense and ready offense. We dominated the second half, scoring 20 points and allowing none. The final: Naselle 34, North Beach 8.
Next week we host #5 South Bend. It will be our biggest game of the year. It could decide 1st place in our league.
Alan Erickson
NHS Fullback, Linebacker
We didn't let a number on paper go to our heads.
The game, after a lightning delay, started late. But the Comets were the thunder following the lightning. After kicking off, the struggling Hyaks gave the ball to their running-back Jamaal Lind who fumbled due to a brutal hit by Jason Gradt. We scored quickly. Unfortunately, the Hyaks were able to muster up a strong drive and score on us. It was their only score of the night.
Our offense was sparked by a 22 yard Burkhalter-to-Burkhalter connection on third and 21 during our next drive. After that we pounded the football. Our offensive line played a great game allowing an amassed 397 russing yards. Kyle Burkhalter, ten rushes for 70 yards, ran well as did Tony "Cheetah" Fletcher who ran for 145 yards on 14 touches. Nike Hines saw the hole well, running for 66 yards on 10 carries. I also ran well, touching the ball 21 times for a 111 yards. Although we ran well, we had some trouble finishing a couple drives due to fumbles. Next week we will need to eliminate miscues when we play South Bend.
We led 14-8 at half. In the locker room we talked about how we need to play like the number nine in the state. Also, we discussed the plays working for the Hyaks. With the made corrections, we came out with a stiffened defense and ready offense. We dominated the second half, scoring 20 points and allowing none. The final: Naselle 34, North Beach 8.
Next week we host #5 South Bend. It will be our biggest game of the year. It could decide 1st place in our league.
Alan Erickson
NHS Fullback, Linebacker
Stormy night victory
Thunder and lightning delayed the start of our game, but it did not affect the end result. NHS defeated NBHS last night 34 - 8. The Comet train continues to roll.
On North Beach's first possession they fumbled the ball and we recovered on their 20 yard line. Four plays later we were on the board, 8 - 0.
On NB's next possession they marched the ball down the field and scored to tie the game at 8. We got the ball back and started our next drive. We were faced with a third and twenty-one at our 30 yard line. I ran a streak down the sideline and Kyle laid the ball perfectly over my shoulder with a Hyak on my back. It was a 22 yard gain. Our offense really took off at that point. The score at half time was 14 - 8.
The second half we scored on our first possession. Alan Erickson was pounding it up the middle with big gains. Tony Fletcher was slicing and dicing his way through the defense. Score after 3 quarters 22 - 8.
Kevin Maki recovered some crucial fumbles and Nick Hines played tough on both sides of the ball.
Despite the lousy weather we were able to play well. We are looking forward to our game with South Bend on Friday. It will be our biggest game of the year.
Austin Burkhalter, QB,DB
On North Beach's first possession they fumbled the ball and we recovered on their 20 yard line. Four plays later we were on the board, 8 - 0.
On NB's next possession they marched the ball down the field and scored to tie the game at 8. We got the ball back and started our next drive. We were faced with a third and twenty-one at our 30 yard line. I ran a streak down the sideline and Kyle laid the ball perfectly over my shoulder with a Hyak on my back. It was a 22 yard gain. Our offense really took off at that point. The score at half time was 14 - 8.
The second half we scored on our first possession. Alan Erickson was pounding it up the middle with big gains. Tony Fletcher was slicing and dicing his way through the defense. Score after 3 quarters 22 - 8.
Kevin Maki recovered some crucial fumbles and Nick Hines played tough on both sides of the ball.
Despite the lousy weather we were able to play well. We are looking forward to our game with South Bend on Friday. It will be our biggest game of the year.
Austin Burkhalter, QB,DB
Friday, October 19, 2007
Ilwaco game cancelled, Naselle play at N. Beach
This week's Ilwaco varsity football game versus Kalama, scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, has been forfeited by Ilwaco. The game would have been the Fishermen's final home game of the season. The school released this statement Friday afternoon:
"Due to an inordinate number of injured players, the Ilwaco Fishermen officially forfeited their Oct. 19 football game to Kalama. The game was scheduled for Pederson Field and will go down as a 1-0 victory for the Chinooks.
"The Oct. 26 Trico League game at Stevenson is still on the schedule in the hopes that many of the Fishermen will be again ready to play."
NHS @ North Beach, 7 p.m. in Ocean Shores
In a game that will most defintely be played, the Naselle Comets travel to North Beach to face the Hyaks. The Comets come into the game riding high with a 5-1 record and have won their last two games by an average score of 43-12. The Comets will have to stay focused, and not look past this game to their biggest game of the year, next week versus longtime rival South Bend.
The Hyaks are 1-6 on the year, having lost last week 13-29 to Valley. The Hyaks average 15 points per game while giving up an average of 25 points per game — they have been shutout twice this season.
*Due to the IHS game being cancelled there will be no football photos this week. However, the Naselle bloggers will give their updates on Saturday morning. If you need a sports pic fix, check out the Picture Window blog to see pix from the League Cross Country meet that Ilwaco competed on Thursday.
"Due to an inordinate number of injured players, the Ilwaco Fishermen officially forfeited their Oct. 19 football game to Kalama. The game was scheduled for Pederson Field and will go down as a 1-0 victory for the Chinooks.
"The Oct. 26 Trico League game at Stevenson is still on the schedule in the hopes that many of the Fishermen will be again ready to play."
NHS @ North Beach, 7 p.m. in Ocean Shores
In a game that will most defintely be played, the Naselle Comets travel to North Beach to face the Hyaks. The Comets come into the game riding high with a 5-1 record and have won their last two games by an average score of 43-12. The Comets will have to stay focused, and not look past this game to their biggest game of the year, next week versus longtime rival South Bend.
The Hyaks are 1-6 on the year, having lost last week 13-29 to Valley. The Hyaks average 15 points per game while giving up an average of 25 points per game — they have been shutout twice this season.
*Due to the IHS game being cancelled there will be no football photos this week. However, the Naselle bloggers will give their updates on Saturday morning. If you need a sports pic fix, check out the Picture Window blog to see pix from the League Cross Country meet that Ilwaco competed on Thursday.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday night was another victory for the Comets. We beat Tacoma Baptist 38 - 16. This was a very important game for us because TB had the same league record as us and now we have the upper hand for a playoff spot, along with South Bend and Valley.
The game started out slow with both teams going 3 and out. On our second possession we scored on a hook and ladder play. I passed to Austin, who then pitched it to Nick, who ran in for a touchdown. The crowd loved it. It was an exciting touchdown.
On Tacoma's next drive they scored on a screen pass and took the lead 8 - 6. After that it was all Comets. Tony Fletcher had a great game with 3 touchdowns. Austin had a touchdown reception and I had a touchdown run.
This week we go to North Beach to face the Hyaks. They are team that started out with many injuries but they are on now playing much better. It will be another tough game.
- Kyle Burkhalter, NHS starting QB
The game started out slow with both teams going 3 and out. On our second possession we scored on a hook and ladder play. I passed to Austin, who then pitched it to Nick, who ran in for a touchdown. The crowd loved it. It was an exciting touchdown.
On Tacoma's next drive they scored on a screen pass and took the lead 8 - 6. After that it was all Comets. Tony Fletcher had a great game with 3 touchdowns. Austin had a touchdown reception and I had a touchdown run.
This week we go to North Beach to face the Hyaks. They are team that started out with many injuries but they are on now playing much better. It will be another tough game.
- Kyle Burkhalter, NHS starting QB
Saturday, October 13, 2007
NHS Football: Big Homecoming "W"
Homecoming dances are a whole lot sweeter when you win and indeed the Comets won! Using a little trickery, we were able to score on a hook and ladder play. It was the first score of the night. Tacoma was able to answer quickly on a screen pass though. After their score we dominated. Tony Fletcher ran for three touchdowns and we intercepted the ball three times. Our pass D was the best all year.
Next week we travel to North Beach. We all want to get to the playoffs and we think we can do it. We've already done things that have not happened in Naselle for years; for example, securing a winning season and beating Raymond. What can stop us now?
Alan Eickson
NHS Fullback, Linebacker
Next week we travel to North Beach. We all want to get to the playoffs and we think we can do it. We've already done things that have not happened in Naselle for years; for example, securing a winning season and beating Raymond. What can stop us now?
Alan Eickson
NHS Fullback, Linebacker
NHS gets big homecoming win
Tonight the Comets took care of business, beating Tacoma Baptist and celebrating homecoming. With the win, the Comets assured themsleves of their first winning season in many, many years, and put themselves in great position to possibly make the playoffs. Here's some pix from tonights activities.
The Comets defense causes a fumble while sacking the Tacoma Baptist quarterback in the third quarter.
Once again the Naselle running backs ran wild on the competition.
The Comets defense celebrates another fumble recovery deep in their territory, stopping a Tacoma Baptist drive.
The homecoming court prepares for the coronation at the start of halftime.
-DKM
The Comets defense causes a fumble while sacking the Tacoma Baptist quarterback in the third quarter.
Once again the Naselle running backs ran wild on the competition.
The Comets defense celebrates another fumble recovery deep in their territory, stopping a Tacoma Baptist drive.
The homecoming court prepares for the coronation at the start of halftime.-DKM
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Comets win big
The Naselle Comets wasted little time in beating Northwest Christian 46 - 8 last night at Rainier High School. Our running game was dominant from the start and our defense was stout. Our lineup was a little different this week due to injuries from the Valley game. Alan Erickson and Tyler Smith did not play and Kyle Burkhalter saw limited action.
One of the highlights of the game was Jason Gradt's interception that he returned for a touchdown. Leonel Mendoza also had an interception which he returned for a considerable gain.
I started out as quarterback with Kyle and Leonel also taking some snaps. Coach Eaton played everyone in the game. It was a great team effort.
Next week is homecoming against Tacoma Baptist. Tacoma Baptist has a very good team with only one loss in league. It should be a great game...hope you can be there.
Austin Burkhalter, QB,DB
One of the highlights of the game was Jason Gradt's interception that he returned for a touchdown. Leonel Mendoza also had an interception which he returned for a considerable gain.
I started out as quarterback with Kyle and Leonel also taking some snaps. Coach Eaton played everyone in the game. It was a great team effort.
Next week is homecoming against Tacoma Baptist. Tacoma Baptist has a very good team with only one loss in league. It should be a great game...hope you can be there.
Austin Burkhalter, QB,DB
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