Naselle player posts - Week 4

Comets win league opener 

It was nice to begin league play with a win. Next week will be a tough game against Valley on their home field. It was great to have everyone back(minus Logan). Gabe See had a great catch and TD run.
See you next week.

Austin Burkhalter, QB

Man Do I Love Football! 

Tonight WE sank the Seagulls at our home field. It was the first game that I was able to play in and it was sooo much fun. I love football!! Together, we played as a team, tackled well, and moved the ball. I was very pleased with the defensive and offensive linemen. We always have goals at the beginning of the games and dominating the line of scrimmage is persistently one of the main goals. Tonight we owned the line of scrimmage. I want to give a shout out to Manny Lopez (OL #59) who played awesome and is getting the feel of varsity ball. He did a great job with the left-side Raymond defensive end, who had three sacks against Valley. The rest of the line did their job and opened holes for our backs and recievers who gained a total 370 yards offense. Great job Nick Hines and Tony Fletcher. Both of our tailbacks ran well. Nathan Carlson started at fullback and had a great game also. Props to my fellow Junior who had to step up in both of my positions when i was injured. Dude you rock... especially now that your back where you belong defensive tackle.

The defense was like a different team tonight. We tackled way better and the varsity held the Gulls scoreless. (Their score came with in the last 20 seconds against mostly JV players. They all played well go. Without them... there would be no success. Thanks guys! ) Michael Shirley had a monster of a game with 13 tackles at the end postition. Fletcher and Hines were beasts in the outside linebacker spots. At free safety we had John Hines and he played great for his first outing there. With the injury to Logan Scrabeck, we moved Austin Burkhalter to corner; he was joined by Jesus Martinez at the other corner. The defensive line did its job too, Carlson had a sack and they all played well. In addition, we recovered two fumbles, and nearly picked off multiple balls. It was a blast!

Alan Erickson #35
NHS FB, LB

Comets Begin League Play With A Bang 

Tonight, I feel like we finally played "comet football". Each and every player honored their assignments, blocked to the whistle, tackled the thigh pads, and played as a team. All of these factors led to 375 yards of total offense and a 32-7 win over the Raymond Seagulls. Sadly, one of our LB/G, Seth Scrabeck, came out of the game in the third quarter with a injury. For their first game back, Tony Fletcher and Alan Erikson played very well and were key factors in our victory tonight. We hope to finally have everyone back next week. We can expect some tough practices and mental preparation as we get ready for the Willapa Valley Vikings next week.

- Marcus Sanchez #75

Ilwaco player posts - Week 4

ilwaco ends pre-season 2-2. gets ready for league champions

ilwaco dominates evergreen luthern 46-12
honestly, even though we killed them, we did not play that well.. we kind of came in knowing we were going to win, and maybe we slacked off too much.
they had more yards then they should have, we should have had more, but were called back..
we need to come back to the real world. we are 0-0 in league. our first game is against the league champions.
Kalama is a great team. the only way we can win this game, is if we play 110% and pick them apart. player by player.
we have a slight advantage as ilwaco 2-2 wins their last two pre-season games and kalama 3-1 loses their last game.
there is no forfeiting to kalama this year. they are going to have to fight. with our new offensive plays added frequently and small changes in defense, the game film won't be able to help kalama much. we also have new additions to the team as their academic probation contract expires.
if they underestimate us even for a second, i guarentee victory.
we need to stay away from stupid penalties and don't take plays off.
we need fans to support us and we will return the favor.
naselle -  good luck against valley

-#69 Bobby Richards

Comets clobber Gulls in league opener, 32-7

NASELLE - The Comets fashioned a 12-play, 57-yard drive in the first period to go up 6-0 and then took advantage of three fumble recoveries to score each time in running away from Raymond 32-7 in the opening Pacific 2B football game for both squads in Naselle Friday.
Coach Jeff Eaton said, "Our line of Mike Shirley, Manuel Lopez, Marcus Sanchez, and freshmen Seth Scrabeck and Nick Zimmerman dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage and that's what it takes to win in this league." He was also thankful that "no one really was hurt bad tonight and we should have everybody back and healthy for next week" when the Comets visit co-league champion Valley.

Read the whole story here on chinookobserver.com

Photos from WEEK 4 - Comets over Gulls, 32-7

View a gallery of photos from the Comets league-opener HERE

Week 4 preview - 9/26

GAME OF THE WEEK

Naselle vs. Raymond, 7 pm, Naselle High School

After a less than spectacular non-league schedule, the Comets (1-2) get into Pacific League play tonight at home against the Raymond High Gulls (0-3). 

The Comets last game was one they would like to forget. In fact, they most likely wish they could erase everything about the 43-14 loss to Ilwaco (1-2) in the Battle for Bear River Ridge. After a kick return for a touchdown on their second possession, the Comets did not score again until the final minutes of the game — meanwhile giving up an unanswered run of 29 points. The team easily had it's worst game of the last two seasons. 

The injury bug, which had already claimed Alan Erickson the previous two games, hit again against Ilwaco, this  time claiming RB Logan Scrabeck (who re-fractured an elbow) and then lineman Tommy Rose. Word has it that QB Austin Burkhalter may have been a little banged up too (he was replaced at QB in the fourth quarter by John Hines).

The good news is the Comets will be at home, where they have won six of their last seven home games, and face a Raymond team that has lost their first three games by an average score of 44-7. The Gulls come into Friday night's game having lost to Valley last week 7-36.

It is unclear as to whether Erickson will be back on the field this week for the Comets, but they will once again have the services of "The Cheetah" Tony Fletcher at RB. Be sure to dress warm, as the forecast calls for chilly evening temps and a breeze.

Be sure to check back Saturday for a photo gallery from the game, as well as game recaps and player blog posts.

Ilwaco @ Evergreen Lutheran, 12:30 pm, Saturday Sept. 27, at Federal Way Memorial Field

On the flip side of the coin from last week's Bear River Battle is the Ilwaco Fishermen (1-2) who gained a world of confidence after their dominating victory. The Fishermen will play an unusual road game on Saturday afternoon against Evergreen Lutheran of Des Moines (0-3). The Fishermen should be doubly pumped for this one, as they not only will be riding high after last week's win, but they will be playing not under the Friday night lights, but possibly the sun at the big Federal Way stadium. The team will be treated to a special post-game bonus — a trip to Seattle to watch the UW Huskies take on the Stanford Cardinal at 7 pm.

The Eagles come into Saturday's game having lost 12-39 to Darrington last week. The 12 points they scored last week were the only points they'd scored all season, having lost their first two games with identical 0-55 scores to Orcas Island and Adna.

The Fishermen's successful switch to a spread option offense helped them bolster their average scoring output to 26 points per game (PPG), while giving up an average of 21 PPG.

It is uncertain as of right now if the Observer will be able to send staff to this game, but check back Sunday & Monday for results and player blog posts

Naselle player posts - Week 3

Comets end preseason 1-2

Naselle ended its preseason schedule with a disappointing loss to Ilwaco. On top of the loss was the bigger disappointment of losing Logan Scrabeck for the rest of the season. Logan broke his elbow on the third play of the game.
Both teams started out with quick scores. Unfortunately Naselle was unable to stop Ilwaco's spread offense and Ilwaco was able to stop our offensive drives.
Next week we begin league play against Raymond at home.

Austin Burkhalter, QB

Comets: Looking Forward 

We had a tough loss to Ilwaco last Friday. We started out with a fumble on the first offensive play of the game. they were able to score on the resulting drive. We returned the next kickoff for a touchdown, but it would be our only score until very late in the game. Then we lost Logan. He refractured the same elbow as last year and will be out for the season. Then we lost Tommy. he played through a sprained ankle last week at home against Warrenton and resprained it this week. I went in to play for him in the first quarter until he was able to keep playing. Marcus came out with a dislocated finger on the same play. That pretty much summed up the game. We got busted up- and weren't able to play "comet football."
But, on the positive side- this was not a league game. That has been one focus of our team this season. We WERE 9-2. NOW we are 0-0. Ee still believe that, and it won't change until we play Raymond this Friday. Practices are our tune-up. The past three games are learning games. As far as injuries go, we lose Logan- but we get Tony "cheetah" Fletcher this week. Tommy might play this week, and other than that, we need to remember the past three games, and learn from them. Now we need to win the next several games in order to accomplish our goal of repeating last year's success. All 31 of us know we can. But all of us know it will be hard.

Comet Lineman#71
Ryley Queener

Ilwaco player posts - Week 3

Ilwaco dominated. naselle was too worried about their injured players to even try.
it doesn't matter if Erickson and others can't play. i feel like they came out knowing they were going to lose. its not the players that matter, its how you use them. In my opinion football is about 60% heart, 30% knowledge, and 10% skill
naselle needs to shake it off and start getting ready for league play. naselle, i am pulling for you ilwaco. O'line was just ok. Kudoes to you Rey sanchez. Runningbacks did a great job. Nice job WRs Kolby Kirby and Justin Short. D'line was solid. CB's did a lot better this week. Steven Hilton is a badass, Running into people instead of running around them;]. thats why your on D Steven. MVP Center Tyler Johnson, one fumbled snap all game. you make it seem way to easy man. lets also realize that naselle's offense did not score on our team. their special teams and JV did. We need to realize that special teams are important too.

We are still 0-0 guys. only league matches count. Its all prep for kalama. next game against evergreen luthern, lets focus on them now and kalama a week from today.
I think we may have found our pernament starting D, and possibly starting O. We played pretty solid guys.

-Bobby Richards #69

Photos from Ilwaco vs. Naselle, Week 3

To view a gallery of photos from the Battle for Bear River Ridge game between Ilwaco and Naselle CLICK HERE

Fishermen dominate Comets in rivalry game, 43-14

ILWACO – “We wanted to get Rey Sanchez a few more touches. He played a good game,” Ilwaco Coach Kevin McNulty dead-panned after Sanchez ran for two touchdowns and threw for three more in leading the Fishermen to a resounding 43-14 non-league win over Naselle at Peterson Field Friday.
Sanchez had run for 24 yards in his first two games at quarterback for Ilwaco, but McNulty installed a spread offense with the senior getting a direct snap from the center in shotgun formation and his first two runs from scrimmage Sanchez rambled for 24 yards on his was to 148 yards on the night on the ground and 306 yards of total offense.

Read the whole story HERE on Chinookobserver.com

VIDEO: Battle for Bear River Ridge

Produced by Jason Nagy for Friday Night Sights

Week 3 preview - 9/19

Game of the Week

Ilwaco vs. Naselle, 7 pm, Pederson Field, Ilwaco High School

Though located just 21 miles apart, it has become a rarity when the Ilwaco Fishermen and Naselle Comets meet on the gridiron, which makes Friday night’s game — the Battle for Bear River Ridge — all the more exciting.
Ilwaco (0-2), the host team, comes into the game off a tough loss to class 2B South Bend last Friday, 21-7, and an even tougher loss in their season-opener the week before to Winlock in the final minute of the game, 28-27.
Naselle (1-1) also got off to a rough start, getting blanked at their biggest rival, Wahkiakum, in the KM Trophy game 13-0 in week one. The Comets, however, atoned for their poor play — giving up six turnovers, five of which were fumbles — to come back in week two with a convincing 28-12 win over Warrenton in the Comets home opener last Friday night.

For the Comets, missing personnel may once again be a factor. Naselle will likely still be without Alan Erickson, who suffered a shoulder injury in week one and sat out last week’s game. It is also uncertain whether RB Tony Fletcher will be available for the game (he has been academically ineligible the first two games). However the Comets running game looked good in his absence last Friday as Logan Scrabeck ran for 166 yards — part of 301 ground yards for the Comets in the game.

The Fishermen have played well at times during their first two games, but have yet to put it together for all four quarters. Their lone goal in last week's game came on a wild "hook and ladder" play as the half time whistle blew.

Be sure to check back Saturday for more from the big game, including a photo gallery from the game, a highlight video, as well as player blog posts .

To all the earth's people

"Don't think your the best, be the best" Think of what the world's greatest athlete is doing and proceed past it.
"Don't think your the best, know that you the best" Tell yourself you trained harder then your opponent. You deserve this more then your opponent.
"Give it all, or you all shall fall" 110% in everything you do. If one guy is giving it all and you give it 1% less, you are going home.
"There is no such thing as can or can't, you either will or you won't" I could win a wrestling state championship, but there is a really big, undefeated guy in my weight class and I could lose. Or I will win the wrestling state championship, Mr. Undefeated needs to change his name to Mr. Was Undefeated.
"If you don't like what you have, then change what your doing. if you like what you have, then keep doing what you're doing" If you are satisfied with where you are (which no one ever should be) then do the same thing you do each and every day. If what your doing doesn't seem to work, try something new. Run two miles instead of one.
"Don't sell yourself short" Yeah my wrestling record is 9-36, but i made regionals. That was my sophomore goal. I won four of those matches in two weeks. My new goal is to podium at state and I am going to do that too. Your facing a state champion team. Yeah they are good, but we are better.
"Keep your head up" Know your mistakes. Tell yourself," That's what i need to fix. I will get them next time"
"Blame thyself, or don't blame at all" "If i would have yelled pass, maybe he would have picked off the football" " I could have blocked a second longer.
"110%" Push yourself to the last point of your energy, then reach deep and push even further. Push yourself past physical limits. I was benching 135. i really wanted to do it 20 times, my best is 16. I can do it 20 times. 10 goes by, i am doing fine, 13, 14, 15, 16, i can do this, i can do this, 17, by this point its taking me 4 seconds or more per rep. Very slowly.... 18, 19, i hold it up for about 5 or 6 seconds, i touch my chest, everyone cheering in the background.. i slowly come off my chest. I am about 3 inches from locking out my arms. I sat there for about ten seconds saying," Don't spot me, i got it." All the sudden i heard DO IT and i got the bar up. I believe I pushed past my physical limits.
My whole point of this blog is....
"ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE" If you think you can fly without wings, prove to yourself that you can. Know you will and you will. If you know you will win, you will. "Don't think or you won't."

-Bobby Richards #69

week3 bragging rights

Its an arch rivalry with the teams Ilwaco v.s naselle. Maybe not that we know of, but Ilwaco has won 7 of the last 8 games when Coach Mcnulty was here. (according to Mcnulty because none of us were born yet, or were really young) Mcnulty was coaching in Ilwaco 20 years ago. i guess that makes him real old  :p
Its going to be a good game. Naselle made playoffs previous year and Ilwaco won their last two games. We both have our own mental and physical advantages.
We can't take breaks and we have to be going 110% each and every play and "Every game comes down to 5 or 6 plays"
Naselle v.s Ilwaco. Game of the year is what i think. Win or lose, 7-0 or 99-98, each team is going to give it all.
Some Ilwaco kids and Naselle kids know each other, see each other walking by....
Who's going home with the bragging rights?

-Bobby Richards Team Player

Ilwaco player posts - Week 2

Week Two- South Bend 

Week two we played South Bend. We lost again yet i think that we have grown more as a team. Right now our record means nothing, it is just like couch says the only thing that counts is the league games so i count it all as preseason. Our defense did a good job we got at the ball alot better and got takles by rapping up alot more which is what we needed to work on. On offense we made some sestainable drives but ended up shootin our selves in the foot with stupid mistakes. we need too work at those and we know this as a team and the last thing we focused on we got better at so this is exactly the same. The last thing we need to get good at is feild possetion we started back really far alot and we need to work on that so it is all good. This week is Braggin rights and i think it is our time to step up.
Just a few quotes i like :)
Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.
You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four.

-David Sinor, #14 CB, QB :)

Ilwaco! dramatic loss to South Bend

By far a better team game. By far a lot better defense, but we need sustain our blocks. Chins up men, we have three more weeks untill leagues. Three more weeks to get better.
Anything can happen within 4 seconds. Southbend knees on 4th down???? Giving the ball to Ilwaco with 4 seconds to go. We scored on a hook and ladder in the last four seconds of the half, putting us up 7-6. you only need .01 of a second to snap the ball.
We had really nice drives. anywhere between 8 and 80 yard drives. We are getting better each and every day and thats all that matters.
Not to make excuses, but.. those southbend refs were horrible.. We got pushed in the back, horrible spotting of the ball, weird penalties in which i never heard of, no one having a hand up showing a delay of game, we caught a ball clearly in bounds being called out.. i feel sorry for anyone that has to play at southbend..
all in all, we lost 21-7. even though our score was closer last week, we really did a pretty good job at fundamentals this week
lets keep it up ilwaco

-Bobby Richards, IHS

Comets dominant over cross-river foes

NASELLE — The Naselle Comets (1-1) did the things they could not last week and took home a dominant win over cross-river foe Warrenton (1-2) Friday night in the Comets home-opener, 28-12.

Read player blog posts from the game HERE

Read the game story on Chinookobserver.com HERE

Fishermen foiled at South Bend

SOUTH BEND - Defensive coordinator Bob Enos said, "There are usually four or five big plays in every football game that decide the outcome and unfortunately for us, South Bend made all but one of them tonight." The Fishermen dropped a 21-7 non-league encounter at South Bend Friday in a game that could be summed up as a defensive encounter with-four or five big plays.

To read the whole game story on chinookobserver.com CLICK HERE

View a photo gallery slideshow from the game HERE

Read player blog posts from the game HERE

Photos from Ilwaco @ South Bend, Week 2

To view a slideshow photo gallery from Ilwaco's game at South Bend CLICK HERE

- D. Mulinix
Observer photojournalist

Naselle player posts - Week 2

First Win Under the Belt! Naselle Beats Warrenton

To start this blog off, I need to say how proud I am of the guys. Everyone worked together and did their personal bests Friday to pull off a great non-league win. Logan Scrabeck (RB,CB) ran for 150 plus yards, Nick Hines (RB,LB) had two touchdowns and played well on the defensive side of the ball. But these guys have to thank their line: Manual Lopez (LT), Tommy Rose (LG), Michael Shirley(C), Nick Zimmerman (RG), and Marcus Sanchez (RT) who all stymied the Warriors attempts in the trenches Friday. The rumbling ground assualt, opened up the passing game for Austin Burkhalter (8-15 for around 85 yards) and his recieving core: Jesus Martinez at wide reciever and Gabe See at tight end. Overall the offense moved the ball well, amassing nearly 400 yards of total offense.
The defense played well too. With me being injured, we had to make some adjustments in the middle. Nate Carlson filled in at the linebacker spot and played well as did freshman Seth Scrabeck who took over the other middle LB spot. Warrenton's running back was slippery and tough as nails. It took us some time to adjust to their off tackle power play, but after a while we started to react sooner, attack blockers, and make tackles. Martinez had an some key tackles in the fourth quarter and played great. Leonel Mendoza had a good game at outside linebacker. And Burkhalter had an interception late in the fourth and could have had another if it hadn't been for a defensive holding penalty. The D-line anchored by Shirley got the job done.
This was an important game for us. It is always a relief to get the first win under the belt. Next week we travel to Ilwaco to face the Fisherman. Coach Eaton and Coach McNulty are great friends, so you can bet each of them are iching for the win. It will be a good game.
My status as of right now is still up in the air. I have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday to see what is up. It would be awesome to suit up Friday because frankly I don't know if I can handle another game on the sidelines. I belong in the middle of the craziness.

-- Alan Erickson
NHS LB

Comets Win 

The Naselle Comets got their first win last night over Warrenton 28-12. Going in at halftime 14-12 Coach Eaton gave our defense a "get tougher on D" lecture. His pep talk was effective as Warrenton was held scoreless in the second half. Logan Scrabeck had a big game with a lot of yards. Without Alan Erickson our defense had to adjust. Our guys did a good job filling his spot. I sure hope he gets to play next week though.
Crowd turnout was great as usual. Our fans are the BEST. Next week we play at Ilwaco for our last non-league game.
Austin Burkhalter, QB

Comets v2.0 

After a heart-breaking loss to waikiakum last week, we were able to rebound and beat warrenton in our home opener 28-12. We've heard all season long so far about how so many people think that we were a suprise one-year team last year. I think that if we play every game this year like we did last night we will prove to everyone that the comets are here to stay. we kicked off and held them to a 3 and out, then drove the field about 70-80 yards for the first touchdown of the night (and the season). then they got the ball back and started their "real" first drive. they scored and the scoreboard read 6-6. everyone on the side-lines knew we needed to score before half time. We needed about 60 yards in 5 minutes and 41 seconds. thats when momentum caried us to start really playing "comet football." We had a greatr passing game on that drive with two 10+ yardage passes to the running backs. we scored in under two minutes on a counter play, and got a two point conversion to put us up 14-6 with only a few minutes left in the half. we were esctatic on the sidelines and felt that if we could stop them from scoring now, go into the locker room at halftime, come back out and score on our first possesion then we'd be home free....but we didn't. they got decent field position on all the times we kicked off, and they drove the lenth of the field to score. the scoreboard read 14-12 going into halftime. We were happy with the way our offense was going- but our defensive line wasn't dominating the line of scrimmage like we needed to. Their running back, #28, was a very slippery back that turned a 1-2 yard gain into a 5-6 yard gain. We had to fix this if we expected to come out and win.
The second half was all opurs. we got the ball back and scored on our first possesion. we were up 21-12 and the fourth quarter hadn't even started yet! the defense did a better job of controling the line of scrimmage, and #28. We were playing comet football now, and we were hoping all the doubters were going to remember how we played at times during this game the next time they call us a one-year team. We're here- and we're here to stay! during the fourth quater, we had great hits from our defense that forced them to give us the ball around the 35. Then we had our "play." It was a 66 yard touchdown run to logan scrabeck that sealed the deal. we were up 28-12 and never looked backi. our only upsetting possesion worth noting was when we were deep in our own territory and austin was sacked on the first play. we ended up with a 4th and very long and punted from our own 7 yard line. that set them up to score their last touchdown. but, we still won in front of our home crowd- the best home crowd in the league- to start 1-1 on the season, and prove that we are more than a one-year team.

Ryley Queener
NHS OL/DL

Us comets knew going in to this game that the Warrenton footbll team was a good hard hiting team. There fullback #40, and tailback #28 were good runingbacks. It felt good to get our first win at our home feild and in front of our fans. The team played good and as for me and my ankle i wish i could of been able to block better. Next week we travle to Ilwaco and we hope every body can show up and support the comets.

Tommy Rose
NHS OL/DL
Publish Reject

Week 2 preview - 9/12/08

Game of the Week

Ilwaco @ South Bend, 7 pm, Friday Sept. 12

After an "almost" last week, the Fishermen (0-1) have to be feeling like they played well enough to win, but let one slip away in the final minutes against the Winlock Cardinals (1-0), 28-27. 

The defense had  no answer for the running attack of the Cards Mike Ayon, who racked up 201 rushing yards — accounting for 2/3's of the Cardinals total yards for the game. 

The Fishermen had their own horse, Trevor Couch, who ran for 136 yards and a touchdown. He was part of a balanced offensive attack for the Fishermen who also had 113 yards through the air off the arm of Rey Sanchez, who also threw a TD pass, and two other rushing TDs by Zach DeSimone and Stephen Hilton.

This week the Fishermen travel to the county seat to take on South Bend (0-1), who lost their opener last week at north county rival Willapa Valley, 28-8. The Vikings didn't need extra incentive against their longtime rival, but they had it just the same as they were re-opening Crogstad Field, which was closed last season due to renovations at the school.

South Bend is not the same team it was last year when they tied for the Pacific League title with Naselle and Valley with an 8-1 record, as a couple of their key players graduated. 

A good sign for Ilwaco may be the fact that South Bend gave up 298 yards on the ground to the Vikings who have a three running back attack — similar to Ilwaco.

One thing you can never underestimate though is the South Bend home field advantage, a school with some of the most rabid and loyal fans as any school in the area — it will be their home opener.

Be sure to check back Saturday morning to find a photo gallery from the game, plus player blog posts and a game recap

Naselle vs. Warrenton, Ore., 7pm, Naselle High School

When we last saw the Naselle Comets (0-1) they were walking from the field at Wahkiakum High School after being shut out in the their season opener against their KM Hill rival, 0-13. Nothing seemed to go right as they fumbled the ball 5 times — including on the first play of the game — and gave up an interception. The team also lost LB/FB Alan Erickson in the second half with a sprained shoulder — he is out for this week's game. The Comets will also still be without RB Tony Fletcher, who is unavailable for one more week due to academic ineligibility. 

But the Comets can't be too down, knowing that if they can just hold onto the ball they won't have a repeat of last week. Plus, they're playing their home opener in front of some of the most supportive fans in the area.

Warrenton (1-1) didn't play a superb game last week, but made big plays at the right time in order to beat Corbett, 21-15. And it was Warrenton's QB Josh Wheatley who was attached to a majority of those big plays. He didn't have amazing stats for the game, but he chose the right times to do his damage, scoring two running TDs and had a 65-yard kick return that led to the winning score.

Warrenton lost their opener that week before, when they were blown out at home by Nestucca, 0-42. 

Check back Saturday for player blog posts and a game recap

 

ilwaco jv at winlock

we did fairly well
we need to snap a little better. 4 fumbles is too many. ok, so we are staying low on D, but now we need to wrap up. Offensively, our Qb's need to work on staying in the pocket and passing game. "Our O-line was pretty flawless"
"Keep your chin up. My chin is up. I am proud of how we played. We played a heck of a football game. Did you notice the score was 0-0 second half?" says Bobby Richards following a close loss to winlock 15-14. "Our full back almost broke 100 yards, got three sacks and about 20 tackles." "I love my line. Thanks for blocking tonight." says co team captain Joe Felhiem
"Joe really stood out tonight and i think he is ready for varsity. Joe is by far our J.V. MVP" "I would say Dylan Short stands out very highly too. He mixes with J.V. and varisty. His awareness if very high. He always knows where the ball is at." says Bobby Richards
We have three J.V permanent captains and we are looking for one more. We should know our final captain by next week, or we might just change one each week.
We have to put this loss past us and get ready for Southbend

-Co J.V. Team Captain
Bobby Richards

Naselle player posts - Week 1

KM Trophy disappointment

The scoreboard read: Wahkiakum 13 Naselle 0. Not exactly what we had in mind. We were prepared, ready to go, and pumped before the game. But things happen and momentum is a big part of football. This game was one of momentum. To start the game, we had a special teams miscue and fumbled on the opening kickoff. The Mules had a short field and, with all the momentum of a monorail train, ran over our shellshocked defense for a quick score. But we tightened up our "D" for the rest of the half and, despite three more turnovers, went into the locker rooms down by that one touchdown. At half we encouraged each other and felt that we had a good chance to comeback. Mostly because we had a very nice stop to end the 2nd quarter and felt like we had the momentum, but in general we all felt that were better than them and that we needed to play "Comet Football".

We held the Mules scoreless in the 3rd, but didn't gain any ground either. The Mules managed to score in the 4th and we couldn't put together a complete drive. We all wanted to be the team to win back the KM trophy, but sometimes uncharacteristic mistakes happen. We are all human. But despite this loss, we realize that this was just a non-league game. We ARE going to learn from our mistakes and come back with a vengence.

(note: I wish i could write more about the second half, but after the injury to my shoulder in the late 3rd quarter, everything got really hectic for me. I have been diganosed with a sprained shoulder and will be sitting out this week's game against non-league opponent Warrenton.)

NHS LB
Alan Erickson

Disappointing start 

Our season didn't start out as we had hoped. The game didn't start out as we had planned. Fumbling the kickoff the first play of the game set us on our heels as we had to quickly move from offense to defense. Definitely not Coach Eaton's game plan. We had 4 turnovers and several missed opportunities and yet were still able to go in at half time only down by 7. The second half unfortunately played out like the first. The biggest disappointment came in the 3rd quarter when Alan Erickson had to go out with a hurt shoulder. His football status is unclear at this time. We had a couple good drives in the second half but both ended in turning the ball over while in the red zone.
As we prepare for our next game at home against Warrenton I am sure our coaches will have us working extra hard on holding onto the ball. The support of our fans was great at Wahkiakum. Hopefully they come out and watch us next Friday under the lights.

Austin Burkhalter, QB

IHS player posts - Week 1

This last friday we had our first game. We had prepared for nearly a month for this point in time. we were all ready to finnally play in a four quarter record ounting game. I really dont know what to say about our performance. As most of you know we ended up losing 28 -27 in the last two minutes. I guess we can say we got tired. but really we ended up beating our selves in the end we made mental mistakes gettin cocky near the end. We let the skill of a team go past us and underestimated them which is a mistake i promise you we wont make again. it was an exciting week one and i look forward to next week again south bend they look like they have a decent run game and a pretty good defense but i think if we work as a team and reduce our mistakes then we will come out on top. see you next time.
David Sinor, IHS QB #14

Dramatic loss

Ilwaco losses to winlock in the final 38 seconds of the game. "It's eveyone's fault."
The 12th man on the team could have cheered louder, the linemen could have blocked longer, and the running back's could have ran harder.
We have to to move on and get ready for our very capable opponents South Bend.
"I bet they just as mad about losing their first game." Our team is tired of lossing home games, i wanna know if we are able to pull it together and have a winning season predicted by our coach.
Bobby Richards had a serious message sent out to the team about the 4th quarter backed up coach Mcnulty. "We have a tendencey to relax during the 4th quarter and get hurt. Why is that? We are winning by a lot? We just top caring? its the 4th quarter everytime! What are we doing that the 4th quarter always screws us up?"
"It's time to get this thought out of our heads." (That we can't win 4 quarters of football)
"With adreadline, you can't feel anything." "Everytime you step out on to that field, you have to tell your self you are not in pain and you won't be."
Winlock was just a practice. "We are still 0-0 in league." We have four more weeks untill the real test begins.
We need to work on our linebacker calls, we need to work on form tackling, and we need to get all three snappers getting reps with all three quarterbacks. The offensive line did pretty well, but there is always room to get better.

-Head J.V Captain Bobby Richards

Fumbled away — Comets turnovers cost them in KM Cup game

A fumble on the opening kick-off, leading to a short scoring drive by the Wahkiakum Mules, would only be a preview of what was to come for the Naselle Comets Friday night, as they squandered multiple chances through fumbles in a 0-13 loss at Cathlamet.
The Comets would lose the turnover battle 7-1, the most costly perhaps coming in the final mintues when the Comets had a first and goal, but lost the ball, and in turn the game.

The Comets lost more than the game though, as Alan Erickson, a defensive leader and a key to their running game, went out of the game with a shoulder injury in the second half. Erickson showed signs of the injury in the first half, but played through it. His night ended on the bench having his shoulder stabalized by EMTs. It is not certain the extent of the injury or if Erickson will be able to play next week.

While losing the game — especially to their rival — is not a good thing, according to defensive coach Clyde Glick, the Comets are still finding their stride. "This is still scrimmage ball for us," he said after the game, referring to the fact that the league season doesn't start for another three weeks.

The Comets are now 0-1 on the new season and will host Warrenton next Friday

See a photo gallery from the game HERE

Read the game story on chinookobserver.com HERE

Not in the Cards — Fishermen fall by 1 in opener

A late scoring drive by the Winlock Cardinals, coming off a key defensive stop after Ilwaco went for a 4th and 5 on the 50 yard line gave the visiting Cardinals a come from behind 28-27 win — the win broke a 10 gaming losing streak for the team that began last season.
With only 40 seconds left, the Cardinals ran a successful running play from the Ilwaco 10 yard line for the touchdown and the tie. The PAT put the Cardinals on top for good. Running back Mike Ayon ran for all four Cardinals TDs, as well as 201 rushing yards.
Winlock led at halftime 15-14, but the Fishermen were able to add two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 27-16 lead.

Ilwaco is now 0-1 on the new season and next Friday travels to South Bend for another non-conference game.

Read the game story on Chinookobserver.com HERE

Photos from Naselle @ Wahkiakum

See a slideshow photo gallery from Naselle's 0-13 season opening loss at Wahkiakum HERE

-D. Mulinix
Observer photojournalist

Week 1 preview - 9/5/08

Local high school football kicks into full swing tonight, Friday Sept. 5, with both teams playing big games to get the season underway. Be sure to get out to a game and support the local teams! And be sure to check back here Saturday morning to see game recaps, a photo gallery slideshow from our game of the week, and player blog posts.

Game of the week

Naselle @ Wahkiakum, 7 pm, at Wahkiakum High School, Cathlamet
The Comets will begin their co-league champion title defense on the road against perhaps their biggest rival, Wahkiakum, Friday night. Better known for their basketball tussles — the annual KM Hill Cup game — Naselle will be facing a Mules team coming off a less than tremendous year, finishing 5-4 (they were a dominant 8-2 the previous year).
The Comets on the other hand finished last year 8-1 in the regular season (their only loss coming 0-7 to the other co-league champ Willapa Valley), and 1-1 in the playoffs. Their season ended with a disappointing 0-22 loss to Life Christian Academy after a blowout win at Seattle Lutheran High in week 1 of the playoffs, 42-7.
Good news for the Comets, they are returning almost their entire team from last year. The most notable change is at quarterback where junior Austin Burkhalter will be taking over for his brother Kyle who graduated last year. The Comets will however be without the services of starting running back Tony Fletcher until week three due to academic ineligibility. But according to coach Jeff Eaton, the Comets will not be in short supply at the position this week.
"We won't have a 2,000-yard running back, but I'm hoping we have three or four who gain 700 yards," he said in a recent interview, noting that brothers Nick and John Hines and Logan Scrabeck combine speed with deception and Nate Carlson can also perform at either tailback or fullback.

Ilwaco vs Winlock, 7 pm, Ilwaco High Stadium

The Fishermen begin their season Friday the same way they ended it last year — against the Winlock Cardinals. Ilwaco made easy work of their crossover game opponent last November, winning that game 48-14. That win helped the Fishermen finish their season on a high note, with a record of 3-7.

This year the Fishermen are talking about a change of team attitude, and have a team goal of reaching at least a .500 record this year. It'll be a tough chore, as their out of conference schedule (@ S. Bend, vs. Naselle, @ Evergreen Lutheran) is just about as tough as their conference games (@ Kalama, @ Columbia). But a good way to start would be to take care of business in week one at home against the Cards.
"Winning half of our games will be a lofty goal and being in the chase for a league championship is unrealistic for this year, but I am pleased with how hard the guys are working," said coach Kevin McNulty in a preseason interview. "We have 36 players who are dedicated to being a better football team."
The Fishermen offense is an area of change for the team. Gone is Eddie Knick's 4,000-plus career yards at running back, and as of week two of practice McNulty was having up to four different quarterbacks taking snaps.
"Rey Sanchez can really flick the football and can play running back," said the coach. " Justin Short has the most experience and is very athletic and can be a wide-receiver. And David Sinor is a transfer student who can also be a wide-receiver. Those three guys and freshman Matthew Wood have all taken snaps at quarterback."
As for the running backs, McNulty has a handful who he thinks can be a handful for opposing defenses. Stephen Hilton (who missed most of last season with an injury), Terry Elliott (a transfer student), Trevor Couch and Zach DeSimone will all see time at tailback.
"I'm hoping to run the football 60 percent of the time and pass 40 percent," said McNulty.

Don't forget to leave feedback for the players via the comment area on the blog posts!

Fishermen's Pre-game and Upcoming Debut

We have been waiting for this moment since winlock last year. We have been motivated majorly by our head coach Kevin Mcnulty. He has given us two team rules that we will use for the rest of our lives. "Rule #1- Don't let your teammates down." And this rule means the same, but completely different things to each of our players.

To me, it means: no drinking, no smoking, no drugs at all, show up to practice on time, and be there for our teammates for the rest of their lives. Our two team rules do not end of the field. Always be there for each other, each and every sport and every single other thing you do.

This is the most inspiring thing i have ever heard in my live. This is what one of our Varsity quarterbacks David Sinor (senior) had to say about being a team.
"Team Defined as - A group of people together Using Their Diffrences to perform as a Whole in a Unified Matter. A team is a group. A team is solid. A team is a family. A Football team shows all of these things every where they go. They show the community around them the way and respect of youth today. WE show everyone we see that we are part of something bigger. We show them that we chose to come to workouts over the summer. we show them that we give up ever afternoon to something bigger. We play for one another every day we know that we are not playing for ourselves but for the other ten guys that are on that field. Now I have heard alto of very knowledgeable people say things about teams that i think everyone should hear. "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." --Vince Lombardi. You see if you just have an commitment to a team and not just to yourself if you are not selfish then you will be successful at anything you do. Also The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say 'I.' And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say 'I.' They don't think 'I.' They think 'we'; they think 'team.' They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but 'we' gets the credit.... This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done. In the world you will find men who want to be carried on the shoulders of others, who think that the world owes them a living. They don't seem to see that we must all lift together and pull together. It is easy for a person to 'Talk' it isn't easy for a person to 'Do'. You see people all the time that 'Talk' about others and how to fix things and how to make them better, but rarely will you see a person 'Do' things to help others 'Do' things to fix what is wrong, to make things better. It always comes back to the leader or the boss they are the key to the car they start every thing they get the pistons moving they get the whole 'Team' moving excited. It is the speed of that person that gets everyone moving. "I've always found that the speed of the boss is the speed of the team." I am not sure who said that but they are a pretty smart person. You also need to know that is not a singularity it is a unity a community a team it is never about I cause talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. I know most teams tat i have been on have not had that many numbers but never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has. You are part of a group of people that are together Using Their Differences to perform as a Whole in a Unified Matter, a TEAM!"

No one could have said it better David.

Varsity Team updates

Our varsity is ready to go. Each and everything we do at practice is to get us better. We have a big set of linemen and quick set. We have advantages in both. If we want to pass, we get the bigger guys in and no one gets through them. If we want to do a trap we get the quick guys in. Either way, we have faith in our linemen. Everyone of running backs are shorter then 5'6 and we find that to have it's advantages. We have three quarterbacks on varsity Justin Short, David Sinor, and Rey Sanchez will all be playing a lot. We have three centers, a short, a quick, and a big, can't fail. One of varsity quarterback's junior Justin Short will be playing Wide Receiver and senior Kolby Kirby at the other receiver. There is just too to many name.

We do anything to get better. We condition daily in various ways "Conditioning isn't a punishment, it's a reward."

Thoughts on facing Winlock

We look at this to be just like a scrimmage, but more competitive. This is just another chance to get better. "Only our league games count" Our next four games are to per pare us for kalama. We are going to be tested mentally and physically each and every play. We have to keep our brains on.

We can't come out cocky like we did to Whitesalmon last year. Two years ago, we beat Whitesalmon, last year, we underestimated them and lost. We can reassure, it won't happen again.

Only playing football will tell you if we are ready to play

i leave you with this.

"G.A.T.A." (good attitude towards athletics)

p.s i assure you that when i write again it won't be this long;] lol

- Bobby Richards
IHS football player