News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Josiah Destautel, aided by the blocking of Bryson Whalawitsa, gets ahead of Saints defenders in Saturday’s game in Seattle. The freshman gained 136 yards for the Raiders, including four touchdowns. — Paul Moseley photo
by John R. McNeil II
LR did not let the long bus trip to West Seattle slow them down Saturday afternoon as they shredded the Seattle Lutheran Saints defense for 383 yards on the ground for a 40-0 victory.
Head Coach Steve Files was proud of the turnaround his squad made in just one week after a 56-0 loss.
“We had a pretty good week at practice and did not let last week linger too long," Files said.
Leading the rushing attack was freshman Josiah Desautel who racked up three touchdowns in 136 yards rushing, including a 57 yard sprint. Desautel also returned a punt 65 yards for his fourth touchdown of the game. Sophomore Jesse Louie ran for 93 yards. including a 65 yard touchdown run. Junior Josh Harris also ran for a touchdown.
Comparing the offensive performance to that of the previous week, Files said it was possible because of improved line play.
“We controlled the line of scrimmage, and that was huge for us,” he said.
Defensively, the Raiders showed improved confidence and energy that helped them to hold the Saints scoreless, Files said.
LR held the Saints’ offense to only 201 total yards, with just 88 of those gained on the ground.
The Raider defense set the tone early with a goal stand, holding out the Saints after a big play.
Jesse Louie then blocked the field goal attempt, which was the closest to putting points on the board the Saints had for the entire game.
Freshman Nathaniel Hall showed his skill at defense, forcing a turnover and grabbing an interception.
The early season win and the positive morale it creates is something Coach Files wants to see carry over to this week.
“I'd like to see us build on this last performance,” he said. We want to make steady improvement each week.”
LR is preparing this week’s non-league matchup against the Bridgeport Mustangs on the Mustangs’ home turf. The game is being played to replace the Reardan Indians, who dropped LR because of Northwest Christian picking up football this season.
The Mustangs come in at 0-2, after dropping their opener to Tonasket 40-15, then losing to Darrington 48-19.
The kickoff is 7 p.m. at Bridgeport High School this Friday.
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