Looking to bounce back from their first District 7-5A loss, the football team took on Lebanon Trail at the Ford Center Thursday, with two of their starting players out: quarterback Keldric Luster and wide receiver Evan Stewart, both out with injuries.
But when all was said and done, the Redhawks were able to prevail 40-35, improving to 5-2 (4-1 in District 7-5A).
“While we certainly want to be full strength, missing important players just provides an opportunity for others to step up,” head coach Matt Swinnea said. “Our running game really had to come through for us and it did. Receivers made some huge catches, the offensive line opened up some nice running lanes, and the defense rose to the occasion in the 2nd half.”
One of those players who stepped up was senior Johnathon Bone, who finished with two touchdowns and more than 200 yards rushing.
“I was very excited about the whole game,” Bones said. “Me rushing for 200 yards, but I was also thinking that it was time to step up and help make a big impact on the game.”
With Luster out, the offense was led by senior Will Glatch, last year’s starting quarterback that switched to linebacker this year.
“It felt great to get back out there,” Glatch said. “I was a little anxious at the beginning knowing it was a big game as well as missing a few key players and coaches.”
Trailing at the half 28-17, the Redhawks outscored the Trail Blazers 23-7 in the second half.
“I think there was not necessarily a change, but rather just a commitment to play better and stay in the fight,” Swinnea said. “We challenged the guys to score on our first possession after the half and then stop them. We did both, and momentum began to swing for us then.”
The Redhawks had several big plays on offense with Bone scoring on a 72-yard run, and junior Chris Johnson taking a kickoff back 100 yards for a touchdown. But it wasn’t all offense as the defense forced two turnovers, including a fumble recovery by junior Sam Wenaas.
“I made some mistakes earlier in the drive,” Wennas said. “So I was really happy to capitalize off of a great play by my teammates to strip the ball loose.”