Things have been quite different for the Tigers since they began playing their league foes. They’ve scored at will and the defense is allowing just north of 10 points per night. Yet no victory was more vital than Friday night.
Ignited by a stellar night from Beckett Landram, the offensive line and several key pieces on defense, Napavine upended previously unbeaten Forks 42-14 at home to be atop the C2BL West standings.
“I’m really proud of these guys. They showed what they are capable of doing,” Tigers head coach Josh Fay said. “Foot never came off the gas.”
Senior quarterback Beckett Landram continued to impress with 24 carries for 98 yards and three rushing touchdowns while adding 155 through the air and another score. He connected with Carter Edmonds seven times for 89 yards.
Napavine scored double digit points in the first quarter for just ther second time this fall, but it was a defensive play that provided a jolt. Dean Hamilton recorded a tackle for loss on the first play and it never looked back.
Tommy Deebach was a force in the middle and the Kirkpatrick brothers Travis and Grady anchored the secondary, which only allowed 132 passing yards by Forks. Xander Paulis, a senior, came down with an interception for the Tigers. Hamilton and Hunter Hipp also recovered one fumble apiece.
“We didn’t get beat up top and that was awesome,” Fay said.
Another installment of the Adna versus Napavine rivalry takes place next week in Adna. If the Tigers win, they win the league title. If the Pirates defend home turf, it will be a three-way tie at the top of standings.
Those two plus Forks would have to win in Week 9 as well to make it official and the three placements would be decided by a coin toss.
“They have always mattered, but Week 8, everything that is on the line, it is a big deal,” Fay said of the game versus Adna. “Our guys know they have to earn everything.”
