CENTRALIA — Though the regular season certainly didn’t go how Onalaska ever expected it would, the Loggers are right where they thought they’d be heading into the year.
After going 5-5, the No. 5 Loggers smacked No. 12 River View around, 62-8, to move on to the state quarterfinals for the second consecutive season.
The Loggers held the Panthers to just 47 total yards, and -19 rushing yards in a dominant defensive display orchestrated by assistant coaches Wayne Nelson, Weylin Womack, Ken Ulery, and Jeremy Neilson.
“Our assistant coaches, the plan they put together defensively for our kids was spot on,” Ony coach Mazen Saade said. “Our kids went to work and they were lights out. Our defensive gameplan was spot on. I was proud of our guys.”
The performance was on par with how the Loggers have been tearing up teams for the past few weeks, with the Panthers scoring in garbage time off a long fumble recovery in the fourth. Ony’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in three weeks.
“Our kids woke up and said we have to go and play,” Saade said. “They’ve come out and worked hard every week and grown up every single week. Each week we’re getting better and better.”
On offense, Onalaska did alright, too. Marshall Haight rushed for 253 yards and five touchdowns, Kolby Mozingo went for 112 yards and a score, and Gunnar Talley added 70 yards and a touchdown. Juan Ibarra also contributed two scores and 59 yards on two touches.
The win means the Loggers will take on No. 4 Lind-Ritzville/Sprague in the quarterfinals next week across the mountains, a team with a lot of success and an experienced coaching staff.
“They’re really well-coached,” Saade said. “We’re going into a game with a team that's very well prepared and well coached. Our kids have got to come in on Monday and focus and prepare to go play these guys on Saturday.”
The gametime is still in the works, but the Loggers will likely face off against the Broncos next Saturday.
