The Onalaska offense has had its fair share of big games, and Saturday was no different, but the defense also made several splash plays in a 50-14 win over 1A Cascade Christian on Saturday in Bonney Lake.
“Our defense played very well,” Onalaska coach Mazen Saade said. “I thought our coaching staff put together a great game plan.”
The Loggers forced six turnovers, including five interceptions. Sam Pannkuk and Cooper Lawrence both came away with two picks, and Rodrigo Rodriguez came away with the other. Saade also commended Lane Gordon, who didn’t record a pick but played excellent at cornerback.
On the night, the Cougars finished with just 179 passing yards and 223 total yards.
The Onalaska offense had its usual success, rushing for 424 yards, though the unit did also lose three fumbles.
“I thought they rose to the occasion,” Saade said. “Blaze (Underhill) and Lane (Gordon) did a really good job getting our offense going, and Rodrigo (Rodriguez) always runs hard. And Sam (Pannkuk) had a big night. And he does it with a smile.”
Underhill led the team with 149 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, while Rodriguez added 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 15 carries. Rodriguez also returned a punt for a touchdown, while Pannkuk needed just three carries to rack up 97 yards and two scores.
Saade also complimented the play of his offensive line, and overall, he’s excited about where the Loggers are.
“Still some fumbles and some penalties,” Saade said. “Some little things we have to clean up to get to where we want to be … But we’re proud of how our kids are playing.”
Onalaska was originally scheduled to play Winlock next Friday, but the Cardinals forfeited. The Loggers (5-1, 3-0 C2BL East) will take the league win, and they’ll head to 1A Klahowya on Saturday, Oct. 19.
