MOSES LAKE – After a great start, the ball just didn’t bounce the way of the Mountaineers as Connell upended Mount Baker 14-9 at Lions Field on Saturday.
A strong drive led to an early Ayden Rodriguez touchdown by the Mounties, and the punishing defense of the red and black was all over the field in the entire first half.
Junior linebacker Jeremiah Lee blitzed through the left side of the Eagle offensive line in the second quarter, and he was able to sack the quarterback in the end zone for a safety, which gave Mount Baker a 9-0 lead.
Connell was able to score a 40-yard touchdown just before halftime on a deep pass down the left sideline. At the half, Mount Baker had outgained Connell 123 yards to 66.
The Eagles began to contain the powerful running attack of the Mountaineers, and Coach Ron Lepper began go to the air. He dialed up a bubble pass to Rodriguez on 4th-and-2. It was a great call that saw the 5-foot-7 junior break through the defense for more than just a first down, but a touchdown. However, the play was called back on a questionable call.
A second penalty in a row backed the Mounties up even further, and they were then forced to punt. The momentum never swayed back to Baker.
A long drive by the Eagles culminated with a 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter, and Connell took its first, and only, lead of the ball game. Mount Baker was forced to punt again, and Connell possessed the ball for the majority of the fourth quarter by driving 70 yards. A missed field goal with 1:32 left gave the Mountaineers a glimmer of hope.
After a few completions from Mason Jacoby to Rodriguez, Connell intercepted a pass, and the game was over.
Rodriguez finished with a team-high seven receptions for 76 yards, and junior Toby Jefferson led on the ground with 59 yards on 12 carries.
Mount Baker finished its season with a 10-2 record.
Mount Baker 9
Connell 14
MB 7 2 0 0 – 9
CON 0 7 0 7 – 14
MB – Rodriguez 3 run (Zavala kick)
MB – Safety, Je. Lee sacked quarterback in end zone
CON – 40 yard touchdown pass (kick good)
CON – 1 yard touchdown run (kick good)
MB CON
28-84 Rushing Att-Yards 39-111
12-22-2 Comp-Att-Int 8-15-0
152 Passing yards 128
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – MB: Jefferson 12-59, Lee 12-39, Rodriguez 2-(-1), Jacoby 2-(-13). CON: N/A.
PASSING – MB: Jacoby 12-22-2-152. CON: N/A.
RECEIVING – MB: Rodriguez 7-76, Lee 3-30, Kentner 1-35, Smith 1-11. CON: N/A.
