Quincy tops Connell in rematch

Under the lights of Lampson Field in Kennewick, Quincy left no doubt over its playoff victory over Connell at the end of last season.

This time, there was nothing close about the Jacks' 26-7 win over the Eagles Saturday night. It was a different story than the 28-21 win in the district playoff last year.

"It was really big because I know they were shooting for us all summer long," said Quincy coach Bill Alexander.

The game belonged to Quincy wide out Gabe Lopez who opened the match up with a 74 yard kick off return to put the Jacks on the Connell 25. From there, Lopez threw an 18-yard pass to wide out Smoky Baughman that set up a 1-yard run from quarterback Matt Medina for the Jacks' first score of the game.

Lopez' all-around effort resulted in 118 yards receiving on three receptions for two touchdowns and intercepted two passes for the game.

"I am happy with my performance in the first game," Lopez said. "I was a little nervous, but I stepped it up and I have to, I am a senior and I have to be a leader now."

"I think we looked really good because a guy named Gabe Lopez came running out of the chute," Alexander added.

Alexander said his running back by committee got the job done he wanted as Dustin Petersen and Scott Yeates combined for 56 yards and a touchdown.

For Connell, quarterback Daniel Nance got picked three times on 9-for-24 passing for 86 yards. The offense for the Eagles belonged to running back Jeff Hawkins who rushed for 120 yards on 23 carries and the lone touchdown for Connell.

Hawkins only had six carries in the second half and was held to 21 yards rushing.

After being held scoreless in the first quarter, Hawkins scored from 14 yards out, but his performance was shadowed as Medina found Lopez streaking through the middle of the field for a 75-yard touchdown. The turning point in the game, Lopez said.

"I felt we were in control and the corners got a little let down after that," Lopez said. "After that, they stepped it down a little bit and we stepped it up."

Lopez and Medina hooked up again in the third on a 43-yard touchdown and Dustin Petersen capped the game with a 2-yard touchdown run that was set up by a Connell fumble.

Quincy finished the game with a 26-7 win over the Eagles, setting the stage for the Jacks' season, Lopez said.

"It was a good start and it will be a special year," Lopez said.