Connell's Hadley proves a major thorn in Othello's side

CONNELL - A big rivalry game was just the way the Connell Eagles and Othello Huskies wanted to begin the 2007 football season.

But the Eagles, who finished second in last season's 1A state playoffs, looked quite a bit sharper than their 2A brethren from Othello, winning 20-3 last Friday in a non-league contest.

The Huskies had a difficult time matching up with Connell star Spencer Hadley, who notched both of his team's touchdowns. Hadley scored the only points of the opening period on a 13-yard pass from quarterback Brett Clyde.

Connell kicker Raul Farias connected for a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 10-0 lead at halftime.

The Huskies, under the leadership of first-time varsity quarterback Marc Garza, were able to put something together in the third quarter and drew within 10-3 as David Lind hit a 27-yard field goal.

But the Eagles bottled up Othello's offense the rest of the way, then cemented the win in the fourth period on a 45-yard Farias boot and a 6-yard Hadley run.

Senior running back David Walker had a solid outing for Othello, picking up 109 yards on 30 carries. Senior James Valdez had 39 yards on 11 carries.

Garza, a junior, finished 7 for 18 for 116 yards through the air and was intercepted once. Senior Michael Harvey was his favorite target, collecting three catches for 62 yards.

Hadley finished with 20 carries for 135 yards for Connell, while Clyde and Carlis Bailon combined for 94 yards rushing on 17 touches.