Soap Lake wins again, improves to 3-0
CBH Football Stock Photo
The last time the Eagles started off 3-0 was six years ago, and Friday they had the chance to match that mark and give Soap Lake their best start in a half decade. To do so they would have to pass their most difficult test of the young 2013 season and beat the also undefeated Inchelium-Columbia on the road. The Eagles have been lead to victory in the first two weeksww of the season by exceptional play from team captains David Odarchuck and Dustin Foster. Additionally, the play of underclassmen quarterback Joe Cutshall and wide-receiver Nic Kapalo continues to improve each week.
The pressure would be on the Eagles early as the Lions struck first with a 47 yard touchdown run by Quentin Holford in the first quarter of play. As they have done throughout this season Soap Lake responded with confidence marching down the field and capping the drive off with a David Odarchuk 10 yard touchdown run. The Eagles run attack was just getting started as Odarchuck would punch in another touchdown from six yards out before the end of the first quarter to put Soap Lake up 12-8 going into the second.
"David was touch for them (Inchelium-Columbia) to control all night; he had a great ball game on both sides of the ball." Head coach Joe Worsham said.
Odarchuk was dominant with the ball in his hands, creating problems all over the field for the Lions defense, but it was without the ball in his hands that he really disrupted the Lions hopes of victory. Odarcuk rounded up 14 tackles and forced a fumble from the middle line backer position, making it difficult for the home team to keep things moving offensively. Soap Lake continued to pound the ball and show their depth in the backfield, as Ben Winters ran a 35 yard touchdown followed up with a Neo Wells two-point conversion. Odarchuk put an exclamation point on the first half by catching a 40 yard pass from Joe Cutshall to put the Eagles up 28-8 at the break.
"Joe is throwing the ball really well now, aside from a couple drops and missed routes he played a good game. He is leading the team down the field now and learning how to build good long drives that allow our offense to dictate the flow of the game." Worsham said.
Soap Lake began the second half of play by carrying over the momentum they ended the first half with, as Neo Wells took the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. The Lions would respond with Holford breaking away for a 64 yard touchdown run, but that would be the extent of the scoring for Inchelium-Columbia on Friday night. The Eagles defense prepared well for the rushing attack of the Lions and aside from the two big runs up the middle by Holford, set the tone for the game and really dictated the pace.
"Our defensive ends controlled the outside all game long. They ran a lot of sweep plays and a dive option play trying to get to the outside and break big runs, but aside from the two scoring plays they couldn't get things going. We controlled the outside really well." Worsham said.
Joe Cutshall hooked up with Nic Kapalo for a 34 yard touchdown pass and the only points from either team in the final quarter. The Eagles defense was instrumental in the victory, holding the Lions to just 1-4 passing for seven yards and Dustin Foster intercepted a pass and Odarchuk and Josh Decker each recovered fumbles. Multiple players turned in breakout games on offense, as Odarchuk again lead the charge rushing 13 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns and catching three passes for 65 yards and another score. Neo Wells lead the team in rushing with 123 yards on just 9 carries and also added the big special teams play returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Joe Cutshall had his best game of the year going 17-33 passing for 430 yards and two touchdowns, while not throwing an interception. It was a dominant performance in all facets of the game for the Eagles on Friday as they handed Inchelium-Columbia their first loss.
"It's exciting that our guys are developing a winning attitude and the skills it takes to win in eight man football. It's really exciting." Worsham said.
Next up for the 3-0 Eagles is Almira/Coulee-Hartline on the road for their first league game of the season. ACH runs a spread offense with a quarterback in Dallas Isaak who can take off an run at anytime and a fast pace style that can fluster even a good defense. The Eagles will need another well rounded performance to improve to 4-0.