Hockinson blows past Hudson’s Bay 49-0

HOCKINSON — It was a slow start for Hockinson as penalties hamstrung their offensive attack.

But the Hawks shook off their own mistakes and some big stops by the Hudson’s Bay defense, eventually cruising to a 49-0 victory over the Eagles.

“It took us a little while to get going,” Hawks coach Rick Steele said. “But we finished strong, I think we were a little flat tonight. Bay is a greatly improved football team. They showed they were ready to play.”

Bay took the Hawks by surprise, spreading them out with five-receiver sets and making their offense work.

After some initial gains, the Hawks defense asserted itself, only to have the Eagles stop them on a fourth down inside the red zone.

Behind the big-play ability of Kedrick Johnson on both sides of the ball and strong defense, the Hawks would eventually take control.

Johnson had over 110 yards receiving in the first half as well as an interception and fumble recovery on defense.

Johnson finished with 187 receiving yards on five catches.

“He’s a freak,” said Hawks quarterback Canon Racanelli, who threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns. “It’s really fun throwing to him. And credit to the O-line, or he wouldn’t get open as much as he would.”

Steele said of Johnson: “When you have a kid like that on your team it’s an awesome feeling. We have to lean on him.”

The aerial attack wasn’t all the Hawks had. Their running game was potent, keeping the Eagles on their toes.

“It’s nice when most everything you call works,” Steele said. “We knew we had to be balanced this year, and we’ve really concentrated on it. We’re making people play us honest.”

The Hawks had 193 rushing yards by halftime, opening up running lanes inside and off the edge.

The Eagles were deep in Hockinson territory multiple times throughout the night but could never turn those drives — which were often aided by Hockinson penalties — into points.

The Eagles even had a 29-yard field goal attempt blocked in the first quarter.

The Hockinson defense is its foundation. And while the Hawks bent at times, didn’t break.

They also forced several turnovers, including three interceptions, one of which was fumbled on the return and given back to Bay.

Hockinson goes to Ridgefield next week in a showdown of the two last undefeated teams in the 2A Greater St. Helens League.

HOCKINSON 49, HUDSON’S BAY 0

Hudson’s Bay 0 0 0 0–0

Hockinson 14 14 14 –49

First Quarter

H – Mitch Lines 20 run (Tommy Brennan kick)

H – Kedrick Johnson 45 pass from Canon Racanelli (Brennan kick)

Second Quarter

H – Steven Carlisle 5 run (Brennan kick)

H – Johnson 43 pass from Racanelli (Brennan kick)

Third Quarter

H – Matt Henry 23 run (Brennan kick)

H – Colton Wheeler 6 run (Brennan kick)

Fourth Quarter

H – Johnson 72 pass from Racanelli (Brennan kick)

Individual statistics

RUSHING – Hockinson, Carlisle 12-129, Jared Oja 8-60, Henry 3-35, Johnson 2-13, Ganon Kytola 4-28, Luke Brookman 1-16, Lines 2-16, Colton Wheeler 1-6, Racanelli 5-(-8). Hudson’s Bay, Jordan Hickman 5-12, Carter Morse 1-11, Jacob Turner 2-10, Victor Gray 7-4.

PASSING – Hockinson, Racanelli 11-20-1-267. Hudson’s Bay Jordan Hickman 14-39-3-137.

RECEIVING – Hockinson, Kedrick Johnson 5-182,  Lines 3-25, Carlisle 1-9, Cole Walker 1-15, Cameron Loos 1-36. Hudson’s Bay, Myles Artis 8-90, Turner 1-11, Tristan Maxwell 3-11, Morse 1-9, Shawn Morgan 1-16.