Stevenson’s offense took what the Castle Rock defense was giving. And what the Rockets were giving was the long ball.
Zach Castro was 10 of 20 passing for 272 yards and big-play touchdown strikes to three different receivers in the first half.
“He did well,” Stevenson coach Craig McKee said of his quarterback. “It was 50 percent completion, but were trying to cut the short passes off early in the game and we had to go with deep balls. He threw some great balls.”
Castro’s scoring passes covered 50 yards to Kyle Russell, 88 yards to Kevin Jaco and 34 yards to Evan Low. Jaco’s touchdown grab came on his only catch.
“He ran past everyone,” McKee said. “Jacob threw a great ball, and nobody could catch him.”
Zack Irwin scored Stevenson’s final touchdown on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs are 4-0 with versatility on offense, having won by relying on the running game and short passing game earlier in the season. They also are winning with defense. Jaco had three of the team’s four interceptions. Brody Pistana and Christian Morris had 19 and 18 tackles, respectively.
Next up: Stevenson (4-0) at Ridgefield; Castle Rock (1-2 update) vs. White Salmon
Castle Rock 0 0 7 6—13
Stevenson 7 14 0 6—27
First quarter
S — Kyle Russell 50 pass from Zach Castro (Kevin Jaco kick)
Second quarter
S — Jaco 88 pass from Castro (Jaco kick)
S — Evan Low 34 pass from Castro (Jaco kick)
Third quarter
CR — Matt Parker 2 run (Mikel Skreen kick)
Fourth quarter
S — Zack Irwin 1 run (run failed)
CR — Tim Baszler 42 pass from Marcus Deyl (no conversion attempt)
Leaders
Rushing — Castle Rock — name 0-00; Stevenson — Brody Pestana 12-36, Zach Castro 4-25, Jeremy Waters 1-30, Kyle Russell 1-28.
Passing — Castle Rock — name 0-00; Stevenson — Zach Castro 10-20-1-272.
Receiving — Castle Rock — name 0-00; Stevenson — Kyle Russell 3-83, Kevin Jaco 1-88, James Pat 5-67, Evan Low 1-34.
