Ridgefield’s defense dominates Washougal in 48-0 win

RIDGEFIELD — With its defense flying around, making big hits and forcing turnovers, Ridgefield didn’t look like a football team that has only had a couple weeks of full-contact practice.

But the Spudders didn’t need any polish when they have 14 months of raw pent-up energy.

Ridgefield (2-0) posted its second straight shutout in the delayed 2020-21 season, dominating Washougal 48-0 on Friday at Ridgefield High.

The Spudders held Washougal (1-1) to 145 yards of offense and forced six turnovers.

For senior defensive end and Army commit Bailey Meek, the wait was too long and the six-week 2A Greater St. Helens League season too short to not come out firing.

“We haven’t had much contact in practice, but we’ve been waiting 400-plus days for this,” Meek said. “We’re ready to lay the boom.”

A blocked punt by Meek, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions served up plenty of golden chances for quarterback Luke Price. The senior took full advantage, throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for two more.

“When you get the ball on the 40 every drive, that helps,” Price said. “It’s always fun to watch the defense fired up and hitting people. That’s the tone-setter right there.”

Price threw for 273 yards, completing 21 passes to six different receivers.

Ty Snider led Ridgefield’s receivers with 90 yards on seven catches. Ryan Jenkins, Aidan Hundt and Isaiah Crowley each had more than 50 yards receiving.

“The wide receivers are so good,” Price said. “If we’re not moving the ball through the air, it’s my fault. …  It’s just getting the ball to them and letting them make plays.”

Snider, who had touchdown catches of 13 and five yards, could feel Price getting into a rhythm early in the game.

“When he gets hot, our whole team gets hot,” Snider said. “Then there’s no stopping us.”

Ridgefield put the game away in the second quarter. Carson Knight gave the Spudders a 22-0 lead when he returned an interception eight yards for a touchdown with 7:34 left in the half.

Meek recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Less than two minutes later, Ridgefield led 28-0 on Snider’s second touchdown.

After forcing a turnover on downs, Ridgefield extended its first-half lead to 36-0. Jenkins hauled in an 11-yard scoring catch two plays after he set up the Spudders with a 43-yard grab.

As good has Ridgefield has looked in outscoring its first two opponents 90-0, the Spudders feel they can get better.

“This is probably half as good as we can get,” Snider said. “There’s definitely stuff to improve. We’re going to get better every week.”

This season is short, but Ridgefield is hoping that it sets up the Spudders for long-term success.

“We really want to make a statement,” Meek said. “Ridgefield football is here to stay, not just this year but in years to come.”

RIDGEFIELD 48, WASHOUGAL 0

Washougal 0 0 0 0—0

Ridgefield 14 22 6 6 —48

First quarter

R— Ty Snider 13 pass from Luke Price (run failed).

R — Price 1 run (Ryan Jenkins pass from Price)

Second quarter

R —Carson Knight 8 interception return (Snider pass from Price)

R — Snider 5 pass from Price (pass failed)

R — Jenkins 11 pass from Price (Snider pass from Price)

Third quarter

R —Isaiah Crowley 11 pass from Price (pass failed)

Fourth quarter

R — Price 7 run (kick failed)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Washougal: Gavin Multer 3-16, Tristan Farrell 2-(minus-13), Peter Boylan 8-29, Tyler Haugen 2-7. Ridgefield: Tanner Roberts 7-33, Luke Price 10-3, Matt Vance 7-16, Trent Miller 5-16.

PASSING — Washougal: Tristan Farrell 13-27-3-106. Ridgefield: Luke Price 21-38-1-273.

RECEIVING — Washougal: Gavin Tyacke 1-8, Gavin Multer 4-47, Michael Egger 7-47, Brig Griffin 1-4. Ridgefield: Ty Snider 7-90, Carson Knight 1-2, Ryan Jenkins 4-68, Aidan Hundt 5-50, Isaiah Crowley 3-53, Tanner Roberts 1-10.