Prairie falls short in 18-8 loss to Marshfield

Prairie got off to a late start to the game, and then the offense was slow to start in an 18-8 loss to Marshfield of Coos Bay on Friday in Eugene, Ore.

Prairie coach Mike Peck said the team bus was stuck in traffic and kickoff at Sheldon High School had to be delayed by almost an hour.

“But that’s no excuse,” Peck said. “Marshfield is the No. 1 team in the state for their classification for a reason. They played great defense and had an explosive offense.”

Dom Montiel threw three touchdown passes in the first half as Marshfield led 18-0.

“(Montiel) is one of the best high school quarterbacks I’ve seen,” Peck said. “Somebody in college is going to be very happy (with him).”

The Falcons’ defense responded in the second half by keeping Marshfield off the board. Alex Ward scored a touchdown late in the third quarter to cut the margin to 18-8.

The Falcons drove into Marshfield territory in the fourth quarter before turning the ball over on downs with four minutes to go.

“I challenged the kids at halftime, and I was really proud of the way they responded in the second half. We played a great second half. If we can play a full game like we played in the second half, we will be a tough team to beat.”

Prairie opens 3A Greater St. Helens League play against Kelso next week.