Orting runs away from Washougal 33-10 in 2A state first-round game

ORTING — Washougal had its chance on Friday night.

But when they did seize on their opportunity, the Panthers watched their chances run away from them.

Orting’s double-wing, misdirection running attack produced 290 yards as the Cardinals beat Washougal 33-10 in a Class 2A state first-round game.

“They were big and physical and they ran their offense very well,” Washougal coach Dave Hajek said of the Cardinals. “They have a lot seniors over there. They’re well-coached. Yeah, they were tough to stop.”

The pivotal moment for the Panthers came in the second quarter.

Leading 10-7, the Panthers pounced on a mishandled snap by Orting on the Cardinals’ 28-yard line.

With a chance to go up two scores, the Panthers stalled out on the Orting 44-yard line.

The Cardinals were not to be stopped the rest of the game, scoring touchdowns on their next four possessions to seal a trip to the state quarterfinals.

“I really thought we’d be able to do down, punch one in and go up by 10 points,” Hajek said. “But we weren’t able to execute. … We weren’t able to get things done, and I think that kind of turned things.”

Orting only attempted three passes on the night. But one when for 48 yards to set up its other pass, a 13-pass from Zach Gemar to Jace Lowdermilk, putting Orting up 14-10 at halftime.

Orting took its first possession of the second half and drove downfield for a 21-10 lead.

When Washougal went three-and-out on its first second-half possession, the Cardinals marched down to take a 27-10 early in the fourth quarter, aided by a roughing-the-kicker call on the Panthers on a missed field goal attempt.

Will Cooper had 54 yards rushing and one touchdown for the Panthers (8-3) and caught six passes for 51 yards.

The loss ended a stellar career by Washougal quarterback Holden Bea. Bea had 46 touchdowns — either passing or rushing — during his senior season, but he didn’t have any in his final high school game.

“He’s probably the best player that Washougal has ever had,” Hajek said. “For his career, he’s had close to 80 touchdowns, which is amazing by itself. I don’t think we’ll see another player like him, at least at Washougal.
“He’s the hardest-working guy we have. The other kids watch him and see what he’s done. He’s a leader and he doesn’t have to be a vocal kid to do that.”

ORTING 33, WASHOUGAL 10

Washougal 7 3 0 0—10

Orting 7 7 7 12—33

First quarter

W — Will Cooper 2 run (Koby Johnson kick)

O — Carson McCall 8 run (Brihan Gonzalez kick)

Second quarter

W — Johnson 43 FG

O — Jace Lowdermilk 13 pass from Zach Gemar (Gonzalez kick)

Third quarter

O — Kaiden Whitaker 1 run (Gonzalez kick)

Fourth quarter

O — Whitaker 2 run (kick blocked)

O — Carmine Pilatti 1 run (kick failed)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Washougal: Will Cooper 11-54, Mercy Johnston 2-5, Holden Bea 10-(-1). Orting: Kaiden Whitaker 13-72, Brock Armstrong 8-41, Carson McCall 6-58, Shiron Seniours 2-40, Carmine Pilatti 6-25, Jonavin Camacho 5-35, Israel Shrode 2-29, Zach Gemar 2-(-8), team 2-(-2).

PASSING — Washougal: Holden Bea 16-34-0-163. Orting: Zach Gemar 2-3-0-61.

RECEIVING — Washougal: Sam Evers 3-41, Brayden Padilla 4-28, Deondrae Goodell 2-13, Will Cooper 6-51, Harry DeShazer 1-30. Orting: Carson McCall 1-48, Jace Lowdermilk 1-13.