Carrying it off

Revenge is sweet. Revenge in the form of a 48-7 stomping might be sweeter.

That’s exactly what the Shadle Park Highlanders achieved at Albi Stadium Friday night in a dominating win over the Kennewick Lions, the team that ended Shadle’s season a year ago.

“Our guys came out really focused and executed and got through a little early nerves,” said Shadle head coach Alan Stanfield. “Then things settled in and started clicking for us, so it was a really good game.”

Shadle scored in a variety of ways: short passes, long passes, short runs, long runs and even a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior Jake Geldbach.

Shadle quarterback Brett Rypien – playing in front of WSU head coach Mike Leach and wide receivers coach Dave Yost – threw for 224 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Rypien played one series in the second half before giving way to junior Matt Keenan.

Rypien found receiver Tanner Pauly from 1 yard out to open the scoring on his first series of the game. Rypien also found Skyler Kelley for a 20-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Pauly finished with two touchdowns. Nick Kiourkas also had touchdown reception.

Shadle running back Michael Morris scored on a 68-yard run to extend Shadle’s lead in the first half. Morris finished with 147 yards rushing on 13 carries.

“He had a nice game,” Stanfield said.

Kennewick got an early touchdown reception from Andrew Townsend but not much else. The Lions were threatening late in the first half when Geldbach picked off a Matthew Driver pass and took it in for his score.

The teams played with a running clock in the second half.

Shadle (9-1) will play Mt. Spokane (8-2) next week in the first round of the state playoffs.