Lewis and Clark picks up first win

Andrew Black thought the difference was finishing.

The Lewis and Clark senior quarterback was probably onto something, as the previously winless Tigers used their most complete offensive and defensive game to top the University Titans 35-7 in a Greater Spokane League football game Thursday at Joe Albi Stadium.

“Tonight, it was all about our team,” Black said. “We were able to show our full potential and who we can be as a team. The last two games we didn’t finish drives and we had some turnovers. Our offense really stepped up.”

LC opened the season with losses to Gonzaga Prep, Mt. Spokane and Mead – all 3-0. But in the Tigers’ last two games, they lost respectably 21-7 to Mt. Spokane and Mead.

Black completed 13 of 17 passes for 214 yards and two touchdown passes to Jake Hufnagel. Black also rushed for 82 yards and a TD.

He says more good things are ahead.

“I think we’ve got a good chance of winning out,” Black said. “We’ve just got to get our lower classmen to believe that and everyone on board. We’re going to turn our season around and give those top teams a run for their money.”

LC and U-Hi combined for five turnovers in the first half.

It took a defensive play, an 85-yard fumble return by defensive lineman Blake Ochsner, to put Lewis and Clark ahead 7-0 with a second to go in the first quarter.

That’s when Black and Hufnagel connected twice in the second quarter for touchdowns of 35 and 32 yards. Both times Hufnagel got good position on U-Hi defensive backs.

The lead could have been bigger for the Tigers at halftime. LC was marching along on its first drive, down to the Titans 1-yard line, when running back Coleton Fitzgerald fumbled after middle linebacker Isaiah Watkins ripped the ball from his hands.

U-Hi pulled within 21-7 on the first series of the second half. The Titans used 12 plays to move 70 yards with sophomore QB Logan O’Neill scoring from 3 yards out.

LC (1-3) answered the TD, and the Titans (0-4) couldn’t mount a threat thereafter.

“Your first win is always a great win,” LC coach Dave Hughes said. “We still think we’re going to have a decent season and that’s our goal. We hope things work out for us. We’re excited that we’re getting a little better. Our skill guys are getting a little better. We’re a little bit small up front but we’ve got to live with that all year long.”

Black put the first third of the season in perspective.

“No one ever wants to start 0-3, and it’s been a while since the Tigers have started that way,” he said.

Hughes praised Black.

“He’s always been a good running quarterback and tonight he hit some nice balls to Jake Hufnagel,” Hughes said. “That really helps our offense when we can stretch the field.”

O’Neill started in place of senior Jeff Beaty, who was in sweats on U-Hi’s sideline.

Bryce Williamson led U-Hi with 122 yards rushing on 23 tries.

Ferris 42, Rogers 0

Cole Karstetter and Jalen Hicks scored three touchdowns each as the Saxons won going away. Karstetter, Ferris’ senior running back, finished with 215 yards rushing on 13 carries.

It was all Saxons (3-1) in the first half. They ran up and down the field for 349 yards total offense while holding the Pirates (0-4) to 17.

Karstetter scored twice in the opening half – on runs of 61 and 73 yards. He had 189 on 10 carries by halftime.

Hicks also scored two TDs in the first half on runs of 10 and 4 yards.