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Central Valley escapes with 14-7 win over Mt. Spokane

Central Valley quarterback Conner DeGeest (14) throws for 16 yards during the first half of a high school football game at Joe Albi Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Central Valley quarterback Conner DeGeest (14) throws for 16 yards during the first half of a high school football game at Joe Albi Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
By Greg Lee gregl@spokesman.com(509) 844-8168

Central Valley coach Ryan Butner wasn’t so concerned with the final score Thursday.

He was just thankful to escape with a 14-7 win over Mt. Spokane in a 4A/3A Greater Spokane League crossover football game at Albi Stadium.

A week ago, the Bears (3-1) had an emotional victory over Mead, 38-27. So Butner, to some extent, almost saw his team’s flat effort, at least offensively, coming.

“We talked from the start that this was a definite trap game,” Butner said. “Thursday night usually not a great fan base in the early game. Short week – just a lot of stuff for the makings to go wrong. A little flat coming out.”

The Bears’ defense put in a lot of solid work, considering the offense only managed eight yards in the second half.

After a dull first 10 minutes to start the game, CV got the scoring started when Travis Hawkins, a four-year starter at linebacker, got in from 2 yards out.

CV added a second touchdown when Braedon Orrino scooted 6 yards with 8:41 to go in the second quarter.

The Bears had other opportunities but couldn’t convert. They finished with 187 yards total offense while the Bears’ defense stymied the Wildcats (1-3), limiting them to 37.

Still, Mt. Spokane’s best chance to score came when Tanner Brooks recovered a muffed attempt at a punt return at CV’s 19.

Dillon Lionello gained nine yards on Mt. Spokane’s first play, but the Wildcats were stuffed thereafter. On fourth-and-2 at the 11, CV lineman Jordan Talafili tackled Sam Spears for a 2-yard loss.

CV punter Ryan Rehkow pinned Mt. Spokane at its 2 with 5:16 remaining.

And the Wildcats responded with their best offensive possession, marching 98 yards. Quarterback Andrew Viehman scored on a 2-yard run to pull Mt. Spokane within the final margin with 2:38 to go.

Mt. Spokane, after a horrendous first half offensively, had 217 yards in the final two quarters.

The Wildcats attempted an onside kick but the ball bounced out of bounds. They forced CV to punt.

But Mt. Spokane didn’t get a first down and turned it over on downs to CV with just more than a minute to go.

“Sloppy most of the time,” Butner said of his team’s offense. “The defense stood strong with the exception maybe of one drive. Thank goodness we could rely on them.”

Mt. Spokane wide receiver had five catches for 119 yards to lead the Wildcats.

Orrino, who gained 177 yards last week, was limited to 47.