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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Unbeaten Camas tops Coeur d’Alene in a shootout

Coeur d’Alene football coach Shawn Amos knew it would have been wishful thinking for his team to be undefeated through the first five games of the season.

As Amos’ Vikings learned Friday, there’s no shame in losing when it’s to a better team.

The visiting and second-ranked Camas Papermakers were too much for the Vikings 49-30 in a game chock full of offensive insanity.

The teams combined for 766 yards – in the first half alone. Perhaps out of survival, the teams didn’t chuck it all over the field in the final two quarters. Still they finished with a combined 1,145 with CdA accounting for 636.

CdA’s final touchdown came when quarterback Colson Yankoff hit Joe Vang on a 7-yard screen, pulling the Viks (3-2) within 42-30 with 8:47 remaining.

Camas (4-0) proceeded to erase nearly seven minutes before scoring a game-securing touchdown. Quarterback Jake Colletto scored from a yard out for the final margin with 1:48 to go.

“We had that 7-minute drive where we needed to burn some clock a little bit,” Camas coach Jon Eagle said. “I was proud of our offensive line. And that’s a tough defensive front to block. They’re known for – we call it organized chaos – it may look like chaos but it’s organized, smart and well thought out. They do it very well. They play their (butts) off.”

It was a slow start for CdA – at least in terms of scoring. The Viks trailed 14-3 after the first quarter.

The 11-point deficit remained at halftime after both teams scored three touchdowns each in the second quarter.

“It was a helluva football game,” Amos said. “They’re very good, as advertized. I thought our kids played hard – not always clean. A team like that you’ve got to play a really good football game.”

A quirk in the schedule means CdA has a bye next week. The Viks couldn’t find a game for Week 6. But it could prove to be a timely bye since they open league play the following week at third-ranked Lewiston.

CdA missed many tackles and had difficulties defending the Papermakers’ bubble screens.

“We’ll be able to take a lot from that film,” Amos said.

Yankoff had a sensational game, throwing for 485 yards. He completed 35 of 49 including three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 73 yards.

Receiver Brody Lundblad, who returned from a four-week suspension, had five catches for 150 yards. He had TD receptions of 41 and 90 yards.

On the long score, Yankoff hit Lundblad on a quick curl, and he spun out of a tackle and sprinted the rest of the way. The TD pulled the Viks within 28-24 - the closest they’d get to Camas - with 4:51 to go before halftime.