NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg High School football team (1-2) fell 28-7 to No. 3-ranked Lake Oswego Lakers (4-0) at Loran Douglas Field on Friday, Sept. 19.
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Newberg opened strong with two straight drives into the red zone, sparked by returns and receptions from senior Ethan Hein. The first drive ended with an interception by Lakers’ Liam Tobin.
The next drive gave Newberg its only lead of the game when senior running back Deaken Santrizos scored on a 7-yard jet sweep to make it 7-0.
“Our offense chunked down two big drives, going downfield,” Newberg head coach Jeremy Johnson said. “That was tremendous for our offense to represent.”
Newberg held the lead until 8:19 remained in the second quarter, when Lake Oswego quarterback Hudson Kurland connected with 6-foot-4 wide receiver Jasiah Agnimel for a 60-yard touchdown to tie it at 7.
The Tigers’ defense continued its bend-but-don’t-break approach before giving up a 3-yard rushing touchdown to Lakers’ star running back LaMarcus Bell with 3:21 left in the half.
Lake Oswego led 14-7 at halftime after Newberg missed an opportunity to score when a fake punt led to a defensive pass interference penalty on the Lakers.
The Lakers asserted their dominance on the ground in the second half. Bell piled up yards, ending with 143 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns, and running back Justin Craigwell also punched in a touchdown to put Lake Oswego ahead 21-7 with 7:14 left in the third quarter.
Newberg’s offense sputtered through most of the third quarter but gained momentum when AJ Thomas recovered a red-zone fumble by Craigwell. The Tigers nearly mounted a comeback before a long touchdown throw from quarterback Parker Sellner was called back for a crackback block during a scramble.
“The kids gave us everything they could,” Johnson said.
Lake Oswego sealed the win with a 2-yard touchdown run by Bell in the fourth quarter.
“I expected our kids to come out and fight and go right at this team,” Johnson said. “We’re going to keep competing against anyone.”
News & Notes
Senior runningback Ethan Hein finished the day with 25 rushing yards on 8 carries and three catches for 51 yards. Senior lineman Seth Glaster left the game in the third quarter with a left arm injury.
Newberg wraps up a tough nonconference schedule that included a close home loss to No. 6 Nelson and a season-opening win at Canby. The Tigers open Pacific Conference play at Sunset High School in Beaverton on Sept. 26.
