Football: Douglas JV stays unbeaten

The Douglas Tiger junior varsity football team increased their record to 4-0 by defeating the Fallon Greenwave last Thursday 40-8.

After a slow start resulted in their first scoreless opening quarter of the season, the Tigers finally broke through with a touchdown at the start of the second quarter.

They drove the ball to the eight yard line where Dylan Nielson ran off tackle. The ball was knocked loose as he crossed the goal line, but Douglas linemen Matt Wylie and Justin Tenney scrambled for the ball, and Tenney recovered for the touchdown. Douglas went for two and Nielson carried again, this time running all the way in for the score.

After a three and out and a Fallon punt, Douglas took over on their own 38 and had a second successful scoring drive. Nielson had the honors again, running the ball in from 10 yards out. The extra point was missed, but Douglas still led 14-0.

The Douglas defense continued to stymie Fallon throughout the quarter. The Tiger offense was having problems of its own, but that was about to change.

With 1:26 left in the half, Fallon failed to convert a fourth and two at midfield. The Tigers took over and quarterback Trevor Shafer hit receiver Nate Vonahsen with a 48-yard touchdown pass. Vonahsen then kicked the extra point for a 21-0 lead.

Following the kick-off, Fallon was unable to move the ball and with 48 seconds left, set up to punt. A bad snap forced the punter to attempt a pass which was intercepted by Tenney at the Fallon 14 yard line.

Douglas couldn't punch it in and tried a field goal, but the kick was wide left. Fallon took over with 16 seconds left and it appeared the scoring was over. But the Tigers were able to force a fumble, and Wylie was there to scoop it up and run it in for a touchdown. A missed extra point made the score 27-0 to close the half.

The second half opened with more of the same. The Douglas defense held Fallon and once again, the Tigers were on the move. Fullback Jackson Ketron scored this time on a one yard plunge. From there Douglas backed off the accelerator a bit, and were able to cruise in for the victory. Fallon finally managed a scoring drive, but Douglas closed out the game with the reserves mounting a drive of their own.

Ketron scored the touchdown on a five yard reception from Shafer.

Head Coach Lance Hartzell said his team came out flat, but was able to pick things up in the second quarter to complete a decisive win. He singled out a few players such as Sam Amador, who made excellent snaps in his first game as long snapper on punts and place kicks; linebacker Austin Martin who had his second straight outstanding game; and reserves Tyler Radtke and Isaac Keway who played very well for significant minutes in the second half.

The junior varsity's next game is Saturday at Galena High at noon.