Meadowdale comeback overcomes Columbia River

Published 11:41 pm Saturday, November 14, 2009

EDMONDS — Meadowdale fell behind early in its first game of the 3A football state playoffs, just like it did many times during the season.

And just like those other games, the Mavericks battled back, scoring 20 unanswered points and shutting out the Columbia River offense in the second half on their way to the 27-17 win.

“We’ve been coming back all season,” Meadowdale head coach Mark Stewart said. “It’s a little bit of our M.O.”

After falling behind 17-7, Sam Werner caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from fellow senior quarterback Danny McDonald, capping a five-play 72-yard drive.

Meadowdale never looked back.

“Nobody wanted to go home,” Werner said after the game. “It’s a one-week season. We said ‘It can’t be the seniors’ last game.’”

Coming out of the half trailing 17-14, the Mavericks put together an impressive drive, but came up short on third down and punted to the Columbia River 13-yard line.

Three plays later Meadowdale recovered a fumble that resulted in Naji Moore-Taylor’s second touchdown run of the night, putting the Mavericks up for good in the game.

McDonald added six more insurance points for Meadowdale in the beginning of the fourth quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run that covered about 25 yards worth of ground. McDonald weaved through defenders and had three on his back as he made it into the end zone.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” McDonald said of the come-from-behind victory. “Last year we came up short … coming from behind makes it even sweeter.”

Werner had two big plays on Meadowdale’s last scoring drive to keep the chains moving. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Werner, who is also the team’s punter, lined up to kick the ball away. He took a look at the defense, saw what he liked, and took off down the right side of the field for a 24 yard run.

“Coach tells me if I think I can get it, take it,” Werner said.

“It’s just great players having a little wiggle room,” Stewart said.

After a 13-yard holding penalty, Werner ran a wide receiver reverse for 37 yards, finishing the day with 61 rushing yards on two carries.

Moore-Taylor had another big game for Meadowdale, carrying the ball 30 times for 171 yards and the two touchdowns. McDonald ran 24 times for 90 yards (including the touchdown) and completed seven of 11 passes for 119 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

“They’ve just got a good sense of what to do with the ball,” Stewart said. “Whether it’s Danny McDonald taking off on a run, or Sam or Naji.”

Columbia River (5-6 overall) came out firing.

After Meadowdale missed a 34-yard field goal attempt, the Chieftains went 80 yards on five plays, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown reception from Neil Daly to Ricky Aske. An extra point and a 48-yard field goal accounted for Columbia River’s early lead.

Daly led the Chieftains, going 16-for-27 for 191 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and rushing for 53 yards on 12 carries.

The Mavericks now move on to the quarterfinals, where they’ll have to travel to take on a tough Union (10-1) team.

“Obviously (Columbia River) was tough,” Stewart said. “We’ll just get a little more focus.

“We’ve been fortunate to have some home games (in the playoffs). We’ll see if we can take this show on the road.”

At Edmonds Stadium

Columbia River10700—17

Meadowdale01467—27

CR—Aske 4 pass from Daly (Hughes kick)

CR—FG Hughes 48

Meadowdale—Moore-Taylor 18 run (Werner kick)

CR—Polen 13 pass from Daly (Hughes kick)

Meadowdale—Werner 18 pass from McDonald (Werner kick)

Meadowdale—Moore-Taylor 8 run (kick failed)

Meadowdale—McDonald 16 run (Werner kick)

Records—Columbia River 5-6 overall. Meadowdale 11-0.