By Tim Bottorff
Herald Writer
DARRINGTON – Ronnie McCoy’s 2-yard touchdown run through the heart of the Neah Bay defense early in the first quarter was just a hint of things to come.
The Darrington Loggers (7-1 overall), playing at a blistering pace, scored 26 points in the first half en route to 52-12 victory over non-conference opponent Neah Bay (3-3) Saturday.
By virtue of its two victories over Neah Bay in the last two weeks, Darrington advanced to a state-qualifying playoff game next week at Mossyrock.
The Red Devils, who lost to Darrington at home last week, again had extreme difficulty stopping the Loggers’ in-your-face running game. Darrington’s brand of smash-mouth football, combined with several long, dazzling touchdown passes, gave them the dominating win.
Darrington coach Rob Wales said he used the same offensive scheme he used last weekend against Neah Bay.
“We felt we could continue to run the ball at them,” said Wales. “Since they don’t have the ability to substitute, we could wear them down.”
Darrington recovered two Neah Bay fumbles in Red Devil territory in the first quarter and scored two touchdowns.
An interception late in the first quarter by defensive back/runningback Matt Reece of Darrington led to another touchdown early in the next quarter. Reece took the snap and scrambled to the right side of the field, where he found Bryce Boyd open for a 44-yard touchdown pass.
At that point, frustration clearly took hold of the Red Devils. As they saw their playoff hopes quickly melt away, Neah Bay committed several personal fouls.
“The officials had to do a lot to stay in control of the game,” Wales said. “They do a lot of trash talking.”
Darrington, for its part, remained diligent.
“From the beginning, we set our sights on getting to the playoffs,” said Wales. “We stayed focused on that. I’m proud of our kids.”
With the score at 26-6 halfway through the second quarter, Darrington’s offensive play slowed down a bit.
After catching their breath during halftime, the Loggers picked up momentum yet again, scoring two more touchdowns in third quarter on runs by Quinn Padgett and Ronnie McCoy.
The Loggers ate up 423 yards on offense. D.J. Cochran ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Loggers do have a soft spot, it is defending the long pass. The Red Devils were not able to take advantage of that, but Mossyrock’s strength is its passing attack.
“We have to react a lot better and wrap people up,” Wales said about next weekend’s game.
Darrington-Vincent 15 pass from Reece (kick failed)
Darrington-Boyd 44 pass from Reece (pass failed)
Neah Bay-42 pass (pass failed)
Darrington-Cochran 6run (Cabe kick )
Darrington-McCoy 23 run (Cabe kick )
Darrington-Padgett 3 run (kick failed)
Darrington-Cochran 13 pass from Reece (Cabe kick )
Darrington-McCoy 7 run (kick failed)
Neah Bay-85 pass (kick good)
Records-Neah Bay 3-3 overall. Darrington 7-1.
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Darrington-McCoy 2 run (Cabe kick )
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