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Don Gronning
NEWPORT – The Newport Grizzlies had a good homecoming, shutting out the Northwest Christian Crusaders 42-0 on Friday, Sept. 26. The win puts Newport (2-0, 4-0) in a tie with Reardan for first in the Northeast 2B League.
The game got off to a good start for Newport when Kutter Driver broke a big run for a touchdown on one of the opening plays from scrimmage. A few plays later Jacob Reimers did the same with an even longer TD run, an 85-yard gallop. Newport scored one more time before the first quarter ended, up 21-0.
“Overall, we are very happy with how our team played Friday night and how they have been improving each week,” Newport coach Mark Duxbury says. Newport really had no trouble with the Crusaders (0-2, 2-2).
Reimers only carried the ball four times but made the most of it, gaining 138 yard and two touchdowns.
Newport’s running game was strong, with Driver carrying 11 times for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Preston Wacenske had four carries for 90 yards and a TD.
Duxbury says the offensive line had a lot to do with it.
“Our offensive line is playing well and is definitely one of our strengths, giving our physical running backs some good lanes to run,” he says.
Duxbury says the line has a lot to do with the team’s defensive efforts, too.
“Our defensive line is able to get pressure this year which helps the backend of the defense in coverage,” he says.
Aidan Kramer had an interception. Malik Kennett, Brad Martin, Damien Hamburg, and Landon Hall each had sacks.
“Our defense held NWC to 208 yards total offense,” Duxbury says, 84 yards rushing and 124 yards passing. Newport had 486 yards of offense, including 476 rushing yards. The Grizzlies only threw once, a 10-yard Brad Martin to Gavin Hunt-Estrada pass play.
Next Friday, Oct. 3, Newport makes a long road trip for a league game with Asotin (0-2, 1-3). That game starts at 7 p.m.
