Down three scores on the road in hostile territory, Gresham football was putting together a heroic drive with 7 minutes left in the first half against Sandy.
The Gophers were playing with an extra pep in their step, joy after being forced to forfeit a contest just a week ago. Starting on their own 16-yard-line, Gresham was marching, led by the savvy play of junior quarterback Liam Arnold Munoz. He hit on four passes, including a 33-yard strike to junior receiver Avery Lo. Munoz also got the Pioneers defensive line to jump on a hard count for a fourth-down conversion.
In the red zone, the Gophers twice thought they had the touchdown to keep things close. A touchdown catch by Lo was negated by an illegal formation flag. Then, on a 4th-and-16, Munoz threw a dart to sophomore Tucker Santillanes, which bounced out of his hands for an incomplete and turnover on downs.
Like they had been all contest, the Sandy offense didn’t waste the ensuing possession, scoring on an 8-play 84-yard drive with only 1:42 on the clock. Pioneers sophomore quarterback Micaiah Turin hit sophomore Gracyn Fitch in the back of the endzone for the 26-yard touchdown.
Sandy never looked back, continuing to build up its lead on what was offensive perfection — the Pioneers found the end zone every time they got the ball — and forcing a running clock by the late third quarter.
“This was the dominant victory we have been wanting — offensively 8 for 8 on those touchdown drives,” Coach Josh Dill said. “We were clicking on all cylinders, first class on the field, blowing up the scoreboard.”
The Pioneers beat the Gophers 61-21 Thursday, Oct. 10, in Mt. Hood Conference play.
“We played the way we have been talking about, this is a sign of things to come,” Dill said. “This is a step toward our goal of winning a game in playoffs.”
For Sandy (3-3, 2-2 League), all sorts of players got involved:
The running back duo of junior Caden McMahon and senior Mataio Olomua was electric. McMahon ran for 123 yards and 3 TDs, and also had a jump-pass completion to score a two-point conversion. Olomua had 109 yards rushing and 2 TDs.
Turin threw for 153 yards and 2 TDs, clinically running the offense that would bring out different looks to confuse the Gophers defense, including an effective spread attack that had him operating alone in the backfield.
Fitch had 4 catches for 87 yards and 2 TDs, and also scored on a 45-yard punt return.
Late in the game the Pioneers didn’t lose a step with the backups out on the field. Leading that second unit at quarterback, senior Zeke Hill ran for a touchdown.
For Gresham (1-5, 1-3 League), it was a strong performance from Munoz. He led the team with 134 yards rushing and a TD, and threw for 128 yards.
“Liam is one of those special players,” said Gresham Coach Cesar Martinez. “He is the hardest working kid on the team, maybe the hardest working kid in the nation.”
Both junior Michael Sullivan and senior Tristan Huerta ran for touchdowns; Santillanes led the receiving corps with 58 yards through the air; and the Gophers blocked two of Sandy’s point-after attempts.
Somewhat overshadowing the game has been the difficult few weeks for all of Gresham High. Ever since a student was arrested with a gun in the building, safety concerns have taken priority for the student body, teachers and parents. Attendance has plummeted, coming to a head last week with football having to forfeit a game against Central Catholic because they couldn’t safely field a team.
“For us this game was a release after everything, these kids don’t deserve what has been going on,” Coach Martinez said. “I liked our effort on the field, we kept battling and finding answers.”
“I feel for those kids and families,” said Coach Dill. “I’m glad they are out here tonight, sports can be that great escape in so many situations.”
The players were happy to be back on the field.
“It feels great to be playing again, you never what can happen,” Munoz said. “We just want to play, just want to have fun.”
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