There’s no better way to celebrate Homecoming than by getting a big win, and that’s exactly what the Neah-Kah-Nie High Pirates did as they defeated the Vernonia/Jewell High Loggers 24-0 on Sept. 27 at home.
The Pirates, guided by second-year Coach Alejandro Quintana, snapped a three-game losing streak and recorded their first win in the impressive shutout over the Loggers (0-2 SD1, 0-4 overall).
“Our defense was awesome in holding them (Loggers) to zero points,” said Quintana. “Everyone really stepped up well and played great defense, but we’re still making some mistakes on offense. We’ve had some bad snaps that we have to improve on, along with a few other things, but overall, it was a good team win.”
Junior quarterback Brady Douma (9-for-20 passing, 98 yards; five carries, 60 yards rushing) accumulated a combined total of 134 yards of offense and he scored two touchdowns to help lead the Pirates to the victory. Douma threw a touchdown pass, he scored on a touchdown run and he also scored two two-point conversions.
“Everybody was contributing well and we all had lots of fun, which is something we were unable to do during the first few weeks of the season,” said Quintana. “Everyone just played awesome, and I was very proud of the way the guys played defensively and also on offense. We had some big plays made by Brady and also freshman Dylan Sigman made some key plays all over the field, so I was pretty proud of him. It was really nice to get a win under our belts.”
Sigman was the Pirates leading receiver with three catches for 47 yards. Junior wide receiver Noah Scovel had four catches for 36 yards receiving. The Pirates outgained the Loggers in total offense, 174 yards to 35.
Neah Kah Nie’s defense was led by senior Jasper Folden (eight tackles) and Mason Hackman (six tackles, two sacks, forced fumble). Sigman had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception.
The Pirates built a 6-0 halftime lead and then extended the margin to 12-0 after three quarters. The Pirates’ shutout marked their first one since a 26-0 home win over the Corbett High Cardinals on Oct. 13, 2023, which was also the last time the Pirates recorded a victory.
The Pirates faced the defending league champion Gaston High Greyhounds (1-1 SD1, 3-1 overall) Oct. 4 at home on Senior Night (results unavailable). Pirate seniors who were honored in Friday’s pregame ceremony included Folden, Tatum Carter, Isaac Ferber, Alex Neto, Matt Steiger, Sam Lommen and Gage Wilkinson.
The Pirates will play their final three games on the road, including a 7 p.m. contest Friday versus the Clatskanie High Tigers (1-1 SD1, 1-3 overall), a 2023 state playoff team. Clatskanie won last year’s matchup 41-22 on Sept. 29, 2023, in Rockaway.
“We’re looking forward to going to Clatskanie and seeing how well we can matchup with them,” said Quintana. “They’re going to be another tough opponent. We’ll have to try to shut down their running game, which will be a challenge, because that’s primarily what they’ll do in their double wing offense.”
The Pirates have a bye following Friday’s contest and they’ll play their next game Oct. 25 at Corbett, followed by a Nov. 1 season finale against the Knappa High Loggers.
Local News
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