Wildcats once again open the season with matchups against Class 2A opponents
La Center Wildcats (0-2)
Week 1: Hockinson 42, La Center 6
Week 2: Woodland 35, La Center 28
Next: Ridgefield at La Center, 7 p.m. Friday
La Center did not expect to lose two in a row to open the season, but the Wildcats understand this tough non-league schedule will help in the long run.
What a weapon: Colton Dolezal is listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds. For whatever reason, maybe it is his pads or the way he wears his uniform, but he looks even bigger. And as a fullback, whenever he gets tackled and falls forward, it looks like he gains another three yards.
Against Woodland, he was hit hard at the 1-yard line on a couple of occasions, yet fell forward into the end zone.
Tough ruling goes against La Center:
Wyatt Siebert had a quarterback pressure to force a bad throw on a fourth-down play early in the game.
In the second half, he almost got a sack and a forced fumble, a loose ball that a teammate recovered.
Instead, the official ruled the quarterback’s arm was going forward. Incomplete pass.
After seeing the play on my computer screen, I would have to disagree. Of course, I’m still emotionally scarred from the Tuck Rule. (Raider Nation will never forget.) So I think every play like that is a fumble. (Because it was, right Charles Woodson?)
To be fair to the officials in high school games, they do not have the luxury of slow-motion replay. I do! But they do not.
Fortunately for La Center, Dylan Seaman came up with a tip-drill interception a play or two later. La Center would score on the ensuing possession. No harm, no foul, IF it was an incorrect call.
Coach Speak:
What did John Lambert learn about his team in Week 2? “Adversity is a good thing … it will pay dividends in league play and November. (injuries, ineligibility, young players, etc.)”
Coaching staff’s pick for MVP on offense: Offensive lineman Jack Hiller. “Great consistency. Great leader,’’ Lambert said.
Coaching staff’s pick for MVP on defense: Defensive lineman Jack Hiller. “Got off double teams to make plays (including a sack),’’ Lambert said. “A force in the middle.”
Thoughts on Week 3 vs. Ridgefield: “Yet another very good QB to face,’’ Lambert said. “Ridgefield is physical and talented. They didn’t have their QB last week. Another great challenge for us that will help us prepare for league and beyond.”
