La Center looks to follow first win with a victory over Hoquiam

La Center’s tough non-league schedule paid dividends in Week 3 as the Wildcats defeated Class 2A Ridgefield. This week, La Center will play host to Hoquiam in a non-league game.

Wildcats coming off Week 3 win over Ridgefield

La Center Wildcats (1-2)

Week 1: Hockinson 42, La Center 6 Week 2: Woodland 35, La Center 28 Week 3: La Center 35, Ridgefield 7 Next: Hoquiam at La Center, 7 p.m. Friday The Wildcats put offense and defense together in this one, earning their first win of the season.

Turnover, then touchdown:

La Center had a great drive going on its opening possession. Then there was an unforced turnover. No problem for the Wildcats. The defense got the ball right back, and La Center went on a 46-yard scoring drive. All power, too. A few yards here, a few more there. Touchdown.  

 

A play-caller’s dream:

Nothing like getting nine yards on a first-down play. That is how La Center got in position to take a 14-0 lead in the third quarter. A gain of nine allows a coach to come up with whatever he wants on the next play. Depending on the situation, a run up the gut just to ensure another first down is the play. Some go with a safe pass. Or maybe a sweep, to see if something breaks. Of course, one option is to go deep, too. Incomplete pass does not hurt too much. The entire playbook is available. La Center took advantage, went deep, and Hayden Williamson found Evan Honore for a 54-yard play, setting up the next touchdown.

Defense and offense:

Still in the third quarter, up 14-0, La Center’s Clint Smith pressured the quarterback into a bad throw, an incomplete pass on third down. Ridgefield punted, and a few plays later, Smith was rewarded on offense. He was not the intended receiver, but the ball was tipped right to Smith, who caught the ball and waltzed into the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown from Williamson. That pretty much ended any hope for Ridgefield.

Coach Speak:

What did John Lambert learn about his team in Week 3? “Due to injuries, we have been searching for a RB that fit our traditional RB for our offense. We found that Collin Namanny is going to be that player. (Namanny) and Wyatt Dodson will make a great 1-2 punch when (Dodson) recovers fully from injury.” MVP on offense: Collin Namanny. “Hard-running, fast, physical back.” MVP on defense: Hayden Williamson. Had an interception and got his hands on many other passes. Thoughts on Week 4 vs. Hoquiam: “Hoquiam is 2-1 and has a strong tradition of football. The return of (La Center’s) Thomas Dreyer from injury should have impact in this game with his speed and ability to play multiple positions.”