Friday night lights up for Clatsop County football

League play couldn’t have started any better for local football teams as three of the four local teams were in action on Friday. Warrenton hosted Santiam Christian in a battle of 3A-playoff hopefuls, Seaside Seagulls played in a homecoming game against Taft and Knappa rode the legs of their senior quarterback against Corbett.

Warrenton Warriors: Defense shines under the lights

Friday night was another defensive masterclass by the Warrenton Warriors.

In a battle of 2025 3A playoff teams, the Warriors outlasted Santiam Christian 16-7, behind great defense and timely offense. With football becoming all about the offenses in recent years, the fans of Warrenton football were treated to a throwback game.

With Friday night being the start of league play, both Santiam Christian and Warrenton wanted to get off to a good start in the 3A Special District 1. Due to Banks moving up to 4A, Kennedy and Gervais being redistricted to Special District 2 and Yamhill-Carlton struggling to field a full roster this week, there is opportunity for both Warrenton and Santiam to make a run.

On paper, Santiam Christian looked to have the edge. The Eagles had 12 more players on their roster, 38 to 26, and their wide receivers had a height advantage over the Warrenton secondary. But football is played in the trenches and the Warriors physical front seven took over the game after halftime.