Friday night lights up for Clatsop County football

Santiam started fast on both sides of the ball. The Eagles had an edge in the first quarter and a half which coincided when they scored a touchdown to lead 7-0. Once the Eagles jumped ahead, the Warriors defense flipped a switch. After a Warrenton punt pinned Santiam inside the five-yard line, junior defensive lineman Anakin Angustain got in the backfield to force a safety. Then lightning struck for Warrenton right before the half as Eli Nearhing and Walker Rempfer forced a fumble around midfield. The ball was scooped up by Aaron Neahring, who rumbled 55 yards into the end zone. This ignited the crowd at John Matilla Field and served as a springboard for the rest of the game. After going into halftime up 8-7, the Warriors dropped the hammer in the second half. The Warriors defense pitched a shutout and senior Dylan Ballard took over the game at both safety and quarterback. Ballard flashed his athleticism running for 125 yards on 19 carries, while also coming up with seven tackles and a forced fumble from his free safety spot.

Ballard led Warrenton on a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive that iced the game. After a couple big runs, Ballard found Emery Torres for a short touchdown, then hit Jackson Simonsen for a two point conversion.

The 16-7 victory evened up Warrenton’s record at 2-2.

“That defense was unstoppable, they were everywhere,” Warrenton Head Coach Travis Freeman said. “We knew going into the game we had to win the turnover battle. … We did throw a pick off a tipped ball going into the end zone, which was a bummer. But just the way the defense played, downhill all night.

“Those guys are legit, that was a great team we played — and I can’t be more proud of our defense, being ball hawks all night getting those takeaways. To have a fumble return for a touchdown really gave us a spark going into the half. Without that defense we’re looking at a different situation.”

The win allows Warrenton to keep pace with North Marion and Dayton, who were also victorious on Friday night. Warrenton is set for a bye week as they get ready for a rematch with Dayton. The Flyers beat Warrenton 42-0 last season and entered the 3A state playoffs undefeated, before being upset in the first round.