Nighthawks to face Broncos in first state round at Ritzville

Having dispatched their southern neighbor at Colfax Friday, Tekoa/ Oakesdale/ Rosalia now advances to face a tough Lind/Ritzville/Sprague squad in the second round of the state 2B playoffs.

“It’s gonna be a great game,” said TOR Coach Kaleb Madison. “They’re a big play team; we’re a big play team. There should be a lot of fireworks.”

The ‘hawks will face undefeated LRS at Ritzville Friday at 7 p.m.

Clay Shelton has emerged as a big-play threat of late for the Nighthawks. Friday night against the Bulldogs, Shelton scored touchdowns on runs of 40 and 24 yards as he racked up 100 yards rushing on just six carries.

“He’s a kid that’s just come together the last six, seven games,” said Madison. “He’s been there all year on defense and blocking as a receiver. But now, he really gives us a good counter to Craig (Nelson).”

Nelson rambled for 180 yards while chunking off the clock against Colfax.

“He spent a lot of time just getting down and dirty,” Madison said of his star tailback.

Madison credited his offensive line for leading the ‘hawks who racked up more than 400 yards rushing. He expects his line will counter the big, fast LRS front which has cleared the path for the Broncos’ undefeated season.

“They’re strong up front. They’re a real tough squad to take on,” said Madison. “But when our line clicks like it does, they just own it.”

The Broncos will host after coming off a 40-7 win over Asotin last Friday night at Ritzville. LRS finished its tear through the NE2B league with a first place 5-0 record, 9-0 overall.

“I’ve said all season that every week is a championship. Now, there’s no other way to say it,” said Madison. “But we’ve got a real special team here. They’ve worked incredibly hard together and they have a special bond.”

Max Mueller, who spent most of the season blowing up opposing offenses from the nose tackle position on defense, Mueller scored on touchdown catches of 45 and 12 yards as he split out as wide receiver.

Coach Madison said Mueller was a big help to new quarterback Micah Pittsley, who took over under center after starter Ryan Maley broke his hand two weeks ago against Mabton.

“He’s a big target. It’s something we just had to do because of where we are,” said Madison. “But talk about a weapon. Six-foot-eight on the edge gives us a huge advantage. He really helped Micah out.”