Quincy takes 43-0 Homecoming win over Medical Lake
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 10 months AGO
Quincy running back Jayden Richards (22) breaks free of the Medical Lake defense in Quincy’s 43-0 win Friday.
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald
Quincy Coach Russ Elliott said Jaxson Furgeson (14), normally a defensive anchor, stepped in and played a good offensive game Friday.
Quincy defensive lineman Jayden Lopez-Garcia (54) takes down a Medical Lake runner in the Jacks’ win.
Quarterback Ethan Gregg (2) looks downfield in Quincy’s 43-0 win Friday.
Jayden Richards (22) works to escape a Medical Lake defender
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | October 23, 2023 4:11 PM
QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits turned in a dominating performance at the Homecoming game, defeating the Medical Lake Cardinals 43-0 on Friday.
The Jacks were stopped in the first quarter, but scored three times in the second quarter and once in the third to take a commanding lead.
Talking to the team after the game, Quincy coaches pointed out the Jacks will have a chance at the Caribou Trail League title this Friday in Cashmere. Quincy won its first CTL game in at least three years earlier this season.
Coach Russ Elliott said the team has benefited from its players with experience.
“We’ve gotten great leadership this year from our seniors, and it’s just made a huge difference,” Elliott said. “They’ve just been awesome. They’ve been working really hard, and just showing how to do it, raising our level of intensity. And the guys are following them.”
The Quincy defense shut down Medical Lake, with the Cardinals rarely crossing midfield.
“The defense was great,” Elliott said. “It has been all year. I think this was probably one of our better performances today. We were looking for a shutout, and the guys stepped up.”
Quincy was on the move as the first quarter ended, and senior running back Jayden Richards scored on a six-yard run to give the Jacks a 7-0 lead with 10:20 left in the second quarter. Sophomore receiver Pierce Bierlink caught a 12-yard pass from senior quarterback Ethan Gregg to give Quincy a 14-0 lead with 1:57 left in the second quarter.
Richards ran 55 yards down the sideline for his second touchdown with 1:02 left in the second quarter. Quincy scored a two-point conversion on a busted play to take a 22-0 lead at the half.
“One of our main running backs was out, so Jayden ran really hard,” Elliott said.
It took a series or so for Quincy to figure out how to block the Medical Lake defense, Elliott said.
“It was really good to see the adjustments that he made,” the coach said.
Richards said the Jacks’ 5-3 record reflects a group that’s playing together.
“I think it’s our team chemistry. We started to bond more this year; we’re starting to bond together more as a team. The guys trust each other. I put my trust in them to get their blocks, and we all play hard.”
Elliott also credited the offensive play of junior Jaxon Ferguson, a regular on defense but who was filling in at running back.
“Jaxson played well the whole game,” Elliott said.
The Jacks will play Cashmere at 7 p.m. Friday in Cashmere, and a game to possibly qualify for the state playoffs the following week.
“We’re playing for a league title next week,” Elliott said. “We’ve never even won a league game the last two years — whatever — four years. And we’re having a meaningful game the next week. The kids are working really hard; they deserve it. I’m glad they’re in that position.”
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].
ARTICLES BY CHERYL SCHWEIZER
Road projects on hold for Labor Day weekend
MOSES LAKE — With Labor Day weekend dead ahead, drivers will be able to move freely about the state. Most road projects are on hold for the holiday weekend. Nobody will be working on the Hansen Road overpass on Interstate 90, but the lane restrictions that are in effect will continue through the end of the project.
Cost estimates for water source alternatives given to Moses Lake City Council
Protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, efforts are ongoing to keep it self-sufficient
MOSES LAKE — It’s going to cost a lot of money to provide alternative water sources for the city of Moses Lake, but some of the possible alternatives will cost more than others. City officials provided the Moses Lake City Council with costs for various alternatives Tuesday.
Dryer vent cleaning is important -- but often overlooked
MOSES LAKE — Not all the maintenance a house needs is visible. Sometimes a potential problem just goes unnoticed until it causes trouble, sometimes serious trouble. But a lot of potential problems give off warning signs. Clothes dryers often do when they need a good cleaning.