Arlee outguns Victor for first win of season

The Warriors found their offensive rhythm Friday night, rolling up big plays through the air, on the ground, and on special teams to outlast Victor 54-42 in a high-scoring Western C eight-man football showdown. 

Arlee (1-3) struck early and often, answering Victor’s opening touchdown with a 65-yard sprint to the end zone from Dean Moran. Moments later, Kade Dupuis-Pablo electrified the home crowd with a 75-yard kickoff return for a score, knotting the game at 12-12 after the first quarter. 

From there, the Warriors began to separate behind a balanced attack. Quarterback Keelan Dupuis connected with Dupuis-Pablo on a 24-yard strike, then found Kade Dix from 35 yards out. Moran powered in a 7-yard score just before halftime, adding a two-point pass to Dix for a 26-20 edge at the break. 

Arlee kept the momentum rolling in the second half. Moran, who finished with four total touchdowns, added another short run and caught a 9-yard scoring pass from Dupuis. Dupuis-Pablo capped his night with a 34-yard reception in the fourth quarter to help put the game away. 

Victor (1-3) refused to fold, with quarterback Evan Silvia tossing three touchdown passes and running for another, including a late strike to Koen Nutall that trimmed the deficit. But the Warriors’ offensive versatility proved too much.

The victory snapped a season-opening skid for Arlee and showcased the Warriors’ firepower, with Moran, Dupuis, Dix, and Dupuis-Pablo all finding the end zone.