OTHELLO – On Friday, the Huskies (4-0) secured a 46-13 victory over the Selah Vikings. Despite the big win over an undefeated opponent, Huskies defensive coordinator Kevin Hale said they still have some things to clean up.   

“The fact of the matter is, it could have been a lot more lopsided. We had way too many penalties, and I think that's one of the things we’ve got to clean up. We have championship aspirations. We just can't keep doing that,” Hale said.   

In the first quarter, the Huskies fell behind 0-7 after a kick return by Selah. The Huskies also struggled with penalties that halted the momentum they were trying to build.  However, in the second quarter, the Huskies would bounce back and score 19 unanswered points. The Vikings could not respond, and the Huskies went into halftime leading 19-7.   

“We were worried about their speed; they obviously showed it there and their athleticism. But I think we've got a lot of good, fast athletic guys too, and we're more physical, and that showed out tonight,” Hale said.   

In the third quarter, the Huskies would move the ball through the run game on the first drive. Running back Gavin Carl and Alex Garza used their physicality to move the chains downfield.   

With about 15 yards out from the endzone, quarterback Quade Gonzalez broke out of the pocket to the right and found Rjay Garza over the middle for a touchdown, increasing their lead to 26-7. The Huskies' defense would force a three-and-out to put their offense back on the field.   

The Huskies' scheme was much of the same ground-and-pound style of running that helped them move downfield. Gonzalez would break loose again and carry the ball for a touchdown, making the score 33-7. Gonzalez said the Vikings' start to the game motivated them to fight back in the second half.   

“They were a lot more aggressive than we thought; we had to fight back,” he said. “We realized that what we were doing wasn't working, so we had to switch it up. Everything I've done is always (thanks to) my offensive line. They're the real superstars out there.”   

The Vikings opened the fourth quarter with the ball and milked most of the clock before scoring a touchdown. The Huskies would block the extra point kick to make the score 33-13.   

The Huskies' younger players got playing time to finish the game and made the most of their opportunity. Running back Cain Gonzalez showed off his speed and agility to knife through the Vikings' defense. He found his way into the endzone for a touchdown to increase their lead to 39-13.   

Just when the Huskies expected the clock to run out on the Vikings' next offensive drive, linemen Carlos Castillo forced a fumble, recovered the ball and carried it into the endzone to make it 46-13. Castillo said he thought back to his Grid Kids years when he played running back, crossing the goal line.   

“No matter how big or how small, you can do whatever you want, just put your mind to it,” Castillo said.   

Hale said he told Castillo he never thought he would see him do something like that, but he was proud of the effort the player gave to the Huskies.   

“He's a senior, doesn't get much playing time, but to see him get in there and have that moment, and for him to be rewarded for the work that he does put in for us, that's awesome to see. Really proud of Carlos,” Hale said.   

With the win, the Huskies remain undefeated and look ahead to next week when they head to East Valley on Oct. 3 to play the Red Devils at 7 p.m.  

Hale said the Huskies will continue to work on limiting penalties and focusing on the little things they can control.   

“One week at a time, we've got a heck of an East Valley team that we've got to think about and get ready for next week. We know we're going to get their best, but we're going to bring our best, too, and we got to have a good week of preparation to get ready for them,” Hale said.  

BOX SCORE:  

OTHL: 0-19-14-13: 46
SELA: 7-0-0-6: 13 

    Gavin Carl makes the tackle on the Selah quarterback as other members of the Huskies defense close in. Carl was a key piece on offense for the Huskies and their ground-and-pound style of running.
  

    Rjay Garza (2) slips a tackle and heads upfield on a kick return against the Selah Vikings on Friday. Garza opened up the second half with a receiving touchdown for the Huskies that helped build their lead.
  

    Tyler Suarez (26) presses a Selah receiver during Friday’s game. The Huskies defense held Selah to 13 points, including a blocked extra point kick.
  

    The Huskies running back Cain Gonzalez (28) sprints past a Selah defender for a touchdown on Friday. Gonzalez utilized his speed and agility to weave through the Selah defense.
  

    Alex Garza (24) hoists Carlos Castillo (75) into the air after he recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Castillo said he thought back to his Grid Kid days when scoring the touchdown.