I.V. 8-0!
(Photos by Jennifer Newsted, Illinois Valley News)
Slogging literally and slugging figuratively, Illinois Valley waded into first place in the Skyline Conference during a rain-soaked homecoming game in Cave Junction Friday night, Oct. 19.
The 30-7 victory vs. the eighth-ranked Henley Hornets put the fourth-ranked Cougars at 8-0; 3-0 in the Skyline. There are only two games left in the regular season: I.V. will face Rogue River on the Chieftains’ field Friday, Oct. 26, and then host North Valley.
Therefore, hopes remain high for the Cougar team to bring home the school’s first conference title in football.
There were plenty of I.V. swamp stompers during the game Friday. In fact, each play included plenty of splashes and spray, and one official found himself on the ground after losing his footing on the drenched field.
Rain, at times intense, let up for a short time at the half. But otherwise it was an Oregon deluge that did little to deter a huge and happy homecoming crowd.
I.V.’s touchdowns were by junior Jacob Ellis, a 5-8 powerhouse who ran in for 12 points; and 5-7 senior Jesse Swift, another Cougar stalwart, who also turned in a pair of TDs.
Ellis, a running back and safety, also ran for two conversions. And 5-9 senior quarterback Doug Hoskins had a bootleg conversion.
Henley was not bad on defense, holding I.V.’s running game to a season-low 245 yards, but the Hornets just could not get it together to defeat the up-and-ready Cougars.
The visitors passed for 72 yards, while I.V. relentlessly kept the ball on the ground, with no passing.
The steady rain put a definite damper on Henley’s passing game. I.V.’s defense held the passing attack to 65 yards, and intercepted twice.
Ellis ran for 68 yards on 16 carries, and they were important yards. He was backed up by other vital yard-gainers for I.V. -- 6-1 senior Eric McConico (82 yards on eight carries), 5-7 senior Larry Ragsdale (81 yards/10 carries); and Swift (38 yards/eight carries.
McConico’s efforts included a 43-yard run on the first play of the second quarter. It was part of an 8-yard drive on six plays that resulted in Ellis ramming across the line from 9 yards out.
The I.V. offense was instrumental in the victory, and the Cougar defense also needs to take a bow.
It could be said that the Hornets hurt themselves, as they amassed 12 penalties, resulting in a loss of 91 yards. The Cougs were flagged only three times for a loss of 20 yards.
Henley was able to score in the second quarter, but I.V. held the visitors fairly easily. The Cougars were in control, and the fans loved every minute.
I.V. scored in the second and fourth quarters.
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