Physical Pirates rout Bonanza in state playoffs
Scenes from a recent playoff clash between the Perrydale and Bonanza high schools. The Pirates blasted the Antlers, 52-14, to advance to the second-round of the 2023 OSAA Football State Championships for Class 1A(8).
/ Photo by Lance Masterson
Perrydale played perhaps its most complete game of the season on Nov. 4, blasting Bonanza, 52-14, in first-round action from the 2023 OSAA Football State Championships.
“I thought we did what we should have in the game. Rough field conditions made it difficult for both teams,” said Steve Mabry, the Pirates coach. “We did a good job on the screen and power game, but left some points on the field that will need to be converted for us to have any success against Lost River.”
Yes, the Pirates were rewarded for their victory by getting matched up against the top-ranked Raiders in the quarterfinals.
The undefeated Raiders were 5-0 in Mountain Valley League play, and are 8-0 overall. They are coming off a bye.
Common opponents include St. Paul, Chiloquin, Bonanza and Crosspoint Christian. The Raiders won all four games. Perrydale won three of four, falling to perennial powerhouse St. Paul, 48-12.
To continue their postseason push, the Pirates will need to execute a tried and true formula for gridiron success.
“To beat Lost River, we will need to play error-free football and win the turnover battle,” stated Mabry. “We will give everything we have. Then, when the horn sounds, we will see where it all stands.”
They will also need to listen to senior leader and two-way lineman Seth Riley.
“(I will) make sure my team is locked in and we do our jobs, and go into the game trying our hardest to reach the end goal, a championship,” stated Riley.
/ Photo by Lance Masterson
But in this first game, focus was on the Antlers of Bonanzas. It was clear early that the visitors had little answer for the Pirates’ punishing runs.
Brandon Lux was nearly unstoppable, amassing 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also showed he was no stranger to physical contact.
“I love lowering my shoulder and running through people rather than trying to make them miss with a move,” stated Lux. “Running through someone is a way better feeling.”
Lux had plenty of help in the backfield, as Brody Cruickshank and Erik Danka combined for 172 yards and three scores.
Senior Seth Riley anchored the offensive line.
“It’s nice having Seth lead the way when running,” added Lux. “I know he’s laying a solid block nine times out of 10, and that right side of our offense is definitely the stronger side because of him."
Riley doubles as the team’s communication center.
“(I) make sure everyone is in check and knows what they are doing every play,” stated Riley.
One of the team's favorite plays against Bonanza was sweep right. Riley was the lead man.
“Being able to be trusted as a lead blocker for a runner is definitely a good feeling, knowing they trust me,” he said of his relationship with Lux and company.
Quarterback Brody Burr and Conner Grabor teamed up for 108 receiving yards and two TDs. Burr finished with 186 total passing yards.
Defensively, Grabor was nearly unstoppable, with 13 tackles and two blocked passes. Lux added six tackles and one pick 6. Riley had eight tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.
The defense had two touchdowns called back. A holding penalty negated one score while an inadvertent whistle from the referee also took points off the board.
