Keizertimes., April 16, 2021, Page 22, Image 22

PAGE A22, KEIZERTIMES, APRIL 16, 2021
DEFEAT: ‘That was definitely a game of momentum' Continued from pg A21
game, the score before half caused a big
shift in momentum.
“We were the physical team in the first
half and they were the physical team in
the second half,” McNary head coach
Jeff Auvinen said. “That was definitely a
game of momentum.”
Even after third quarter interceptions
by Tyler Copeland and Aron Montoya, as
well as a recovered fumble by Smedema,
the Celtics' offense struggled after losing
offensive lineman Coleman Young to an
injury in the second quarter.
“We knew we had to get the ball back
into the offense’s hands as much as we
could. Our DB's were making a great
effort, I just wish we were able to capital-
ize on those turnovers more,” Rios said.
South Salem cut the lead to 10 after
McCarty’s option toss was batted down
by a defender and recovered in the end
zone for a touchdown.
While the McNary offense was sputter-
ing, fatigue began to set in for the Celtics
defense as they allowed the Saxons to
score on the first play of the fourth quar-
ter to cut the lead to two at 30-28.
“Our guys were gassed. We were out
Kyle Grass (40) celebrates with an assistant coach after coming away with an interception in
the second quarter. Photo by MATT RAWLINGS of Keizertimes