OCTOBER 15, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A23
and I backed up a little bit in coverage, and it went right in my hands,” Allen said. “It
was an amazing feeling. I was so excited.”
“The kids really executed their coverages. We did mix up the coverages quite a bit.
We went some zone, we went some man, we had help over the top frequently. We tried
to mix it up and disguise coverages, which coaxed them into some throws that weren't
really there,” Auvinen added.
After both teams went three-and-out on their following possessions, Tinitali was
nearly able to tie the game with a 50-yard punt return to the McNary 10-yard line. But
the return was negated due to a holding penalty.
Three plays later, Smith was looking to connect on a deep ball to try and tie the
game. The pass was nowhere near the intended target and fell into the hands of Aicher
for the Saxons fifth turnover of the evening.
“The turnovers were huge. We will take that all day. If you win the turnover battle,
your odds are pretty good,” Auvinen said.
With McNary attempting to run the clock out with less than four minutes remain-
ing, South Salem called timeouts on three consecutive plays to try and leave them-
selves some time to get the ball back and tie the game.
Facing a fourth-and-four from the Saxons 34-yard line, the Celtics knew they could
put this one away if they came up with a big play.
McNary offensive coordinator Connor Astley called Aicher's number in the crucial
situation, and the senior running back delivered, scampering 34 yards for the score on
a stretch play to the right side, extending the lead to 21-6.
“I knew as soon as I got around the corner, I was going to score,” Aicher said.
South Salem scored with 46 seconds left to make it a one possession game, but
their ensuing onside kick was recovered by McNary.
McNary will host their homecoming contest on Friday, Oct. 15 against West
Salem at 7 p.m. — a game that could decide who wins the MVC title. It is unknown if
Copeland will be available for the game, but Auvinen made it clear that he wants his
senior signal-caller to be healthy before sending back out onto the field.
“Tyler is dying to get back in there, but we aren't going to rush him. Once he's back,
we want him to carry us through the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs,”
Auvinen said.
Auvinen also said that he believes in his team regardless of who is playing
quarterback.
“All of our goals are still out in front of us. Every week is a one-week season,” he
said.
Sage Allen plays press coverage on a South Salem receiver. Photo by MATT RAWLINGS of Keizertimes