(Mondamin) West Harrison is one of sixteen teams remaining the 8-Player playoff field. The undefeated and 6th ranked Hawkeyes host 8-1 Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire Friday night.
When it comes to the discussion of best football seasons in West Harrison history, 2022 is one of the only squads that has a seat at the table. The Hawkeyes enjoyed the program’s first ever playoff win a week ago. Coach Andrew Stevenson and company are soaking it all in. “Yeah. The closest one that we’ve had was in 1967. They were undefeated back then, but the playoffs weren’t in existence at that time.” Stevenson says, “The outside noise gets a little loud sometimes, but they are a level headed group that has goals and that’s what they are focused on right now.”
Despite struggling to take care of the football in the first round they were still able to eliminate Bedford, 29-27. It was the team’s fourth win by single digits this season. “They want to win. That’s their mental make up. They prepare for games really well, they are always trying to play for each other and they have that competitive drive that I haven’t seen from a lot of teams. They’ll do whatever it takes.”
Walker Rife ran 21 times for 115 yards, added 35 receiving yards, and scored twice last week. Mason King caught six passes for 96 yards and a TD. Quarterback Mason McIntosh had a hand in three touchdowns and a total of 247 yards.
Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire’s only loss was a 42-40 decision against fellow playoff qualifier Harris-Lake Park. The Titans average 52 points per game and are led by dual threat quarterback Max Hough. Hough has 3,065 yards from scrimmage and 45 total touchdowns. Coach Stevenson likens him to someone the Hawkeyes had to try and defend last year, CAM’s Lane Spieker. “They are a very balanced attack. They are senior led and their quarterback is a really shifty guy that reminds me of a certain quarterback that wore blue last year at CAM. We have our hands full. He runs real hard and is a true dual threat guy. Their defense and his supporting cast is really good too.”
West Harrison has pitched two shutouts this season. Middle linebacker Sage Evans has been a nightmare for opposing offensive coaches. The senior has 104 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. “Sage Evans has been really good. He’s the leader out there and he puts everyone in positions they need to be…We’ve really limited big plays from people and that’s been a key to our success.”
The winner will face either West Bend-Mallard or #1 St. Mary’s, Remsen next week for a trip to the dome.
West Harrison coach Andrew Stevenson:
