WEISER – The Ontario varsity football team’s offensive is close to clicking.
Close but not quite.
The Tigers amassed 246 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns – including a 99-yard kickoff return by Brandon Rodriguez in the third quarter – but could not stop the Wolverines in the final frame and suffered a 41-33 non-league setback Friday night.
“We are progressing each week. The run game is more on track but not enough,” said Tiger Coach Eric Johnson.
Weiser quarterback Brody Von Brethorst threw for 133 yards and the Wolverines broke open a close game in the fourth quarter by scoring three touchdowns over an eight-minute stretch.
“We had critical turnovers, momentum changers,” said Johnson.
For most of the game the two teams traded touchdowns. Ontario scored first – on Jose Flores’ 26-yard scoring sprint – and was out in front 21-14 early in the third quarter.
Rodriguez put Ontario (0-2) ahead for the last time – 27-21 – at the end of the third quarter and then Weiser unleashed its touchdown binge in the final quarter to seal the win.
The Tigers will host La Grande this Friday in Ontario.