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Vikings overpower Irrigon, waits for Umatilla

Irrigon running back Frank Chapa (No. 3) is tackled by Vale’s Moreitz Rusp (No. 6) during their game Friday night in Irrigon. The Vikings put together a flawless offensive performance on the way to a 71-19 Eastern Oregon League victory. (For the Enterprise/Ben Lonegran, The East Oregonian).

IRRIGON – Jared Fulwyler ran for 128 yards and teammate Keegan Mizuta scored three touchdowns to lead Vale past Irrigion 71-19 in an Eastern Oregon League football contest Friday night.

Viking quarterback Colton Kesey finished the night 8 of 14 for 127 yards and no interceptions as Vale (2-0, 4-3) scored 37 points in the first quarter.

“We jumped all over them. Our kids actually came out really focused and ready to go,” said Vale coach Jeff Aldred.

Vale piled up nearly 500 yards of offense in the first half and was out in front 59-6 at intermission.

“We didn’t leave any doubt from the very beginning. We definitely came out firing,” said Aldred.

Fulwyler, Eli Aldred, Vicente Arteaga and Pete McBride all scored touchdowns for the Vikings. McBride finished the night with 125 yards rushing on 10 carries.

“We were better up front then they were,” said Aldred.

Vale ended the evening with 643 yards of offense. The Viking defense limited the Irrigon (0-2, 0-7) offense to 87 yards of rushing for the game. 

The Knights, though, did better in the air. Irrigon Quarterback Ryan Hussey went 19 of 39 for 239 yards during the game. 

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Aldred said he was pleased with the overall performance of his team but especially happy about the play of the underclassmen. 

“Tanner Steele played well starting at safety and on the offensive side Eli Aldred and Pete McBride did a really nice job,” said Aldred.

Aldred also lauded the performance of wide receiver Jason Ponce and TJ Speelman. 

“Ponce caught pretty much everything we threw his way and Speelman played well once again,” said Aldred.

Ponce had four catches for 56 yards.

Vale will face Umatilla Friday at 7 p.m. in Vale. Umatilla is 4-2 and 0-2 in Eastern Oregon League play. 

Aldred said, though, Vale isn’t going to underestimate Umatilla.

“We are not overlooking Umatilla. But offensively I like what we have been doing the past few weeks, we are really moving the ball well,” said Aldred.

Aldred said Umatilla will showcase a spread offense, with a heavy reliance on its passing game.

“We haven’t seen that this year. They have a very athletic quarterback. They try to soften you up and try to catch someone sleeping in the secondary,” said Aldred. 

Reporter Pat Caldwell: [email protected] or 541-473-3377. 

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