VALE – Sophomore running back Landon Haberman piled up 81 yards and scored a touchdown while teammate Eli Aldred ran for 67 yards and a score to lead the Vale varsity football team past Irrigon 52-14 Friday night.
Vale (1-0), in the nonleague season-opener, dominated on offense and took advantage of Irrigon turnovers in the first quarter to build a commanding 33-0 advantage.
The Vikings compiled 301 total yards of offense in the first half while Irrigon had just 29 yards.
“Honestly we were ready for a football game,” Vale coach Jeff Aldred said.
The Vikings finished the game with 342 yards of total offense.
Vale quarterback Colten Stepleton ended the night 5 of 8 for 95 yards as the Vale offense looked to be in midseason form early in the contest.
“We played as a team,” said Stepleton after the game.
Stepleton hooked up with Brooks Haueter for the first score of the game with 10:15 to go in the first frame and a 7-0 lead.
Irrigon fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and that set up Vale’s second score of the game. Stepleton hit Haueter for the touchdown – and a 13-0 lead – 14 seconds after the first score.
Eli Aldred’s touchdown run at the 4:35 mark of the first quarter put the home team ahead 19-0. While there were three more quarters to play, the game was essentially sealed with Aldred’s touchdown run.
“This is a group that will improve, week in and week out,” said the coach.
Irrigon was able to score late in the second quarter, and then in the fourth quarter to make the final tally 52-14.
Irrigon is a Class 2A team, while Vale is 3A.
After the game, Aldred said he was grateful Irrigon decided to play the Vikings after Parma – the original scheduled opponent – dropped out earlier in the week.
“We appreciate Irrigon coming down,” said Aldred.
Aldred said the Viking offensive line and defense proved to be keys to the victory.
“I loved the intensity of our offensive line. Defensively we were flying around,” said Aldred.
Vale goes on the road this Friday to face New Plymouth at 7 pm.
New Plymouth was a winner last Friday night, defeating Nyssa 26-23 in a nonleague game.
Meanwhile, Ontario beat Caldwell 48-28 in another nonleague contest Friday night.
News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]
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