Hornet JD King just before he recovers a fumble and runs 27-yards for a touchdown for Oroville at the Emerald City Kickoff Classic at CenturyLink Field. Photo by Tony Kindred
SEATTLE – The Oroville Hornets Football team travelled to Seattle to take on the Darrington Loggers in this year’s Emerald City Kickoff Classic at CenturyLink Field, the home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
The Hornets scored in the first and fourth quarters holding the Loggers to just one TD to win 22-7.
The first Hornet touchdown came during nine plays and 80 yards. Running Back Nick Perez rushed for 52-yards to score the TD and the point after kick was good, putting the Hornets up 7-0.
The Hornets and Loggers were each scoreless in the second and third quarters. In the fourth sophomore Eddie Ocampo rushed 58 yards to score and the point after kick was on the mark. On defense JD King stepped up with a 27-yard fumble recovery to return the ball for a touchdown, followed by an 82-yard touchdown Cory Childers. Both point after kicks were successful.
“It was an experience! I wished the game offensively had gone better, I was hoping to get everyone in the game for some playing time,” said Coach Tam Hutchinson about the Hornet’s first showing at the Emerald City Kickoff Classic.
The defense played well, especially Defensive Back Tanner Smith and outside linebackers CJ Mathews and Connelly Quick, according to the Hornet coach.
“I was especially proud of the Goal Line Stand the Hornets made early in the game. Offensively the backs ran hard and blocked well.”
Sophomore Quarterback Luke Kindred did good leading the team and punted the ball very well, added Hutchinson.
“The boys played hard and tackled well. JD King’s 35-yard TD run after recovering the fumble was icing on the cake. Anytime you can score on defense it’s an added bonus.”
Hutchinson said his team still needs a lot of work, especially with our offensive line, but overall he was pleased with the way the boys played.
“I was especially proud of the way they handled themselves off the field during the trip. The players did a good job of representing Oroville High School and the town of Oroville,” the coach said.
