Defense Leads Papermakers to 12-6 Season Opening Win Over Roosevelt
Defense Leads Papermakers to 12-6 Season Opening Win Over Roosevelt

Defense Leads Papermakers to 12-6 Season Opening Win Over Roosevelt

On a night where points were at a premium, the Camas defense prevented 3A #8 ranked Roosevelt (Seattle) offense from scoring, leading the Papermakers to a 12-6 victory at Doc Harris Stadium.

LB Nikko Speer led the Camas D with 16 tackles, including 2 TFL’s in the Camas victory.

In a Week 1 battle of Top 10 programs featuring 4A #6 Camas hosting 3A #8 Roosevelt (Seattle) both defenses proved to be quite formidable.

To start the game, Camas put together a 10-play 39 yard drive (which included 20 yards from a Roosevelt penalty) that ended in a turnover on downs. Roosevelt followed by going three and out when DE Luke Webb pressured the Roughriders QB out of the pocket who was sacked by LB Alex Hroza for a 7 yard loss. The Papermakers Offense again appeared to be putting together a drive only to stall at the Roosevelt 16 and once again turn the ball over on downs. Another Roosevelt three and out gave Camas the ball for a third time, now at the Roughriders 39.

A 6-play drive ensued ending in a 2 yard TD run by RB Beau Harlan to put Camas us 6-0 early in the 2nd quarter. QB Jake Davidson hit TE Nikko Speer on a what appeared to be a 30 yard TD pass as Speer tight roped the home sideline. He was ruled out at the 10 and 2 plays later Harlan punched in for the score. Speer ended the game with 4 catches for 58 yards.

The Papermakers Defense keeps Roosevelt out of the end zone when Jared Forner intercepts this pass at the goal line with under 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The Papermakers defense forced a third consecutive three and out for the Roosevelt offence. After Camas also punted, the Roughriders took over at their 16 with just under 7 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter. The 8th ranked Roosevelt bunch put together a 15 play drive going 71 yards down to the Camas 12 chewing up 6:45 off the clock. With just 12 seconds remaining in the half, S Jared Forner intercepted the pass at the goal line ending the threat and sending Camas into the break with a slim 6-0 lead.

The 3rd quarter began with the Camas defense again forcing a quick punt. The Roosevelt Punter then fell on a bad snap at their 22 setting up the Camas offense with a short field on their opening drive of the half. A 14 yard pass from Davidson to WR Anthony Forner on 4th and 10 set up a Papermakers TD just 2 plays later when Davidson hit an uncovered Forner from 1 yard out to put Camas up 12-0 midway through the quarter.

It did not take the talented Roughriders long to respond. Zaire Griffin returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a Roosevelt touchdown cutting the Camas lead to 12-6. Camas missed their opening extra point attempt, then both teams were denied 2-point conversion rush attempts leading to the unusual score.

Camas appeared to be on the verge of providing their own scoring response when WR Chase McGee took a short pass 66 yards down to the Roosevelt 7 just 2 plays later. Roosevelt stayed alive when their defense stopped three consecutive Camas run plays inside the 3, taking over on downs at their own 1 and staying within one score. McGee ended the game with 3 catches for 105 yards. Davidson was 16/25 for 187 yards and 1 passing TD.

As the game wound down, the Papermakers defense came up with consecutive 4th down stops near midfield allowing Camas to run out the final 206 of clock and secure the hard fought victory.

Speer led the team with 16 tackles while Webb had 5 pressures. LB Hayden Ollmann added 13 tackles and DE Zuko Lopez had 7 tackles, including 2 TFL’s. RB Titan Bordy chipped in 10 hard fought runs for 28 yards including 2 big runs late in the game as the Papermakers attempted to run out the clock.

The Papermakers start the season 1-0 for the first time since 2019 with the win. Camas will cross the Columbia River Friday for another nonleague football game as they visit Clackamas of Oregon.

For up-to-date team and player stats, please visit our MaxPreps Stats page.

Please visit @this_is_camas_football on IG for game photos!

For more information read the following news articles:

The Columbian: Camas defense leads the way to 12-6 win over Roosevelt of Seattle