PREP FOOTBALL: Priest River posts second straight shutout in thrashing of Medical Lake

MEDICAL LAKE — Sophomore Nate Fegert recovered two fumbles, including a scoop and score for a 13-yard touchdown, registered 69 total yards and a receiving touchdown, and posted seven tackles on defense and the visiting Spartans won by a score of 43-0 for the second straight week, defeating the host Cardinals of Medical Lake in convincing fashion. 

“I am extremely proud of our team’s performance; it was a true collective effort with meaningful contributions from every player,” Priest River High head coach Alex Zepeda said. 

Zepeda said his Spartans distributed the ball effectively across the field, making it difficult for the defense to adjust. Leading the offense was senior Sawyer Staudt, who carried the ball 19 times for 92 yards and hauled in two catches for 21 yards to go along with three total touchdowns. Junior Lucas Mathews once again was behind center and went 9-for-19 passing for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Fegert rushed four times for an impressive 58 yards. 

On defense and special teams, the Spartans also excelled tremendously. Freshman Layton Goins posted a team-high eight tackles and returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. Junior Niki Porinchok added seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Senior Skyler Simcox and junior Brady Hatten had six tackles each, sophomore Donovan Baldwin and junior Gavin Griesemer five each. Griesemer and senior Gunnar Eversole also combined for a sack on the night. 

“Overall, it was a well-rounded performance,” coach Zepeda said. “The team’s continued improvement each week is exactly what we, as coaches, strive to see.” 

Priest River (2-2) hosts Colfax on Friday.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS 

RUSHING: PR — Staudt 19-92, Fegert 4-58, Kuprienko 1-9, Goins 1-7, Mathews 1-6. 

PASSING: PR — Mathews 9-19-2-81, Goins 0-1-0-0. 

RECEIVING: PR — Staudt 2-21, Lamanna 1-18, Kuprienko 3-16, Fegert 1-11, Goins 1-9, L. Simcox 2-6.