Sports

Reds battle back to win homecoming football game

dmckenney

October 6, 2016

Travis Cunningham runs the ball in for the touchdown.

Jake Sandau makes an open field tackle on a University receiver.

Eaton, down at half, pulls off a homecoming victory

What Happened: After trailing 12-21 at half, The Eaton Reds defeated the University Bulldogs during homecoming 25-21 in their first league game of the season. The nerves of the home crowd rose before the second half when Eaton shutout the Bulldogs and scored 13 points to win the game.

Offense: Quarterback Austin Coalson (18) completed 10 passes out of 16 attempts totaling 74 yards. An injury took out wide receiver Devan McKenney (17) in the second quarter. He lead the team in receiving yards for the game even with missing more than half the game. Evan Anderson (18), Jason Landon (18), and Jake Sandau (18) each caught a touchdown pass. On the ground, Running Back Travis Cunningham had 25 carries totaling 110 yards and picked up one touchdown.

Defense: The Reds caused troubles in the Bulldog’s backfield with Ed Fritzler (17), Jaxon Hobbs (17), Sandau, and Henry Fritzler (19) earning a sack each. E. Fritzler is currently third in the state in sack totals for all classes according to Maxpreps. Isaiah Salazar (20) had an interception and picked up 27 yards before being taken down.

Special Teams: Mason Wilson (19) had a big kick return that was close to turning into a touchdown with one man to beat after breaking a tackle, but he was taken down after a 22-yard return. I. Salazar had three huge punt returns totaling 71 yards. The longest of the third was a 48-yarder.

Should Have Seen It: In his first game of the season after missing the first four due to injury and illness, Sandau came out ready to play. On defense, he totaled five tackles. On offensive, Sandau caught the second touchdown of the game. In the second quarter with 1:45 left on the clock, Eaton was down 21-6. The ball was on University’s 17 yard line. On second down, Sandau motioned into slot receiver on the left side of the ball. Coalson took the snap and surveyed the field. Sandau ran a perfect corner route, beating a linebacker and the safety to the back pylon. Coalson delivered a pass high and outside where only Sandau could go up and get it. Sandau secured the catch with two defenders on him attempting to knock the ball away… Touchdown Reds.

Next Up: Eaton’s next matchup will take place Saturday Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. versus The Pinnacle High School at Westminster High School.