Beavers offense explodes in victory Friday night

Bucky Beaver

The Ballard High School Beavers football team was looking at an 0-4 start Friday night when they hosted the cross town rivals Garfield High School Bulldogs in their home opener at Memorial Stadium.  However, the Beavers came to play Friday night, scoring on offense, defense and special teams.  The offense scored on all five of their first half possessions with drives of 80, 9, 66, 65 and 29 yards.  Senior Johnny Verduin connected on a touchdown pass to Senior Michael Asefa and three times to Senior Nate Rauda.  Senior Dominique Smith scored on a 56-yard touchdown run.  The defense added a touchdown when junior Elliott Brockl picked up a fumble and took it in for a 4-yard touchdown.  Special teams added a touchdown as well with Dominique Smith returning a punt for a 56-yard score.  Junior Dana Williams lead the offense rushing for 78 yards on 8 carries.

The defense also stepped it up, forcing Garfield into four turnovers and two punts in the first half. Brockl led the defense with seven tackles, one for a loss and fumble recovery for a touchdown.  Nate Rauda added six tackles with Dana Williams and Senior Justin Simon adding four tackles each.  Juniors John DeGarmo and Max Marshal contributed 3 tackles.  The Beavers had a 48-0 halftime lead cruising to a 48-15 final.

The 1-3 Beavers host 2-2 Newport High School next Friday night for Homecoming.  Newport is coming off two impressive victories against Woodinville and No. 6 Issaquah.  The game is at 7:45 p.m. at Memorial stadium.