The voice of Camas football

“Hold everything, there’s a flag on the play!”

It just wouldn’t sound like a Camas High School football game at Doc Harris Stadium without hearing those words from Dale Croswell. Fans love his famous line so much, they shout it for him at away games. Croswell hears those voices and appreciates them.

“I didn’t set out to get that kind of reaction,” he said. “People told me it sounded unique and different, and so I kept doing it.”

Croswell cannot believe this is his 31st year announcing. All those exciting touchdowns and victories he has “the pleasure” of calling keep him young. His wing men Rick Jones and Ken Whiting also keep him on the ball.

“Those guys are my spotters. I depend on them totally to make the games go so smoothly,” Croswell said. “Camas has the best band, cheerleaders and dancers. The football team is not that bad, either. I’m just the lucky guy who has the microphone in front of me.”

Before Friday’s opening kickoff, Croswell’s coworkers led him on to the field for a special ceremony. In his honor, they renamed the announcer’s booth at Doc Harris Stadium “The ‘Cros’ Nest.” Croswell’s closest friends and family members kept the dedication a secret from him for weeks.

“It took me by complete surprise. They got me good,” he said. “But that just makes it all the more fun. I don’t like to know what’s in a present before I unwrap it.”

With all of the homecoming distractions off the field, the Camas football players took care of business on the field by beating Fort Vancouver 58-6. The Papermakers scored 28 points in the first quarter and led 51-0 at halftime to start the running clock.

After catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Tony Gennaro for the first points of the game, Jonathan Warner added a 44-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I just want to do my part for the team and fight for as many yards as possible,” he said. “Both receiving and rushing.”

Following an interception by John Norcross, Zack Marshall scored the first of two touchdown runs. Nate Beasley also rushed in a touchdown, and Zach Eagle returned a punt for a 45-yard touchdown. Roldan Alcobendas kicked field goals of 27, 23 and 35 yards. Dylan White caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Reilly Hennessey.

Camas (7-1, 5-0) has another league championship pretty much locked up. All that’s left is a victory at Kelso Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

“You can see that fire in every single person’s eyes. We are ready for the playoffs,” Warner said. “Our goal this week is to make every practice as hard and as physical as possible to get ready for Friday’s game.”