Camas football crushes Evergreen

Seventy-seven points in a game might be a new school record for the Camas football team.

The Papermakers crushed Evergreen 77-28 Friday, at Doc Harris Stadium. It is the most points Camas has scored in a game for more than half a century.

“It makes me realize how lucky we are to have the support from the Camas community,” said junior quarterback Reilly Hennessey. “You don’t realize until you’re out there how many people are living vicariously though you, cheering for you, screaming and yelling out your name.”

Senior John Norcross found three different ways to make an impact with the football in his hands. The linebacker, receiver and running back caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Hennessey. He also made a 7-yard touchdown run and returned an interception for a 70-yard touchdown.

“It’s always exciting to get the ball into the end zone — whether it’s receiving a pass from Reilly, running behind the O-line or picking off the enemy’s QB,” Norcross said. “Just put it in and listen to the band play.”

Nick Gadbaw and Macon Sumpter doubled up on the Evergreen punter. Gadbaw plowed through an opening and blocked the kick. Sumpter followed his friend, scooped up the football and ran it 10 yards back for a touchdown.

“I saw the ball rolling right to me, and was like ‘here we go,’” Sumpter said.

“It was an amazing play, and having one of my best friends in on it with me is something I’m always going to remember,” Gadbaw added. “I’m really proud of my team. We go hard every practice, and I’m glad we can show that in the games.”

Hennessey also delivered touchdown passes to Nate Beasley and Zach Eagle. Beasley added two more touchdown runs, and Vince Huber piled on a 73-yard sprint into the end zone. The Papermakers built a 63-7 advantage at halftime. Cole Zarcone and Isiah Ephraim each had a touchdown run in the second half.

“Our guys are doing a great job of picking each other up on both sides of the ball,” Hennessey said. “We just keep getting smarter and smarter and stronger and stronger. I like to say I have the best seat in the house.”

Camas is ready to rekindle its rivalry with Union Friday, at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.

“We haven’t played Union in three years, so we know we’re going to have a lot of fans out for that game,” Sumpter said. “To beat them would be icing on the cake.”

“It’s going to be a great week,” Norcross added. “We just want to go out there and show people what Camas football is all about.”

This rematch is three years in the making. Back in 2009, the Titans rallied from 17 points down to beat the Papermakers 35-31. Union has a 2-1 record against Camas since the school opened in 2007. The Papermakers are looking to even the series in 2012.

“I remember sitting in the stands when Union came back and beat us,” Hennessey said. “Just like the Skyview win we got for the guys who lost last year, we want to get a win against Union for the guys who lost in 2009. Those guys paved the road, and we’re driving on it.”