Panthers bust out against Hudson’s Bay

Twenty seconds from the opening kickoff, Tristan Roseff triggered a landslide and the Washougal football team buried Hudson’s Bay 48-6 Friday at Kiggins Bowl.

After giving up 40 points in losses to R.A. Long and Woodland the last two weeks, the Panthers finally had the breakthrough performance they have been fighting for. It started on the first snap of the game, when Brandon Casteel opened the door for Roseff to run the football for a 55-yard touchdown.

“Brandon gets one block, I see open field and didn’t stop,” Roseff said. “I saw the vision to get into the end zone.”

This was just the beginning of a special night for both seniors. Casteel combined three touchdowns with an interception. Roseff picked off two passes and scored another touchdown.

“The rock hard defense will always win games for us,” Roseff said. “We had to gather all the heart we had to come out here and play our best. Hopefully, the heart we showed will carry us.”

Hudson’s Bay responded to Washougal’s opening salvo with a 5-minute drive and a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. The Panthers erupted for 42 more points to kick start the running clock by the end of the third quarter.

Casteel powered through the holes created by his blockers and crossed the goal line as part of an 80-yard drive into the end zone. Casteel also caught a 27-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion from Kryon Carlson, as well as a 22-yard touchdown pass by Monte Georgianna. By halftime, Washougal led 35-6.

“We proved we still have heart,” Casteel said. “In the first few games, everybody was flying around and having fun. The last two weeks, it just wasn’t there. Everybody is fired up now. Let’s keep pushing.”

Daniel Davis rose above a defender and came down with a 36-yard catch to set up a first-and-goal. Spencer Adams snagged a 4-yard touchdown pass from Carlson.

Doneald Holbert Jr. caused a fumble on the next series and Gabe Heinrich got the ball back for Washougal. Georgianna capped off the 42-point surge with a 2-yard touchdown run.

The Panthers head to Hockinson Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

“[Hockinson] is the one team that stands between us and the playoffs,” Roseff said. “Our goal is to take care of business and hopefully make a name for Washougal football.”