Back to winning ways for gridiron boys

ODESSA - After two consecutive losses due mainly to injuries, the Odessa football team was back in top form last Friday night, defeating the Inchelium Hornets by a score of 60-20.

The game saw officials calling both teams for numerous penalties, which helped extend the contest into a nearly three-hour ordeal.

Corbyn Neilsen had 23 carries for 338 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Zane McMillan had 106 yards passing.

Running back/receiver Chad Strebeck had 84 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while defensively he added seven tackles (two for lost yardage) and one interception.

The evening also featured the introduction of homecoming royalty and recognition of this year's seniors. Four senior boys and their parents were recognized prior to the start of the game.

Chad Strebeck, Dakota Steward and Jacob Scrupps will graduate from Odessa High this coming spring, and Zane McMillan will graduate from Wilson Creek High School.

Scrupps acted as the team's manager this year, due to concerns about the serious concussion he received during his sophomore season.

Also included as an honorary team member and fellow senior was Tate Wagner, the son of Travis and Haley Wagner of Odessa.

At halftime the homecoming royalty were introduced to the crowd as the girls made a loop around the football field, each in the back of a pickup. Each one stopped in front of the grandstand to meet up with her escort.

The members of the royal court were freshmen Katie Mae Shelton and her escort Isaak Schmierer, sophomores Rebecca Bramer and escort John Melcher, junior Mackenzie Lutz and escort Sean Devore and seniors (Queen and King) Melloney Deife and Tate Wagner.

The classes celebrated Homecoming on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 4, with various contests for which points were awarded. The winning class with the most points was the senior class.