Davenport's gridiron romp: Eagles eclipsed 67-8

DAVENPORT - The Davenport Gorillas rolled to a 67-8 victory over the Nespelem Eagles on Friday night at Hering Field, thrilling a hometown crowd under the lights.

The game, showcased Davenport's dominance from the opening whistle and featured a "Little Cheer Night" halftime show led by coach Sadra Danekas and the Davenport cheer team.

Davenport struck first when sophomore QB Bennett Wagner connected with freshman Baylor Oestreich for a touchdown and two-point conversion, making it 7-0 early in the first quarter.

The Gorillas led 29-0 by the end of the period, with Wagner and freshman Jack Steward driving the offense. Nespelem scored a touchdown and two-point conversion in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 29-8, but Davenport pulled away with multiple scores, including a 51-8 lead late in the third.

A fourth-quarter injury didn't stop Davenport from sealing the win with a Lincoln Hoff touchdown and two-point conversion, finalizing the 67-8 score.

Davenport coach Tim Rasmussen praised his team's preparation and sportsmanship. Nespelem coach Joe Berland noted his team started finding rhythm after the early minutes.

Sophomore Wagner rushed 19 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 7 of 17 passes for 111 yards and two more scores. Sophomore Daman Gale added 12 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown, and freshman Shane Stiles had 65 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Defensively, Gale led with 13 tackles, and junior Asher Petersen contributed three tackles, a sack and an interception.

Davenport hosts the Columbia-Hunters Lions for homecoming Friday, Oct. 17, at Hering Field.