No. 3 Falcons burn sixth-ranked Gladstone 30-0
Senior running back Chis Nagel paves the way, rushing for 244 yards and scoring four touchdowns
MILWAUKIE – The third-ranked La Salle Falcons took no hostages in a Thursday night football game with sixth-ranked Gladstone.
The Gladiators didn’t have an answer for Falcon senior running back Chris Nagel, who rushed 34 times for 244 yards, and scored four touchdowns, in a 30-0 blowout.
Nagel credited his offensive line for his team’s success.
“The keys were our offensive line all the way, and practicing hard throughout the week,” said Nagel. “When we practice hard we play hard….
“Gladstone’s a pretty good team. They have some weapons. But our line was too much for them.”
But it wasn’t just La Salle’s offensive line that made the difference. Gladstone lost its top running back, Tyler Smith, to a leg injury midway through the second period. And when the Gladiators’ tried to take to the air, Gladstone quarterback Taylor Taft found defenders in his face on every attempted pass play.
Gladstone trailed 7-0 when Smith hobbled off the field for the last time.
Senior defensive end Eric Whalen headed La Salle’s defensive effort, with a forced fumble and numerous tackles, including some timely sacks.
“Honestly, I thought they’d be a little better,” Whalen said. “Based on what they’d done to some other teams before this game, I thought they’d be a little tougher than this.”
Gladstone and La Salle were the Capital Conference’s last unbeaten teams heading into Thursday’s game. The Gladiators (5-2, 3-1) were riding a five-game win string.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 4-0 in league and 6-0 overall.
It’s the best start by a La Salle football team since 1996.
“This means everything,” said Whalen. “It could mean a league title for us. And to earn a shutout over our rival, especially on our home turf, that’s huge!”
The Falcons’ last league title came in 1995, when a La Salle team went 9-0 on the regular season.
“I’m hoping to match that, and more,” said La Salle quarterback Vince Hicks. “We’re well on our way.”
“A state title!” said Nagel.
The first half of Thursday’s game was a defensive battle with both ball clubs struggling to find the end zone.
Whalen and defensive lineman Jeff Sawyer set up the only score of the first half. As the first quarter was winding down, Whalen pressured Taft, forcing him to fumble the pigskin at the La Salle 48.
Ten players later, Nagel danced in from the 1. Austin Thul split the uprights, and the Falcons were up 7-0.
La Salle also threaten near the end of the second quarter, but a drive ended at the Gladiator 1, when time ran out on the first-half clock.
The Falcons’ second score came midway through the third period, at the end of a 10-play, 90-yard drive. Nagel sprinted in from the 2, upping the gap to 14-0.
Nagel’s third score came three minutes into the final period. The 5-10, 200-pound senior hauled in a sideline pass from Hicks and bulled his way eight yards to the end zone, capping off a 45-yard drive. Thul split the uprights, and the scoreboard read La Salle 21, Gladstone 0.
“When we got up 21-0, I knew it was over,” said Hicks. “You could see it in their faces.”
A minute later, La Salle defensive lineman Brian Lockner tackled Taft in the end zone for a safety.
Cam Keeney returned the ensuing kick 25 yards to the Gladstone 47. And five plays later, Nagel dashed untouched 31 yards up the middle for the game’s final score.
The Falcons take their show on the road next Friday, when they battle 12th-ranked Estacada (6-1, 3-1) at Estacada.
The Gladiators get a break from league action, hosting 11th-ranked Cottage Grove.
La Salle 30, Gladstone 0
Gladstone 0 0 0 0 – 0
La Salle 7 0 7 16 – 30
LS – Chris Nagel (Austin Thul kick)
LS – Nagel 2 run (Thul kick)
LS – Nagel 8 pass from Vince Hicks (Thul kick)
LS – Safety – Taylor Taft tackled in the end zone by Brian Lockner
LS – Nagel 31 run (Thul kick)