Gladiators humble sixth-ranked Rangers

The Gladiators rally around junior quarterback Taylor Taft to bounce Estacada 28-0

By John Denny

The Clackamas Review, Sep 26, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Gladiators christened their new artificial turf football field in grand fashion Friday night, humbling the sixth-ranked Estacada Rangers 28-0, to the delight of a large supportive home crowd.

It was the first loss of the season for the Rangers, after three straight victories in non-league contests. Estacada had allowed three earlier opponents a combined total of only 42 points en route to defeating Banks, Sweet Home and Tillamook.

The Gladiators orchestrated one of their best aerial assaults in years to put the Rangers away. Gladstone quarterback Taylor Taft completed 16-of-24 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns, and he didn’t throw an interception.

And the Rangers found they could do little to slow Taft down, as the 6-1, 170-pound junior hit three different receivers for four or more passes.

Senior running back Brady Regier hauled down six passes for 142 yards and a touchdown; senior wide receiver Darrell Fields made four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown; and junior wide receiver Austin Foteff hauled down four passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.

“We were successful [with our passing game] for several reasons,” said Gladstone coach Jon Wolf. “One, Taylor Taft’s very talented, he’s competitive and he’s a student of the game. He’s gone to several quarterback camps and he’s worked very hard.

“Two, I think our opponents have worked hard at stopping the veer, so they weren’t expecting it.

“Three, Taylor’s got some very good receivers….

“Four, the offensive line was relatively young at the start of the season. They’ve still got room for improvement, but they’ve really gotten better.”

Paul Sander was another factor. The 5-11, 225-pound running back kept the Ranger defense honest, carrying nine times for 66 yards and a fourth touchdown.

Meanwhile the Gladiator defense toughened up every time the Rangers entered the red zone.

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