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

By John Denny

The Clackamas Review, Oct 12, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (22 Reader comments)

ADVERTISEMENTS

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.

1 | 2 Next Page >>