OregonPreps.com - Aloha Dances Over Cats Heading Towards Playoffs

November 1, 2009

Dirk Knudsen
OregonPreps.com Editor

Every Friday Night we are at a crossroads with limited staff and resources as to where to head for the night. What games do we try and cover? Always a quandary around here. Last Friday we thought we would get a look at the improved 2009 Aloha Warriors. We were not disappointed.

We saw a great game that had all the elements of great football. The underdog Warriors hosted for their Homecoming the #7 ranked Westview Wildcats whose home is 5 miles North on the same street as Aloha High.

The rain parted just prior to kickoff and a warm wind blew in from Eugene. It felt like something big was about to happen. Something big like a win for the Warriors who have only won 1 Metro League game in 5 years.

The game was a great battle. We saw some blistering defense by both sides. Star running back Hayes Garrity of Westview apparently broke his hand early and was sent out of the game. The Cats were also missing Timote Pongi; the State's most dominate defensive tackle. But the hitting was on!

On the other side of the ball the Warriors had installed some new plays designed to showcase the blinding speed of FRESHMEN Thomas Tyner. Boy did they use him as Tyner ran a slick Counter play several times on the Cats defense including two big runs for first half touchdowns.

By half time the Warrior's were sitting on a 13-0 lead. James Euscher (6'7" and 270 pound Junior) and Devon Smith (6'2" and 250) did a masterful job along the line. Running backs Johnathan Shaffer and Cole Rise ran hard out of the backfield. The Warriors controlled pace and field position.

But the second half began with the Cats running attack behind Colin Forman leading to a 3rd quarter touchdown. Adding to that was the continued stellar play of Michael Leunen (6'7" and 230 pounds) at Tight End. He caught almost all the passes he was thrown and ran for some big yards after catch.

Matt Tyner blocked a Warrior punt in the end zone for a safety and Forman scored again to put the Cats up 16-13 late in the game.

But the incredible defense and special teams play of Troy Cardona, Matt White and Tanner Krahel shut the Cats down and dictated the tempo late in the game.

The fourth quarter saw more Thomas Tyner who ripped off several runs. He is so fast that there is almost no way to react quick enough. This freshmen has an unverified 4.4 40 time but it showed. He is a future star and ran for over 100 yards.

With 2:51 left Shaffer ran in a score to put Aloha up for good. Westview rallied right to the end and drove 85 yards in less then 2 minutes only to see their 4th down pass with time running out picked off on the goal line by Cardona.

The Warriors had won the game. Something most believed was impossible.

"They're a very good team and they have the biggest line we've faced. Up front I thought we did great. Our players were tough," said the Warriors Head Coach Chris Casey.

In a post game celebration a huge crowd rushed the field in disbelief and joy.

"We did it! This is the best game I have ever played in," said James Euscher who many believe is the premier linemen in the region next year.

Ten minutes later a crowd of hundreds circled Coach Casey and his wife at midfield as they stood atop the ALOHA "A".

"This is what we have all been working towards. We are a Blue Collar community and this was a Blue Collar effort. That is the way we play! You are all building blocks in our program; you past players, our parents, our fans, and all of you current players have made us all very proud. We are building our house together," said Casey who was surrounded by the tearful and joyous faces of hundreds.

Then #6 Cole Rise approached the Casey's as music cued from the press box. Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" oozed across the field and washed over the faithful as Casey danced with his wife fulfilling a promise he had made to his team.

It was a beautiful moment for all that stayed. The win was indelibly burned into the minds of everyone and especially these kids. This win will be something they will never forget.

The win also has the Warriors dancing on the verge of entering the Playoffs. The win has thrown a real monkey wrench into the Cats plans and really messed up the Metro League standings.

Jesuit now has locked up the League title. There are still three playoff spots available and 4 teams in the league that all have a shot to earn a bid. Aloha, Westview, Beaverton, and Southridge all have a chance now and the teams play each other next week. Look at these possible outcomes.

If Westview and Aloha both win next week:

2nd - Aloha

3rd - Westview

4th - Beaverton

5th - Southridge (out)

If Southridge and Aloha both win next week:

2nd - Southridge

3rd - Aloha

4th - Westview

5th - Beaverton (out)

If Westview and Beaverton both win next week:

2nd - Westview

3rd - Beaverton

4th - Southridge

5th - Aloha (out)

If Southridge and Beaverton both win next week:

2nd - Beaverton

3rd - Southridge

4th - Aloha

5th - Westview (out)

So this game that we decided to attend that had that special feeling about it ended up being just that.

We got to witness a great game between two top teams in State. We also saw a great triumph and perhaps one of the most magical moments in years on a football field.

Better yet we got to see a great dance. The dance on the field and the great dance of life. Both were beautiful to behold.

Go Warriors! Go Cats! Best wishes to you all.