Hayfork Takes Hard Loss vs Tulelake

The Timberjacks played a solid first quarter as they shut down the Honkers on their first two possessions. Hayfork's offense couldn't get going either, and Tulelake was able to score first on a 5-yard TD run to open the second quarter to take a 6-0 lead. 

After a Hayfork punt, the Honkers scored again on a 45-yard TD run to stretch the lead to 12-0. Hayfork was able to put together a long drive and got down to the Tulelake 15-yard line. However, the Timberjacks turned the ball over on an interception, and Tulelake scored on the next play, a 68-yard TD run, to make the score 20-0. 

Hayfork continued to make mistakes as they fumbled on the next possession and Tulelake was able to score on three plays as time ran on in the first half with the score 26-0. Hayfork's defense played better in the third quarter, but they still couldn't generate a sustained offensive drive. Tulelake returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown near the end of the quarter to increase the lead to 32-0.  

The Honkers scored again with five minutes left in the game on a 30-yard TD run to make the final score 40-0. Hayfork finished the game by driving the ball 60 yards down to the Tulelake 5 yard line, but could not get the ball into the endzone.    

Levi Cavalli carried the ball 22 times for 82 yards while Kaden Lee had 23 carries for 75 yards. The defense was led by Aidan Lorton who had 19 tackles (14 solo) and Matt Sampson with 16 tackles (10 solo). 

“We are just making mistakes and our opponents are capitalizing on them,” said Coach Mike Miller. “We had five turnovers, which led to 28 of Tulelake's 40 points. We have played three tough opponents in a row, and they have taken advantage of our mistakes.” 

Hayfork closes out the season at home Oct. 28 against Loyalton. Hayfork is in a bigger division this year, and thus four of the six teams in the league will qualify for the playoffs. A win against Loyalton would put the Timberjacks in the playoffs as the lowest seed. 

“A loss would end our season,” Miller said. “We will work hard this week to correct our mistakes and try to play with more energy.”

Hayfork is now 4-4 (1-3 in league).