Hayfork High Keeps Up Their Winning Streak 

The Hayfork football team had their first test of adversity this season and came away with a 26-20 win. Chester proved to be a tough opponent, and the game was definitely entertaining. The Timberjacks got off to a slow start offensively, as Hayfork failed to move the ball and gave Chester great field position.The Volcanoes started their first possession at the Hayfork 29 yard line and their second possession began at the Hayfork 49.  Both times, the Hayfork defense stopped Chester on 4th down. Hayfork finally scored near the end of the first quarter on a 23 yard run by Levi Cavalli. Devin Nanez ran in the two point conversion and the score was 8-0.  Hayfork moved the ball on their next drive, but fumbled.  At the end of the second quarter the Timberjacks threatened, but two incomplete passes in the end zone ended the half and Hayfork was clinging to their 8-0 lead.  The Timbjacks forced Chester to punt to start the second half, and Hayfork started their possession at their own 8 yard line.  After a holding penalty, the Timberjacks were backed up to their own 6 yard line, but Cavalli scored on the next play, a 94 yard run that increased the lead to 14-0. The Timberjacks seemed to be in command, but the Volcanoes came right back with a 70 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to close the gap to 14-6. Hayfork could not move the ball on their next possession, and Chester got the ball and drove to midfield. They went for it on a 4th and 2, and after a missed tackle behind the line of scrimmage, Chester scored on a 50 yard run.  The two point pass play tied the score at 14-14. It was the first time all season that Hayfork had not held the lead in a game.  

Hayfork began the 4th quarter with a long drive that ended with a four yard touchdown run by Anthony Bonelli putting Hayfork back ahead at 20-14.  Chester responded yet again with a 50 yard pass play to tie the score at 20-20. With the season on the line, the Timberjacks went on another long drive, and finished it off with a 42 yard run by Cavalli giving Hayfork the lead back at 26-20.Chester tried to move the ball, but on 3rd down Cavalli intercepted the Chester quarterback. Hayfork was able to pick up a few first downs and run out the clock and secure the win in a hard fought game. Cavalli carried the ball 26 times for 250 yards and three touchdowns.  Devin Nanez had 97 yards on 15 carries and Anthony Bonelli had 65 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Defensively, the Timberjacks were led by Aidan Lorton who had 16 tackles (11 solo).  Nanez had 12 tackles (9 solo), Cavalli had 9 tackles (5 solo), and Bonelli had 9 tackles (5 solo). Hayden Trossauer had a quarterback sack.  

Hayfork (12-0) will now travel to Tulelake (9-2) for the Division VI section championship game this Friday (Nov. 17) at 6:00pm. It's been 13 years since Hayfork won the section title.  I want to recognize Chester for how well they played and they gave us a huge test. They were well prepared and our kids had to fight hard to get to the championship game I am impressed that our kids met the challenge and controlled the 4th quarter. It has been a long and rewarding season. The ultimate test comes this week.  As of last Friday, we have had 63 days of football practice, a summer of weight training, and it all comes down to one football game. Tulelake is very talented and we have to travel there. We will put the time in this week and hope to have our best game. It is amazing to see the improvement from last year, and also throughout the season.  I am extremely proud of these guys. We will do our best to come home with the title.