The Woodland Beavers spoiled the Hockinson Hawks’ homecoming game with a 50-13 win on Friday, Sept. 18.
The Beavers were able to get multiple players involved on offense while maintaining pressure defensively — a win within the win for Woodland head coach Glen Flanagan.
“It was a good opportunity to do things,” Flanagan said. “The kids played well.”
A key part of the performance came from the play of Jackson Andrews at quarterback and the ability to get Mikey Belvin involved in other areas of the game. Flanagan said the approach allowed Woodland to maximize the strengths of both players while helping Belvin remain fresh on defense. At the beginning of the season, Belvin was planned to be the starting quarterback with Andrews as backup, Flanagan said.
“We knew they were both really good,” Flanagan said of his two quarterback options. “And so, who's going to do what? And so, we knew (Andrews) was a really good receiver. But then, you know, Mikey's a good receiver. He showed that tonight. We saw a couple of nice, great touchdown catches.”
Flanagan said Belvin's willingness to contribute in different ways was particularly important after dealing with an illness the previous week.
“Mikey had a 102 temperature all last week,” Flanagan said. “So, that's why we kind of had to make the decision last week. But then, you know, Mikey just felt comfortable doing it.”
Belvin had three touchdowns in the game over the Hawks while also leading the way on defense with multiple sacks as a blitzing linebacker.
Defensively, Woodland immediately established pressure, recording sacks on third down during each of its first two possessions. Flanagan said the early success helped shift momentum.
“It was huge,” Flanagan said. “We knew they had some younger quarterbacks and young kids out there. So, we wanted to put some pressure on them.”
The Beavers also emphasized establishing the running game while continuing to develop their passing attack.
“We're trying to establish the running game,” Flanagan said. “But we're also trying to find our kind of rhythm.”
Special teams provided another area of satisfaction. Flanagan credited kicker Josh Graham, long snapper Evan Martynowicz, Belvin at punter and Jackson Andrews for their contributions.
“I thought special teams did a great job tonight,” Flanagan said.
Even with the game being a nonleague contest after wacky schedule changes were forced onto the 2A Greater St. Helens League, Flanagan said Woodland approached it as another opportunity to improve.
“But we're just trying to get better at football every week,” Flanagan said. “So, our goals are, yes, they're playoffs. But we're trying to give these guys a good experience in football and give them good opportunities every Friday night.”
The Beavers next host Tumwater High School on Friday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., while the Hawks look to bounce back at home against the Ridgefield Spudders on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
