By Bill Reynolds

Ilwaco High School did a victory jig with a 23-0 non-league triumph – the Fishermen's first of the season – when its relentless run game finally wore down the Braves for two fourth period touchdowns Thursday, Oct. 27.

Leading 8-0, Ilwaco doubled its margin when running back Dylan Pelas dashed in from five yards out and Sam Needham caught a two-point conversion toss from Ethan Hopkins with 9:40 to play.

The Fishermen added an insurance score with 6:03 remaining on a 10-yard Kyle Morris scamper.

Ilwaco had jumped to an early edge on an 11-play, 73-yard scoring march on its first possession.

La Conner then held Ilwaco scoreless until the final stanza, benefitting from a 65-yard Ivory Damien punt that pinned the Fishermen at their five-yard line and a Tommy Murdock fumble recovery late in the second quarter.

Ilwaco hurt itself with 105 yards in flags, but La Conner was unable to capitalize on Fishermen infractions.

The Braves had trouble sustaining any offense.

La Conner suffered repeated self-inflicted wounds. Most damaging was yielding 72 yards via errant or mishandled snaps on a wet, gusty night.

Damien was La Conner's chief threat, finishing with 70 hard-earned yards on 22 carries. He also completed two of nine passes for another 12 yards. C.J. Edwards caught one toss for nine yards. Isaac Kitchen added a three-yard grab.

Murdock ran twice for five yards.

La Conner (1-6 overall; 0-4 in NW2B play) closed out its 2022 campaign at Lummi Tuesday.