No. 8 Estacada football falls one yard short of playoff glory

Published 9:00 am Saturday, November 9, 2024

Estacada football was one yard away from extending what has been a special season. For a team so talented toting the ball, it felt like a given.

There were 6 seconds on the clock for the No. 8 Rangers as they were driving against visiting No. 9 Stayton in the first round of the 2024 OSAA 4A Football State Championships. The Rangers were trailing 14-12 in what had been a defensive showcase — to get the ball back, sophomore defensive back Thomas Classen had intercepted the Eagles with under two minutes to play.

Estacada snapped the ball and handed it off to senior running back Elliott Coyle, the head of the running back rotation, who was lined up tight.

But the Eagles defensive line was up to the challenge. They caved in the right side of the Rangers line, stymieing the initial point of attack. Then junior linebacker Wyatt Fred looped around the far side, pulling Coyle back and preventing the go-ahead, walk-off score.

“We went with one of our power run plays, and we thought we had a good chance to get in,” said Coach Andy Mott. “It was a tough play to end on.”

Estacada (5-5) lost 14-12 to Stayton (7-3) Friday evening, Nov. 8.

The Rangers battled in the playoff bout despite the ongoing injuries that have plagued them this season. Out were several lineman, and starting quarterback senior Carson Randall. Even the backup, junior quarterback Henry Riedel, got banged up during the game, forcing freshman quarterback Dane Carpenter (who starred for the JV this season) to step in on a few drives.

“We had so many kids step up for us,” Mott said.

Both those backups scored touchdowns.

In the third quarter Carpenter tossed a 30-yard touchdown to sophomore receiver Landen Thomas to make it 7-6 (after a missed two-point conversion). That throw came while facing a 4th-and-7.

“Amazing to see a play like that from a freshman, I was super proud of him,” Mott said.

Then Riedel threw his own touchdown after reentering the contest. With about 3 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, he connected with senior receiver Jaden Portin to make it 14-12 (again with a missed two-point try).

“We had those key injuries last night, but we were playing some of our best football,” Mott said.

To even get into playoffs was a feat for the Rangers. They started the season at 1-4, after a brutal non-league slate of games against some of the state’s top programs — Mott, who is also the athletic director, jokes he only has himself to blame.

“I wanted to make sure we had that good competition to challenge our guys,” he said. “But we got banged up, took some tough losses, and were sitting with that losing record.”

That spurred a massive team meeting. The word was “reset.” Nothing mattered as long as Estacada could win the Tri-Valley Conference, which guarantees a postseason ticket.

“Everyone knew we controlled our own destiny, and we started to build confidence as the games and weeks went on,” Mott said.

Though the loss still stings, now the Rangers can start to look toward the future. It is hopeful, judging by the talented youngsters who made so many plays against Stayton.

“Our program is in a great place,” Mott said. “Kudos to our senior kids, they were the heart and soul of this team, but a lot of young kids contributed.”

“I am excited, the future is bright for Estacada football,” he added.