HS Football: Onalaska's Rodriguez Rushes for 4 Touchdowns, Leads Loggers to Shutout of Toledo

10/25/24

Onalaska 40, Toledo 0

(Onalaska, WA) With the always powerful Central 2B League split into two divisions, the east division title was on the line in week 8 on Friday night. Entering the showdown undefeated at 7-0, the Toledo Riverhawks were attempting to get over the hump and climb their way back to the top of the C2BL. Standing in their way, the Onalaska Loggers looked to continue their absolute roll since a week 1 loss to Nooksack Valley. As both teams tried to build momentum heading into the postseason, only one would leave a rugged, old-school style game still perfect in league play.

Neither side could get much momentum going on their opening possession. Both would earn first downs due to defensive penalties, but could not do anything with the fresh set of downs. After that, both teams turned the ball over as the game remained scoreless. Late in the 1st quarter, Onalaska would get the breakthrough. After a Cooper Lawrence interception, Rodrigo Rodriguez would find some space up the near side to make his way into the endzone. A 29-yard score would put Onalaska out in front 8-0.

Defensively, Onalaska continued to smother the Toledo offense and not allow any positive momentum for the Riverhawks. Eli Weeks would be pressured constantly on drop backs while the Ony offensive line would slowly wear down the Toledo defense. A four-receiver bunch formation would start to set the edge for the Loggers on and open up some space for the rushing attack. Lane Gordon and Blaze Underhill would share the wealth at quarterback but it would be Rodriguez finishing off another scoring drive. A four-yard touchdown run extended the Onalaska lead to 16-0 with 4:39 left in the 2nd.

Toledo would then get a little momentum going on offense. Carter Swofford began to find some running lanes while Nathan Beaver provided a change of pace. However, the Logger defense would come up with a sack to force a punt. A windy night would keep the punt on the plus side of the field for the Loggers. Starting from their own 48-yard line, Onalaska needed just one play as Rodriguez bounced off of teammates and defenders to find the endzone for the third time in the half. The late touchdown gave Onalaska a comfortable 24-0 lead at halftime.

Toledo would find a bit more success on offense in the second half. Eli Weeks got the passing attack going with Cole Langhaim and Adam Kruger helping out in that aspect. Carter Swofford continued to run the ball well but the Logger defensive front kept coming up with tackles for losses. Nick Rushton and Justin Jacoby kept a consistent pass rush on Toledo and never allowed the Riverhawks to get comfortable on offense.

On the other side of the ball for Onalaska, it would be more of the same. Slow and methodical marches down the field with a nonstop rushing attack kept eating away at yardage as well as the clock. While Rodrigo Rodriguez would add a fourth touchdown, Blaze Underhill would also score from 13 yards out as well. The Loggers got the score to 40-0 which resulted in a running clock. Onalaska would cruise in the 4th quarter to complete their statement making win over Toledo, 40-0.

Our Thorbeckes MVP of the game went to Rodrigo Rodriguez for Onalaska. The senior running back capped off his senior night with an electric offensive performance. Rodriguez caught the only completion for the Loggers for 14 yards but it was his rushing attack that sparked the Loggers. Rodriguez ran the ball 19 times for 153 yards and four touchdowns in the statement win. In a tough, physical battle, Rodriguez would earn every single yard in a gutsy performance.

Also for Onalaska, Blaze Underhill had a strong night with 13 carries for 35 yards and a score. Lane Gordon tallied eight carries for 38 yards while Sam Pannkuk had a two-yard carry. Defensively, Nick Rushton and Justin Jacoby had a monster night, combining for four sacks for the Onalaska pass rush. Cooper Lawrence added an interception on defense.

For Toledo, Carter Swofford would be the leader offensively with 16 carries for 52 yards while Nathan Beaver had two carries for 12 yards. Bryson Trosper and Trevin Gale each had one carry for a combined three yards. Eli Weeks went 7-17 passing for 59 yards to three different receivers. His go-to target was Adam Kruger who caught three passes for 29 yards while Trevin Gale had two catches for 16 yards. Cole Langhaim would add a 20-yard reception for Toledo. Masson Ruiz and Nico Acosta would be the defensive standouts for the Riverhawks.

With the win, Onalaska moves to 8-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in league play. The Loggers will conclude the regular season on Thursday when they visit the Toutle Lake Ducks. Toledo drops to 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in Central 2B play. The Riverhawks will also end the regular season on Thursday at 7pm with a road game at Winlock.

For the full game replay, click here (Subscription Required)