LaCrossse-Washtucna Tigercats punish St. John-Endicott, 46-0

A rivalry game is just that, whether you are in contention for a playoff game or not.

That’s how the LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats approached Friday’s battle with St. John-Endicott. The Tigercats had suffered several close losses, enough to bounce them out of playoff contention.

But the Friday night battle was more about pride and bragging rights between a pair of long-time rivals. The Tigercats reigned supreme Friday, rolling to a 46-0 thrashing.

“Our kids were hungry,” head coach Jeff Nelson said. We have been a little frustrated the last few weeks. We just haven’t put a complete game together where we played well. Offensively we ran the ball at will and we blocked well.”

The Tigercats scored twice in the first quarter and then four times in the second quarter. The game was halted via the mercy rule after the start of the second half.

Johnathan Holdren scored the first two runs. His first score was set up by a 48-yard sprint by Sawyer Hostetler. Holdren scored from two yards out. Holdren’s second score came on a six-yard run.

Holdren scored the team’s third touchdown on an 18-yard run.

Sam Harder then put points on the board with a 28-yard pass from Jake Aune.

Aune would throw just twice during the game.

Caleb Hannas scored on a fumble recovery in the end zone.

“They do a rugby style punt with an option to run,” Nelson said. “The kicker whiffed and the ball just laid in the end zone and Hannas laid on it. That came right after a sack of the quarterback and Hannas was in on the sack.”

Matt Stubbs scored the final touchdown on a four-yard run.

On the defense the Tigercats were relentless.

“Defensively we allowed just one first down in the whole game. That was one of the most dominant performances in the 22 years I have been associated with the program,” Nelson said. “It’s nice to see our kids never let up.”

Hostetler finished the night with 180 yards on 19 carries. Holdren ran for 51 yards on seven attempts. Stubbs tallied 52 yards on five tries while Aune rushed twice for 21 yards.

This week the Tigercats will meet Union, Ore., in Walla Walla for a non-league game. They will finish the season a week later in Washtucna for senior night against Sunnyside Christian.

“We have 14 kids left,” Nelson said. “Our eighth grade students have gone to junior high basketball. I would like to get everyone to play, get everyone meaningful playing time.”