Odessa boys football team opens 1B post-season

ODESSA — After a week’s hiatus, the undefeated Odessa Tigers boys football team returns to the field this week for a state playoff game.

Odessa, ranked No. 1 in Class 1B, received a bye last week after the Nov. 4 thrashing, 62-26, of the Mary Walker Chargers.

This week, the Tigers will face off against No.8-ranked Nasettle at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, at Lions Field in Moses Lake.

Coach Jeff Nelson said the team needs to be more attentive going into playoffs.

“We need to be sharper,” Nelson said. “There are too many mistakes for this late in the season.”

Nelson said the team as a whole can improve and minor mistakes could be detrimental in the playoffs.

“We’re getting better,” Nelson said. “But we need to be almost mistake-free.”

Naselle reached the quarterfinal game this weekend by eliminated the Almira-Coulee/Hartine Warriors, 64-6 on Nov. 12 in South Bend.

In Odessa’s victory over Mary Walker, both teams were fighting the elements.

Gusting winds made passing difficult and a slick field slowed the offensive ground games.

Still, Odessa senior Gage Starkel had 21 carries for 270 yards and three touchdowns, two solo tackles, two assisted tackles and four two-point conversions.

Sophomore Corbyn Neilsen had 19 carries for 140 yards four touchdowns. He had one two-point conversion, a solo tackle and two assisted tackles.

Senior Collin Martin had four carries for 39 yards, five solo tackles, an assisted tackle and two two-point conversions.

Juniors Chad Strebek and Dakota Steward had one touchdown each. Steward had a successful two-point conversion.

Sophomore Tucker Walter had two solo tackles and five assisted tackles.

Gage Starkel and Collin Martin have dominated the field throughout the season.

“Our Seniors, Gage and Collin, are leading the way,” Nelson said. “They’ve had a great few years.”