touchdowns on another short run

touchdowns on another short run.

It was Newport’s defense that made a difference, Duxbury says.

“Defensively we had a strong second half, holding Priest River scoreless in the third and fourth quarters,” he says.

The Grizzlies made some mental mistakes, he says. Offensively they could not get into rhythm because of miscues and penalties.

The Grizzly defense came through, though, Duxbury says.

Zepeda says his team ran out of gas at the end of the game, but that he was pleased with the effort.

Priest River hasn’t beaten Newport in more than 10 years, Priest River coach Alex Zepeda says, outscored by the Grizzlies 246-36 over the decade.

“To have it come down to the wire against such a solid team is definitely a step in the right direction for our program,” Zepeda says. “Now, we just need to focus on finishing strong in future games.”

Staudt’s 120 yards rushing led Priest River’s ground game. Colton Kuprienko carried four times for 22 yards and Gunnar Eversole had two carries for 20 yards.

Lucas Mathews rushed once for five yards.

Goins had a good day defensively, with 11 tackles and an interception.

Gavin Griesemer and Brady Hatten also had 11 tackles each for Priest River.

For Newport, Driver led rushers with 127 yards and a touchdown.

Kirkwood had 108 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Kirkwood also completed 10 of 20 pass attempts for 75 yards and an interception. Brad Martin had 22 yards rushing on six carries.

Austin Owen caught five passes for 42 yards, Martin caught one for 17 yards and Driver caught four for 16 yards.

Newport is at home again Friday, Sept. 20, against Lind-Ritzville, a game that starts at 7 p.m. Priest River makes the trip to Grangeville for a game there Friday that starts at 6 p.m.