Capitalizing on opportunities will be the first lesson Hoquiam learns this season.
Immediately countering Hoquiam’s lone touchdown with one of its own, visiting Meridian repeatedly turned away Grizzly threats for a 14-7 victory in a non-league season opener Friday at Olympic Stadium.
Quarterback Tanner Tutterrow’s 22-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter proved the difference for the Bellingham-area club, a perennial state contender — albeit a club that is rebuilding after significant graduation losses.
Although outgained, 256-155, the Grizzlies didn’t lack for opportunities on a sweltering night. Thanks in part to a couple of takeaways, they were in Meridian territory on six of seven possessions between the second and fourth quarters, but cashed in only once.
“We were in the red zone a couple of times. When we learn to score there, we’ll be in much better shape,” HHS coach Rick Moore said. “They effort was tremendous, but it’s all about the finish and putting all the pieces together.”
Denied on two drives inside the Trojan 15-yard line in the first half, the Grizzlies finally cashed in during the third period. Attempting to punt on the run, Meridian’s Cody Bachman had his kick blocked by Artimus Johnson, with Hoquiam recovering the loose ball on the Trojan 23.
Four plays later, sophomore running back Jerod Steen veered to the outside on a run off the right side and outmaneuvered a couple of defenders on a 12-yard touchdown run with 2:52 remaining in the third period.
Freshman Nazareno Mazariegos kicked the conversion for a 7-7 deadlock.
The tie, however, lasted less than two minutes.
The Trojans motored 55 yards in five plays after taking the ensuing kickoff. After running back Dakota Jones reeled off a couple of first downs, Tutterrow faked a handoff and went the distance on a keeper off the left side from the Grizzly 22 with 1:01 remaining in the period. Joel Eschbach tacked on the PAT.
The Grizzlies had two more decent scoring chances.
Kenny Wakefield’s 18-yard run and a defensive pass interference penalty helped them reach the Trojan 26 early in the fourth quarter. Taking a swing pass from quarterback Gregory Dick, Wakefield was pushed out of bounds a yard shy of the first down on fourth-and-10.
Steen also came up shy of a first down on a fake punt from the Trojan 48-yard line with about seven minutes remaining.
Only 36 seconds remained when Hoquiam got the ball for the final time on its 36-yard line. Erick Price intercepted Dick’s pass on the first play of that series to seal the deal.
Tutterow hooked up with Kyle Young on a 30-yard pass late in the first quarter for the only touchdown of the first half. Eschbach added the PAT.
Moore cited linebacker Tahj Malone and his secondary for fine defensive play. He also praised the composure of Dick, a sophomore who was making his first varsity start at quarterback.
Meridian’s Nick Dritsas led all rushers with 82 yard on 19 carries.
The contest also marked the debut of a new football scoreboard at Olympic Stadium, replacing an ancient model that went out of commission a couple of times and often flickered in a ghostly fashion in recent years.
The Grizzlies make the long trek to Stevenson for a non-leaguer Friday.
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