Miscues, Turnovers End Shockers Playoff Debut

June 7, 2008 Okanogan, WA 

Okanogan used a trick play on their first offensive snap, going the distance to start the Shockers first-ever Evergreen Football League playoff appearance, and South Sound couldn't claw back into striking distance falling 21-15 to the Commandos Saturday night.

Battling turnovers and injuries all season, this playoff game was no different as first-year QB Jacob Hicks threw 4 first half interceptions setting a team record for interceptions in a season with 22. Not the kind of record the Shockers hoped to see broken this season. Corey Laday and Will Feiten left the game with injuries, but returned to try and help South Sound get back into the game, while Rory Lee began to return to form, but couldn't get the ball into the endzone on offense. His lone trip to the endzone came on the ensuing kickoff after a Hicks interception was returned 37 yards for a Commando touchdown. Lee took the kickoff from around the 5 yard line and exploded down the Commandos sideline untouched for 6. Pat Hutnik's PAT hit the right upright and the Shockers were down 14-6 at halftime.

The Commandos came out after the half and drove down the field on the heels of a long pass inside the Shocker 10-yard line. The receiver appeared to be out of bounds, but the official signaled the catch was good for a first and goal. A pass to the corner of the endzone found a wide open Okanogan receiver and the PAT made the score 21-6. As the third period wound down, David Minnis took a punt near the Shocker 40, reversed field, broke a tackle and found a wall which included Lee who leveled the remaining Commando defender. Minnis strode into the endzone for six. The PAT was mishandled by Hicks and the score remained 21-12. Pat Hutnik would nail a 39-yard field goal to put the score at 21-15 entering the 4th quarter.

Defensive momentum had shifted to the Shockers as the Commandos were unable to move the ball spearheaded by end Ron Strozyk, tackle David Alefosio, Lee playing free safety and linebackers Nate Enciso, Kelly Time and David Beaver. However the offense couldn't stay consistent, especially in the passing game. The running game started to get on track and with 5 minutes to go in the game, instead of driving for the go ahead TD, offensive coordinator Bill Hicks opted to try something from the bag of tricks, and a half back pass by Ryan Reis was picked off by Commando MVP Shawn Townsend. Okanogan ran out the clock and advances to take on the Yakima Mavericks in the EFL Semis. The Shockers end a tumultuous season at 8-4 and start the rebuilding process for 2009. South Sound will celebrate it's 3 straight seasons with 8 or more victories on June 29 with a BBQ family day. Past, present and prospective Shockers are invited and should contact the team for details.

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