Cascade opens league play with 27-14 win over Omak

The Cascade Kodiaks (1-0, 4-1) won their fourth game in a row with a 27-14 win over Omak last Friday in Peshastin. It was the first league game for the Kodiaks. 

“I was happy with the way we played. We battled all the way to the end. It was fun to watch,” said Cascade Head Coach Dom Coffin. 

The Kodiaks opening the scoring in the first quarter as sophomore Ben Sunitsch returned a kickoff 79-yards for a touchdown. The extra point was no good as Cascade took a 6-0 lead. It remained 6-0 at the half. 

In the third quarter, Omak took the lead on 54-yard pass play. With the point after, they led 7-6. The Kodiaks answered back with drive for a score as Isaiah Dayton ran for the 16-yard score. With the two point conversion, Cascade led 14-7. 

Dayton scored again in the third quarter on a 4-yard run. Cascade led 21-7. Omak scored on a 34-yard pass play in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 21-14. The Kodiaks finished off the scoring with a 5-yard run by Teague Duncan. The point after failed. 

“We never had it fully under control. We had some turnovers, which made us feel like we were losing the control. We were able to hold on and keep going,” Coffin said. “Ben Sunitsch played a really good game. He returned the opening kickoff. He made some big plays on special teams and had a big catch in the fourth quarter, which ended up really helping us. Both of our linebackers, Daniel Claros and Eric Rosario, played really well. They were going hard and making some big plays on defense.”

Coffin was pleased with the play off the defense. 

“They did really well. They gave up two big plays, but otherwise they shut them out. Our defense is really starting to click. The defensive line is getting better every week. The linebackers are playing well. The DBs too,” he said. 

Cascade had 311 total yards versus 228 for Omak. Cascade had 4 interceptions, while Omak lost a fumble. Jose Mendoza was 9-for-16 for 110 yards and 4 interceptions. Duncan had 8 rushes for 78 yards. Dayton had 11 rushes for 70 yards. 

On the injury front, lineman Hunter Reinhart was able to return. Starters Jose Valdez and Quinn Ashcraft were injured. Coffin is hoping to have them back by Friday when they play Cle Elum. 

Last season, Cascade beat Cle Elum 70-6. 

“It will be a good game to get everything ready before we play Cashmere. We’re excited. Hopefully, we can stay healthy,” Coffin said. 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.