Opportunity wound up in the hands of Zach Eagle and Michael DiGenova, and they delivered for the Papermakers.
The Camas football team turned five defensive touchdowns into a 62-15 victory against Evergreen Friday, at McKenzie Stadium.
“We knew our defense was pretty darn good, but I had never seen anything like that before,” said head coach Jon Eagle. “I just love their style of play. It’s aggressive, fast and physical. They play sideline to sideline with clean, hard hits.”
DeGenova recovered three fumbles and returned them all for touchdowns. He picked up two of those balls in the end zone and the other one from about 40 yards away.
“You never know where that ball is going to bounce. It could have ended up in three of four different player’s hands, it just happened to be mine,” DeGenova said. “It wasn’t just me. I got lucky. It will probably never happen again.”
Zach Eagle intercepted a pass, took it back for 38 yards and dove across the goal line for a touchdown. He also caught a 61-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Reilly Hennessey.
“We prepared well for that game, and everything just seemed to be working out for us,” Eagle said. “Always hustle to the ball. If you get the opportunity, make the most of it and turn it into points. You’re not going to get that many turnovers in every game.”
Sophomore Trevor Wochnick scooped up a fumble in front of the end zone and scored a touchdown. Seniors Nate Beasley and Jorden Payne snagged touchdown passes from Hennessey.
The Papermakers hope to capitalize on their opportunities against Union Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
“It’s going to be a neat night for high school sports having two quality programs battling it out. And we get to host it,” said coach Eagle. “I’m excited about the opportunity our kids have to be a part of this atmosphere. That’s what makes it really neat.”
This is the first time the two Camas schools will face each other at Doc Harris Stadium since it was renovated after the 2009 season. The Papermakers lost that game by four points. On that night, DiGenova and Eagle were just eighth-graders watching from the sidelines. They have been dreaming of this opportunity for four years.
“We have been waiting since freshman year to see Union on the schedule at our home field,” DiGenova said. “This is a big game, not only for our team, but also for the community. And for the little kids. I remember when I was one of them who came to the Camas-Union game. We are not only playing for each other, but also for everyone out there.”
Zach Eagle is going to miss these nights under the lights at Doc Harris Stadium. He doesn’t want to leave with any regrets.
“We only have so much time left at that place,” he said. “Just take advantage of every game and every play we have there.”
