Non-league football: Salem Academy 54, King’s Way Christian 14

Whether is was third and long or fourth and short, blitz in his face or just a scramble to avoid a coverage sack, Salem Academy quarterback Andrew Baker seemed to have an answer for whatever the King’s Way defense threw at him.

Baker connected on a 59-yard bomb for a score on game’s opening drive, and accounted for five of his team’s eight touchdowns as Salem Academy tuned up for the Oregon State playoffs by routing the Knights on their own turf in a non-league affair.

Turnovers were a key factor in contributing to Salem’s big early lead.

The Knights committed five turnovers in the first half alone, three of them on fumbles.

Playing in his final game, Anthony Huser led the way for the Knights, recovering his own blocked punt for a score while adding a sack and a tackle for loss.

King’s Way head coach Luke Gillock confirmed that his group, having completed its second year at 11-man football, experienced a successful season overall and likes where the program is headed.

“Best team unity I’ve ever seen,” he said.

SALEM ACADEMY 54, KING’S WAY 14

Salem Acad. 20 21 6 7–54

King’s Way 7 7 0 0–14

First quarter

S — Kaleb Carmony 59 pass from Andrew Baker (Skyler Williams kick)

KW — Dustin Johnson 4 run (Anthony Huser kick)

S — Zach Raab 10 pass from Baker (kick failed)

S — Braden Palanuk 1 run (Williams kick)

Second Quarter

S — Ryan Smith 19 pass from Baker (Williams kick)

KW — Huser recovered blocked punt in end zone (Huser kick)

S — Williams 42 run (Williams kick)

S — Baker 4 run (Williams kick)

Third Quarter

S — Baker 1 run (kick failed)

Fourth Quarter

S — Kyle Haslebacher 35 run (Williams kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING–King’s Way, Johnson 21-94, Preston Danberg 7-60, Liam Nabors 8-25, Sam Brouwer 2-11, Luke Hoffman 5-8.

PASSING–King’s Way, Nabors 8-24-0-111.

RECEIVING–King’s Way, Danberg 2-42, Matt Garrison 2-23, Judah Smith 2-19, Johnson 1-14, Luke Hoffman 1-13.