Camas rallied back from a two-touchdown deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but a late interception proved costly in a 22-15 loss to Central Valley of Spokane Friday in the Class 4A state first-round.
Central Valley jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter largely on the running of Hunter Chodorowski, who finished with 156 yards on the guard.
But Camas began to rally in the second quarter, starting with a safety when Central Valley quarterback Grant Hannan was sacked in the end zone.
Drake Owen caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Allen to send Camas into halftime down 14-9.
It stayed that way until Zach Terry scored a 1-yard touchdown run to open the fourth quarter, putting Camas up 15-14.
Central Valley drove downfield before attempting a 35-yard field goal that was wide left with about five minutes to play.
The Papermakers were trying to drive downfield and eat some clock when Central Valley came up with an interception at the Papermaker 25.
Hannan’s 1-yard touchdown run with 3:40 left put Central Valley up 22-15.
Camas had two possessions down the stretch, the first ending on a loss of downs, the second on another Central Valley interception.
While Camas had its chances late, coach Jon Eagle said, “we weren’t able to execute and get the ball down the field.”
Question marks at the start of the season with so many fresh faces gave way to an eight-game winning streak that included victories over Oregon 6A opponents Central Catholic and Sherwood, plus Idaho 5A Coeur d’Alene in a come-from-behind memorable victory at Doc Harris Stadium.
It also included a No. 1 ranking for most of the season in the Class 4A Associated Press rankings.
But the growth of the players, and the team as a whole is what Eagle also is proud of.
“Where they were in June and where they are now as young men,” Eagle said. “I’m proud to be their coach.”
