Camas opens title defense with 35-13 win over Oregon 6A Central Catholic

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The torch is passed.

Kyle Allen waited two years to be in this position, in the spotlight for his varsity debut at quarterback for the Camas Papermakers.

Nervous? Nah. More like excited.

And what a debut it was against Central Catholic, Oregon’s reigning Oregon 6A state runners-up. The senior didn’t disappoint, completing 18 of 25 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns to lead Washington’s defending 4A state champions to a 35-13 win over the Rams.

Friday’s matchup at Hillsboro Stadium was of teams that played for state titles in 2016. Camas capped its undefeated season last fall by topping Richland in the Class 4A state title game to win the program’s first championship.

Both teams lost multiple players who were keys to success last season. For Camas, the biggest loss was quarterback Jack Colletto, the 2016 4A state player of the year and Washington Gatorade Player of the Year.

But Allen was ready.

“I knew there was a lot of pressure,” he said, “but I felt confident in the preparation we did, so I could perform to the ability that could.”

Last fall, Central Catholic played for its third state title in four years, but it was the Papermakers who looked every bit as another state championship-caliber squad Friday.

First, Central Catholic gave away points early. The Rams (0-1) botched two snaps on punts that led to a pair of safeties and free points for Camas.

Early first quarter: Camas 4, Central Catholic 0.

By halftime, it looked more like a football score: 14-7 Camas after Andrew Boyle’s 22-yard field goal and Allen connecting to Drake Owen for the first of two his two touchdown receptions on his big night.

At Camas, the next-man-up mentality is expected. Some question marks from head coach Jon Eagle were answered by Friday’s victory, such as Allen at quarterback and the offensive line, which featured four first-time starters.

They impressed him, as did the defense, which held Central Catholic to 168 total yards.

“I knew our defense was going to athletic and fast,” Eagle said, “and I thought they did that.

“We made them earn it.”

And back to the offense with Allen and Owen, a fellow senior, who connected 11 times. Owen finished with a game-high 11 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. With Camas’ halftime lead at 14-7, his 57-yard touchdown reception opened back-to-back second-half scoring drives by Camas to cement its lead; Ja’Michael Shelton’s first-career score on the ensuing drive made it a 28-7 lead.

What Owen saw from Allen Friday night was confidence, he said.

“That was big,” Owen said.

What Allen saw from Owen was a lot of open space.

“He makes me look way better,” Allen said.

Will Schultz led Camas’ run game with 83 yards on 23 carries and a fourth-quarter score.

CAMAS 35, CENTRAL CATHOLIC 13

Camas 4 10 14 7 – 35

Cen Cath 0 7 0 6 – 13

First quarter

Camas — Safety

Camas — Safety

Second quarter

Camas — Andrew Boyle 22 FG

Camas — Drake Owen 11 pass from Kyle Allen (Boyle kick)

CC — Miles Jackson 23 run (kick good)

Third quarter

Camas — Owen 57 pass from Allen (Boyle kick)

Camas — Ja’Michael Shelton 17 pass from Allen (Boyle kick)

Fourth quarter

CC — Silas Starr 5 pass from Cade Knighton (kick blocked)

Camas — Will Schultz 14 run (Boyle kick)

Individual statistics

RUSHING — Camas: Will Schultz 23-83; Ryan Rushall 1-6; Kyle Allen 2-6; Randy Yaacaub 5-1; CC: Miles Jackson: 8-64; Tyson Parker 1-5; Greyson June 1-6; Cade Knighton 3-5; Clyde Bell 1-2; Vincenzo 1-(minus-11).

PASSING — Camas: Kyle Allen 18-25-0-247; Ben Petrie 0-1-0-0; Ryan Rushall 0-1-0-0;

CC: Cade Knighton 13-21-0-97; Tyson Parker 0-1-0-0; Vincenzo Logan 0-2-0-0; Owen Johnston 0-1-0-0;

RECEIVING — Camas: Drake Owen 11-188; Ryan Rushall 4-40; Trevor Bentley 1-10; Luc Strubelle 2-19; CC: Silas Starr 4-50; Kalvin Souders 2-34; Vincenzo Logan 2-6; Owen Johnston 1-2; Korbin Williams 1-3; Miles Jackson 1-3.