WASHOUGAL — Thor Stepina made his introduction to the Prairie football team like clap of thunder.
The new arrival from Illinois rushed for 180 yards and four touchdowns as the Falcons rolled to a 44-6 non-league against Washougal on Friday night.
“It feels great to be back and be viewed as the underdog and come out with the win, knowing we have a lot of guys who can move the ball like this,” Stepina said.
Prairie was coming off a 0-6 campaign in the COVID season earlier this year.
Alex Ford added 66 yards rushing and two touchdowns as the Falcons gained 296 yards rushing.
And the Prairie defense was equally as impressive, holding Washougal to 72 yards of offense.
The Falcons recorded eight tackles for loss, had three fumble recoveries and intercepted three passes.
“The scout team players are getting us better every day and us working together as a team really showed tonight,” Prairie defensive back Nathan Phingphouvagh said.
PRAIRIE 44, WASHOUGAL 6
Prairie 8 16 20 0—44
Washougal 0 0 0 6— 6
First Quarter
P — Alex Ford 10 run (2 pt. Conversion good)
Second Quarter
P — Thor Stepina 11 run (2 pt. conversion good)
P — Stepina 15 run (2 pt. conversion good)
Third Quarter
P — Stepina 9 run (2 pt. Conversion failed)
P — Stepina 55 run (2 pt. Conversion failed)
P — Ford 12 run (2 pt. Conversion good)
Fourth Quarter
W — Holden Bea 10 run (kick failed)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Prairie: Thor Stepina 24-180, Alex Ford 11-66, Pierson Lamah 5-25, Nathan Phingphouvagh 1-20, Braeden Slamp 2-5. Washougal: Holden Bea 13-(-4), Liam Atkin 5-12, Garrett Mansfield 1-1
PASSING — Prairie: Braeden Slamp 6-8-1-52. Washougal: Holden Bea 10-15-3-63.
RECEIVING — Prairie: Thor Stepina 3-29, Nathan Phingphouvagh 2-19, Nick Davis 1-10. Washougal: Thomas Brown 3-35, Blake Mattern 2-7, Jayson Graham 2-11, Jakob Bollenbaugh 1-10.
