Seton Catholic dominates in 56-7 win over Columbia River

For a high school football program coming off a historic Class 1A state semifinal run in 2023, the Seton Catholic Cougars certainly know how to put on an encore. 

A 56-7 season-opening win over 2A Columbia River on Friday night showed why those within the program has even higher expectations for the 2024 season. 

While Seton is proud of its accomplishments a year ago, players are taking a business-like approach to what they hope is another step forward this fall. 

“Every week,” senior receiver and cornerback Owen Pitzer said, “we want to win every game.”

Friday at John O’Rourke Field, quarterback Kolten Gesser threw for 212 yards and three first-half touchdowns and the defense registered four interceptions as part of six total defensive or special teams plays that went in the Cougars’ favor. 

The energy on defense — and playing as a collective unit — had senior linebacker and tackle Garrett Nebles impressed about the defensive effort. 

“Not one play was made by one person,” he said. “It was a team effort. All the plays, all the tackles. … We were focused on doing our jobs, picking each other up and getting things done.”

Last fall, Seton Catholic averaged 39.6 points per game on its way to a number of program firsts, including its first state playoff berth and two state wins as part of an 11-win season. 

Friday, the Cougars did it with defense against a 2A Greater St. Helens League opponent. 

Seton (1-0) recorded interceptions by Joe Callerame (two) and one each by Pitzer and Nebles and the defense and special teams had first-half blocks on a River punt and a 29-yard field goal attempt to end the first half leading 35-7. 

Seton’s defense continued to dominate. It shut out River the final 27 minutes of the game after River’s quick-strike 51-yard touchdown by Ha’aheo Delarose from quarterback Cole Pearson inside 3 minutes left in the first half. The final two interceptions resulted in quick third-quarter touchdowns by Seton — Callerame’s 20-yard interception return, and Roman Tabile’s 6-yard run four plays after an interception by Pitzer. The latter score pushed the game into a running clock at 49-7 with 7 minutes, 22 seconds left in the third quarter. 

The large lead enabled the Cougars to play a host of ninth graders and other newcomers in their first high school action ahead of Monday’s scheduled junior-varsity tilt. 

Seton scored touchdowns on all but one of its offensive possessions in the first half — two by Jacob Williams (runs of 4 and 24 yards) and Ryker Ruelas (catches of 72 and 49 yards) and Callerame combined for three from Gesser. Two scoring drives came on short field thanks to Nebles’ interception and a blocked punt by Seton returned to the River 8-yard line. 

The biggest takeaway from Friday for Seton? Continuing to learn and grow each week, and keep moving forward, players said. 

Pitzer took a moment to think of his response. 

“Win,” he said, “and win every week.”

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SETON CATHOLIC 56, COLUMBIA RIVER 7

Seton: 14 21 14 7 – 56

River: 0 7 0 0 – 7

First quarter

SC – Jacob Williams 4 run (Dalton Woods kick)

SC – Williams 24 run (Woods kick)

Second quarter

SC – Ryker Ruelas 72 pass from Kolten Gesser (Woods kick)

SC – Ruelas 49 pass from Gesser (Woods kick)

CR – Ha’aheo Delarose 51 pass from Cole Pearson (kick good)

SC – Joe Callerame 8 pass from Gesser (Woods kick)

Third quarter

SC – Callerame 20 INT return (Woods kick)

SC – Roman Tabile 6 run (Woods kick)

Fourth quarter

SC – Cole Sullivan 3 run (Woods kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing: Seton Catholic — Williams 8-109, Tabile 2-28, Sullivan 2-9, Travyn Hansel 6-21; Columbia River — Gavin Barnes 1-(minus 3), Joey Ianello 12-36, Aedan Pena 2-2, Hunter Vynanck 5-32, Zachary Sims 2-8, Ezekiel Kamakea 2-5, Ethan Bumgarner 5-12, Aiden Deeney 2-7.

Passing: Seton Catholic — Gesser 11-18-0-212, Asher LaPointe 0-0-0-0, Max Meyer 0-0-0-0; Columbia River — Pearson 10-18-4-148, Bumgarner 0-1-0-0.

Receiving: Seton Catholic — Williams 1-15, Dylan Hamilton 1-14, Xavier Crank 3-14, Callerame 3-42, Ruelas 3-127; Columbia River — Barnes 1-6, Vynanek 1-4, Preston Shearer 1-11, Greg Blau 4-28, Ianello 2-19, Kamakea 1-24, Delarose 1-51.