Chieftains to play host to Lumberjacks in Class 2A Greater St. Helens League matchup this week

Columbia River Chieftains (0-3, 0-1 2A GSHL)

Week 1: Evergreen 26, Columbia River 13

Week 2: Tumwater 55, Columbia River 6

Week 3: Washougal 17, Columbia River 0

Next: R.A. Long at Columbia River, 7 p.m. Friday

Columbia River’s defense came to play. Future opponents probably realize that once the River offense gets going, that will be a strong combo.

Only 17 points against:

The Columbia River coaches have to be impressed with the defensive effort in Friday’s loss to Washougal. No fun to lose, but the score could have been a lot worse had it not been for River’s defense.

The tone was set early, too.

Logan Wilson met the Washougal running back the Panthers’ first offensive play of the night, stuck him for a gain of a yard.

Next play, on a little wide receiver screen, every Chieftain saw it coming. And when I say every one, I mean it. By the end of the play, there are 11 Chieftains surrounding the receiver. That was a great rally to the ball.

Later, Washougal got a turnover and set up inside the River 5-yard line. The River defense forced a field goal attempt. The special teamers were called for roughing the kicker, and the Washougal offense again had a first-and-goal situation. And again, the River defense forced a field goal.

Back-to-back first-and-goal set-ups, and the River defense did not allow a touchdown.

Coach Speak:

What did Christian Swain learn about his team in Week 3? “Our offense is behind our defense right now. Just haven’t been able to get it to click on offense. We never really got anything going. Never found any rhythm. We ran six plays in the third quarter. We just gotta continue to trust the process. We have talented kids. It’s going to click at some point. Good news is it’s not a lack of talent. We’ve been misfiring a lot. We’re an eyelash away. A lot of close, missed opportunities.”

MVPs on defense: Austin Carter and Koben Jamison. “Both really, really good Friday night,’’ Swain said. “They were all over the field.”
Thoughts on Week 4 vs. R.A. Long: “They’re a good football team,’’ Swain said. “Got a quarterback who runs all over the place and extends plays. They’re 2-1 and have confidence. We’re at a point we have to get the bad juju off our back this week. Hoping to get some momentum going. We’ve got to improve. I really believe this team can compete with anybody in our league.”