"Turnovers hurt Pioneers in loss" -- Sep. 24, 2005

CALEB BREAKEY FOR THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

NOOKSACK - Nooksack Valley struggled to finish drives Friday night, and it cost the Pioneers in a 31-15 non-league loss to Vancouver College.

"We haven't been turning the ball over this year," Nooksack coach Robb Myhre said. "But this time we turned it over three times at the 20-yard line - that killed us."

Junior running back Nathan Gelwicks paced Nooksack (1-3) with 116 total yards, but the Fighting Irish duo of 5-foot-5 senior running backs Oscar Tapia and Joemar Espinosa, was too much to handle for the Nooksack defense.

Tapia totaled 168 yards in the game and Espinosa, who ran the ball most of the second half, finished with 64 for Vanouver College (3-1).

Myhre said the Irish running backs' quickness and ability to change directions was hard to counter.

"Both of those guys have the same style," he said. "They got lost back there, and away they went."

Nooksack quarterback Chris Mitchell passed for 47 yards, and Chris O'Day, who finished the game behind center, ran for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Pioneer running back Joe Budge rushed for 53 yards and scored Nooksack's only points in the first half with a 5-yard touchdown run.

Nooksack Valley plays host to Meridian next Friday.

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Well, here it is -- my first reporting assignment. The topic isn't thrilling, but I was excited just to be called by the Harald...instead of me calling them. And I'll be honest about the experience -- it was a lot of pressure! But at the same time, it was a lot of fun. Just like everything, it gets easier as you find a groove. The only thing I’m disappointed about is, well, you’ve probably noticed…….the byline! =) The new editor didn’t know that I go by C. Jennings, but that’s fine -- to God be the glory for every written word! =)