Braves break scoring barrier, defeat Tarriers for first grid win

The La Conner Braves had a point to make Friday night.

Actually, they made 30 of them.

Held scoreless all of 2021 and the first month of this season, the Braves broke the scoring barrier and got into the win column by defeating 1A Charles Wright Academy in non-league grid action in Tacoma.

"It felt great to get the win," second-year head coach Charlie Edwards said afterward. "The teamwork was amazing. It was truly a total team effort."

Quarterback Ivory Damien paced the victors with two rushing touchdowns, a TD pass to C.J. Edwards and a pair of two-point conversions while also recording a pass interception on defense.

"He was electric," Edwards said of the junior signal caller.

Tommy Murdock was also plugged in. He reeled off several long-gainers, one of which resulted in a touchdown and like Damien was a force defensively.

Marlon Edwards recovered a fumble and Randy Ikebe picked off a Tarrier pass for a Braves stop unit that enjoyed its best outing of the campaign.

"We played through a few tough losses and came together in practice and worked hard to overcome a few blocking and tackling issues," said coach Edwards, whose club brings a 1-3 mark into this Friday's home pairing with NW2B rival Friday Harbor.

Edwards said the team was able to impose its will up front all night.

"Jaydin Clark, Marlon Edwards, Chas James, Oscar Soto and Steven Willcutt all did great on the offensive and defensive lines," he said. "And Isaac Kitchen played a great all-around game with some key blocks, a two-point conversion reception and a recovered fumble on a kickoff."

Isaiah Miller likewise received praise for his pass coverage and work in the trenches.

Austin McClure and Matt Stone got some good reps in at wide receiver, noted Edwards, who utilized his entire roster.

In post-game comments, he gave credit for the breakthrough win and end to the long scoring drought to his players and assistant coaches Ari Landworth, Ricky Richards, Mason Murdock and Hal Ikebe.

"They've really been dedicated and committed to seeing all our players improve," Edwards said, "while creating a team and family atmosphere."

Kickoff Oct. 14 with Friday Harbor at Whittaker Field is 7 p.m. The Wolverines blanked La Conner 52-0 in Friday Harbor on Sept. 16.

Edwards said the lopsided triumph at Charles Wright can be a springboard to a strong second half of the season.

"It was a huge win for our program," he said, "but we're not done yet."