In Epic Clash, Lumberjacks Outlast Titans 58-50

In all of the years of the Council/Tri-Valley rivalry, it would be hard to name a year that had a better game with more at stake than what happened last Friday in Council.

It was a game that was anticipated for a year, back when both teams had a dramatic finish in 40 mph winds (that game was won in the last minute by Council 50-46). Both teams likely had October 24, 2025 circled on the calendar…the rematch.

As it turns out, by game time, Council was ranked #1 in the state. Who was #2? You guessed it…Tri-Valley. Thus, this game would decide the District Champion, the top overall 1A seed in the playoffs, and more. Did we mention it was also senior night?

Council struck first on their second play of the game when Owen Hatfield slashed a QB Keeper for a 36-yard touchdown. Bryson Evans’ conversion on a great second effort gave Council the 8-0 lead.

Tri-Valley soon struck back, with a Gage George nine-yard rushing touchdown and Eli Noah conversion.

The Titans then recovered an onside kick, and Jace Waggoner’s nine-yard rush put Tri-Valley up 16-8.

Council scored quickly again, on another two-play drive when Hatfield hit Garrison Zielinski on a crossing route for a 54-yard TD. Hatfield ran in the conversion to tie it at 16. While watching these two great teams, one thing was readily apparent: Council had big-play explosive drives with incredible speed, often one or two-play touchdowns, while Tri-Valley used their size to ground and pound, often converting third and fourth downs. Despite the contrasting styles, each offense proved hard to stop.

Tri-Valley’s ensuing 14-play drive, culminating with Eli Noah’s 3-yard rushing TD, put the Titans up 22-16, but for the first time, the conversion failed.

Following the game’s blueprint, Owen Hatfield immediately took Council’s first play of the next possession 80 yards to the house. Bryson Evans’ catch on the conversion put Council up 24-22.

The Titans then answered seven plays later with a Gage George 6-yard score, but a failed conversion. Titans 28, Council 24.

On the last drive of the half, Owen Hatfield ran in another score from 16 yards, but it was called back on a hold, and a Tri-Valley kneel down ended the half with a Titan 28-24 lead.

The second half started with a Council fumble, but their defense held and they took possession. Council yet again showed their quick-strike capabilities, as Jim Tucker took it 87 yards on the Lumberjacks’ first play of the drive. Council 30, Tri-Valley 28.

The Titans then did their thing. A long, grueling 14-play drive capped with Eli Noah’s 1-yard run and Waggoner’s conversion put Tri-Valley back up 36-30.

Now, stop us if you’ve heard this before, but Council then answered with Owen Hatfield’s 64-yard rushing TD on their second play of the drive. After his conversion, it was Council 38-36.

In a temporary break from normal, the next two possessions featured Garrison Zielinski picking off a Jace Waggoner pass, but then Tri-Valley forcing a turnover on downs. The two heavyweights then traded more blows - first on Noah’s 30-yard TD run, followed by Jim Tucker’s 32-yarder. Council 46-44.

With Hatfield out temporarily, on the first play of the Lumberjacks’ next drive, Tucker’s QB keeper from 85 yards out pushed Council to a 52-44 lead. When Waggoner’s ensuing touchdown didn’t come with a successful conversion, it gave Council a two-point lead, 52-50.

The next drive provided what could be the play of the game, or at least the most critical. Facing a 4th and 21, and not wanting to give Tri-Valley a chance to take the lead, Hatfield returned to the game, nursing a hurt shoulder. He dropped back and unleashed a perfect throw to Bryson Evans, barely over Waggoner’s fingertips. It was exceptional coverage, but a perfect throw and a great catch. Then, bound for the end zone, Evans had the presence of mind to slide at the 7 rather than cash in the TD, allowing Council to retain possession and wear down the clock.

The next play was confusing to many. Tri-Valley appeared to play defense, but in reality, was trying to let Council score in hopes of getting the ball back before the clock ran out. It worked, as Tucker hesitated before finding the end zone. Council led 58-50.

With the large crowd in awe and nearly spent from all the tension and excitement, it came down to one final drive. On the last play of the game, Waggoner’s pass fell incomplete and Council had taken the victory.

With the win, Council won its fourth consecutive District Championship. It also preserved its #1 overall ranking headed into the playoffs. As such, the Lumberjacks have a bye in the first round. Tri-Valley, still the #2 overall seed in the bracket, will host Hansen in Cambridge this Saturday at 1:00 p.m..

Everyone watching the game agreed that not only was it an incredible game to watch with the back-and-forth action, but also featured two incredibly talented football teams. Hopefully, they will be able to meet again, this time for the state championship.