By Pierre LaBossiere

Olympic Peninsula News Group

The Forks Spartans got off to a great start against Morton-White Pass, but couldn’t sustain their early success in a 24-13 loss on the road Saturday.

“We give them kudos. They played tough, physical football,” said coach Trevor Highfield. “They outrushed us in that game.”

The Spartans got up 13-0 early, but the Timberwolves responded with two touchdowns at the end of the first half to take a 16-13 lead into the break.

Gunner Rogers had a 65-yard kickoff return on the opening kickoff but the Spartans couldn’t punch it in. Forks did get touchdowns from Walker Wheeler and Rogers.

Nate Dahlgren finished with 102 yards rushing on 23 carries while Sloan Tumaua had four catches for 51 yards. Highfield said Tumaua also had a great game on defense.

Highfield said the Forks’ defense did come up with two goal-line stands. The Spartans got a bad break when they forced a fumble in the red zone but Morton-White Pass recovered and went on to score.

He said one issue the team needs to address is pre-snap operations and the exchange of center to quarterback. He said a fumbled punt return also led to a Timberwolves touchdown.

“We just have to learn and get better. The saying is, ‘You never lose. You either win or you learn.’ We’re going to focus on the little things,” Highfield said.

Forks (1-2) has a home game next week, hosting Ilwaco (0-3).