Rogers runs for 3 TDs, throws for two more in Spartans’ win

By Michael Carman

and Pierre LaBossiere

Olympic Peninsula News Group

Forks scored seven first-half touchdowns, triggering the 40-point mercy rule before halftime in a 49-6 rout of Ilwaco at home Friday.

“Our guys were amped up from the week before [a tough loss at Morton/White Pass.

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“Our guys were excited about playing their game and they were revved up for our first home game.”

Nate Dahlgren opened the scoring with a 72-yard touchdown run on Forks’ first offensive play from scrimmage. He also added a 1-yard TD plunge later in the game.

Quarterback Gunner Rogers was head coach Trevor Highfield’s Spartan of the Week after running for touchdowns of 10, 44 and 14 yards, while also tossing a 68-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Rancourt and a 42-yarder to Walker Wheeler.

Wheeler also kicked 5 of 6 on point-after touchdown attempts.

“We were working on our passing game throughout the week and we had some success with it,” Highfield said.

“Everybody got into play at the start of the secoind half, so this one was a really good team victory,” Highfield said.

The No. 6 ranked Raymond-South Bend Ravens (1-0, 4-0) visit Forks (1-1, 2-1) on Friday at 7 p.m.

Spartan Nate Dahlgren checks on the last Ilwaco defender en route to a touchdown early in the first quarter against the Fisherman. Photo by Lonnie Archibald

Forks Landin Davis (5 ) defends against this Ilwaco pass to Robert Sanders. Looking on is Spartan Kaleb Blanton (71). Photo by Lonnie Archibald

The Spartan defense was outstanding as was the defense pictured here on this gang tackle as Forks took a 49 to 0 halftime lead. Photo by Lonnie Archibald

Spartan Ryan Rancourt (13) pulled in this Gunner Rogers pass for a TD which was called back due to a Spartan penalty. This was one of two Forks penalties that took touchdowns off the scoreboard. Forks went on to defeat Ilwaco 49 to 6, however. photo by Lonnie Archibald