The Napavine High School football team ended its longest losing streak under Head Coach Josh Fay with a decisive 49-16 victory against Raymond-South Bend (RSB) on October 6, 2023. The Tigers showcased a powerful performance, particularly in the second quarter, where they scored 28 points after a scoreless first quarter.
Senior tailback Caleb Von Pressentin was a standout player, rushing for an impressive 240 yards and scoring five touchdowns on just 11 carries, averaging an extraordinary 21.8 yards per carry. His performance was crucial in turning the tide for Napavine, who faced the pressure of four consecutive losses prior to this game.
The scoring began in the second quarter with Von Pressentin’s 48-yard run, followed by another touchdown from him just ten yards out. RSB managed to respond with a field goal from Javier Silva Diaz, but Napavine quickly regained momentum. Masen Jeg electrified the crowd with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, further extending the Tigers’ lead.
In the third quarter, Napavine continued to dominate, with Jeg adding another touchdown via a 10-yard run and Von Pressentin scoring again on a 10-yard run. The Tigers’ final touchdown came in the fourth quarter with a spectacular 64-yard run from Von Pressentin, sealing the victory. RSB managed to score a late touchdown through Manny Becerra-Souza, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Fay expressed relief and optimism following the game, stating, “I don’t think we could afford to lose too many more and think we could salvage the season. It’s a good win. I think that it’s probably pretty pivotal in our season, and hopefully we can build on that for the next three weeks.”
The win came after what Fay described as the best week of practice for the team, emphasizing an increase in intensity and physicality. He noted the improvement in the offensive line, which contributed significantly to their ground game success. “Caleb ran hard, and I thought he did a good job of getting back to the line of scrimmage and getting in the hole,” Fay added.
Despite being without starting quarterback Grady Wilson, who is still recovering from injury, Napavine relied heavily on their rushing attack and did not attempt a single pass during the game. The Tigers recorded a total of 388 rushing yards, showcasing a dominant ground game.
Looking ahead, Napavine (2-4, 1-1 Central 2B League) faces a challenging schedule, with two of their final three regular-season games on the road, starting with a matchup against Ilwaco next Friday. The Tigers are eager to build on this pivotal victory as they aim to turn their season around.
