ERIN WOLL, JAMES LOGAN
Prep2Prep Student Contributor

November 4, 2013

FREMONT, CA - The Washington Huskies defeated Newark Memorial 30-20 Saturday night at Tak Fudenna Stadium, led by a strong performance by quarterback Tylon Vinson.

The victory clinched for Washington at least a share of the Mission Valley Athletic League title.

Vinson led his team with an impressive first half, throwing for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Vinson’s first touchdown was a 55-yard pass and gave the Huskies a 16-6 lead. Vinson threw for another touchdown in the second quarter, this time for 50 yards, with just seven seconds left on the clock to give the Huskies a 23-13 advantage at halftime.

“Our guys played well today, Washington is just a tough team and gave us a great game. After the touchdown by Washington in the second we just couldn’t get back the lead,” Newark Memorial assistant coach Mathias Vavao said.

Also impressive from the Huskies was standout running back Nathan Woudstra. After a fumble by Newark in the first quarter, Woudstra ran three consecutive times for a total of 30 yards, capping it off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, Washington’s first touchdown of the night. Woudstra scored another 1-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the Huskies a 30-20 lead that sealed the victory.

“Tonight we just played great as a team. I wouldn’t have gotten any where without my line protecting and pushing me forward,” Woudstra said.

Running back Franco Napal led Newark with rushing touchdowns of five and 10 yards, giving Newark 13 points in the first half. Still down 23-13 late in the third quarter, the Cougars were able to come within three when Kenneth Beck caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Reggie Miccoli to make it 23-20.

Newark (3-2), last year’s MVAL champions, fought a tough battle in hopes of a chance at a repeat, but it all came to a close after the loss to Washington. Washington, now 5-0 in league, will go on to play the Irvington Vikings (4-1) for a chance at an outright title on Friday.

“Next week against Irvington is going to be one to watch," said Washington assistant coach Eric Wittmer, "It’s been a while that either Irvington or us won league, since Newark took it last year and before that Logan was in our league so they usually won. It will be nice to have a new team get title this year.”