Cardinals unleash offense

The finishes keep getting better for Medical Lake football. If only the starts could match?

But that is maybe just part of the process and task head coach Nick Puzyski is embracing in his first season on the job for the Cardinals?

As has been the case all season, the Cardinals dug themselves into a 36-0 halftime hole Oct. 21 at home vs. the Quincy Jackrabbits but unlike many other games the Cardinals offense got untracked, ultimately falling 43-30. The non-league game against the Caribou Trail League foe served as the backdrop for MedicalLake’s Homecoming celebration.

“This was a great step for us as an offense,” Puzycki wrote in an email. “The players trusted the system and were able to follow their rules when blocking.”

Dalton Witherritte opened scoring Medical Lake with his 3-yard run in the third quarter. It was part of a 13 carry, 68-yard night for him, who was aided by solid play ahead of him. “The offensive line had a great second half.” 

As a team, Medical Lake (0-5 Northeast A, 0-8 overall) made its mark with the rushing game where the Cardinals had 40 carries for 388 yards. Taylor Oliver had a 9-yard TD, Cris Garza rambled 85 yards for another, and Cylas Puzycki concluded a big fourth quarter with his 12-yard run for a score. Garza had six carries for 99 yards to lead the Cardinals.

“There is nothing better than running the ball,” Puzycki, a former offensive lineman, said. “Quincy (375 yards on the ground) was efficient with their running in the first half as we were efficient in the second half,” Puzycki added.

Dakotah Phillips had both of ML’s completions (2) as well as all his team’s 42 passing yards. The Jackrabbit’s Jackson Yeates ran 18 times for 214 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cardinals close out their season hosting Freeman (4-1, 6-2) on Oct. 28 at Holliday Field at 7 p.m. “Freeman is a good team,” Puzycki said. “We will need to play our best and control the clock.”