Okanogan eliminates Freeman

WENATCHEE - The Freeman Scotties football team was eliminated in the state quarterfinals by top-ranked juggernaut Okanogan, 36-26, on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Playing in Class 2B this year, Freeman was ranked No. 5.

The only other Spokane County team to reach the quarterfinals, Gonzaga Prep, met a similar fate.

Ranked No. 5 as well, Gonzaga Prep lost, 28-20, to top-ranked Camas in the Class 4A division.

In Freeman's game against the Bulldogs, Okanogan capitalized on a dominant rushing attack and key defensive plays to punch their ticket to Husky Stadium in Seattle for next weekend's title game.

Freeman struck first with 4:08 left in the opening quarter, scoring on a touchdown and adding the extra point to take a 7-0 lead. Okanogan responded in the second quarter when Steele Rico found the end zone with 3:32 remaining before halftime.

The Bulldogs completed a 2-point conversion, giving them a narrow 16-14 lead heading into the break.

In the third quarter, Rico scored again with 2:45 on the clock, and Carter Kuchenbuch followed with a successful two-point run, extending the lead to 24-14.

Moments later, Kuchenbuch broke free around the right side for a touchdown, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 30-14.

Freeman narrowed the gap early in the fourth quarter, scoring at 7:45 to make it 30-20. Okanogan responded with a final touchdown by Kuchenbuch with 5:19 remaining, and the Bulldogs added the two-point conversion to increase their lead to 36-20.

Freeman added a late score at 4:05, but it wasn't enough to overcome Okanogan's advantage.

The game included a moment of tension when, with about 5 minutes remaining, coaches and captains from both teams were called to midfield. Officials appeared to address potential unsportsmanlike conduct following an exchange of words.

The Bulldogs improved to 13-0 with the win and will face Napavine in the state title game.