The Cadets started the season resoundingly with a 46-0 win over Stadium High School and then finished on a high note, coming from behind to beat rival Davis on Nov. 8.
A difficult non-league schedule and a pair of tough conference games against Sunnyside and Wenatchee put Ike at 1-4, but the Cadets managed to finish at 4-6 overall, with three of their wins coming over the season’s final five weeks.
“We struggled on defense throughout the season, but we were able to score and put offensive pressure on every team we played,” head coach Gary Jimenez said. “Our kids were very exciting on offense as we implemented the ‘run and shoot’ system for the first time.”
Senior wide receiver Malachi Spurrier stood out in a big way, hauling in 1,383 yards on 76 catches, to go with 18 receiving touchdowns. He was named the CBBN’s offensive MVP and was a first-team all-league choice, leading the state in receiving. He also earned all-conference second team honors on defense.
Quarterback Jaiden Corbray had an equally impressive campaign, racking up 1,936 yards with 19 touchdowns through the air, as well as 372 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. He also completed 51 percent of his passes, earning all-league honorable mention.
Senior linebacker Timothy Harrison held the defense together, posting 89 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown on his way to all-conference first team honors. He also earned all-conference second team honors as a running back.
“We had a really good season overall and I enjoyed this team a lot,” Jimenez said, adding that his senior class finished their careers with four straight wins over Davis. “Every day was fun!”
Senior tight end Paco Sanchez and junior linemen Sagen Rodriguez and Jacob Urquhart received all-conference honorable mention.
Jimenez said his O-line was young this year, but he’s expecting big things next season.
“Our line was young, but their experience this season should make them a strength we can count on next season,” he said.
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Yakima’s three Class 4A football teams didn’t make the cut for the 2019 state playoffs, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some highlights along the way.
West Valley ended up taking home the coveted “city championship” by defeating cross-town rivals Eisenhower and Davis, finishing the season at 3-3 in league and 4-5 overall.
Eisenhower beat Davis and Moses Lake to finish 2-4 in league (4-6 overall), while the Pirates earned their lone conference win over Moses Lake, finishing 1-5 in the CBBN (3-7 overall).
Yakima Valley Sports Network 