TUMWATER — A tough third quarter proved too much to overcome for the Concrete football team.
Willapa Valley broke open the first-round Class 2B state playoff game with the Lions in the second half Saturday, running away with a 43-20 victory.
The Lions finish the season at 6-5.
“I’m proud of the kids for all they’ve done to reach state playoffs,” Lions coach Ron Rood said.
The game was close throughout the first half, with Concrete answering each of Willapa Valley’s first two touchdown runs with scores. The Vikings scored just before the half, though, to take a 21-13 lead.
The Lions seemed ready to answer on the opening drive of the third quarter, but turned it over on downs at the 15. Michael Neumeyer broke off a 70-yard touchdown run shortly thereafter to make it a 15-point lead. The Lions turned the ball over and Willapa Valley scored to open up a 36-13 advantage.
“There was a big turnaround in the third quarter,” Rood said. “We felt there was a little letdown after we didn’t score on the good drive right after the half. We gave up the big plays.”
Kyler Howell finished with 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns, going over 1,000 yards for the second straight season despite missing four games with injury.
