ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ
PENDLETON — While Pendleton had a hard time finding the end zone, Estacada reached the promised land several times on Friday, Sept. 26, in a 40-16 nonleague win over the Bucks.
“They were more physical tonight,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said of the Rangers. “We have to decide how we want to attack the rest of the season. It’s gut check time. I’m going to lean heavy on our senior leaders to continue to rally the team as we head into league play.”
Vance Nelson ran for 75 yards and one touchdown for the Bucks, whose second score came off a Cole Roy fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Cole Sazue completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards, with Aaden Hernandez on the receiving end of three passes for 46 yards.
The Bucks’ run game struggled with senior Tugg McQuinn getting bottled up inside and finishing with negative 10 yards.
Defensively, Nelson finished with a team-high 10 tackles.
The Bucks (0-5), who have been outscored 225-69 during a tough preseason schedule, will open Greater Oregon League play Oct. 3, hosting Baker.
“We still have control of our own destiny, which most 0-5 teams can’t say,” Davis said. “So we will see what character our team is made of and see if we can’t make a late-season push. I know one thing is that we will not throw in the towel. We will continue to prepare for a playoff run.”
