Southridge opens title defense with win over West Linn

By Matthew Sherman

The West Linn Tidings, Sep 4, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

The Southridge Skyhawks were the more polished team in an early season match-up, knocking off West Linn 35-26 to begin their defense of last year's state title.

Southridge capitalized on a handful of mistakes by the Lions and used a heavy dose of Dylan Simkins to control the clock and fend off West Linn's comeback attempts.

It was the Lions who struck first, however, as Keaton Hedman took the opening kick-off of the game back for a touchdown.

Southridge responded by going on a 15-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard run from Kyle Grimes.

An interception set up Southridge's next score as Kyle Maginnis hit Taylor Goodling for a 22-yard touchdown pass.

The Skyhawks stopped the Lions again and a fumbled snap gave them the ball at the 14-yard line. Simkins needed just two plays to find the end zone with one minute to play in the half.

But West Linn rallied. After a good return and a pass interference penalty, Cole Houston found Michael Fay on back to back plays, the second of which went for a 15-yard touchdown to make it 21-14 at the half.

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