McNary High School’s football players were ecstatic as they rolled into Keizer at midnight on Friday, Sept. 12.
Just hours earlier, the Celts had secured their first win in three years. Coach Josh Riddell said the players pulsed with energy from the moment they left Gresham to the moment the bus stopped at McNary.
“It was great for me,” Riddell said, “but, to be honest, it’s not about me. It’s about the kids’ smiles, their faces, the appreciation that they had for their coaches.”
McNary’s 19-15 win over Gresham’s Centennial High School wasn’t easy.
The Eagles kept a tight grip on the lead heading into the second half, and the Celtics had to rally. Fans cheered McNary back onto the field after half time. Players said that their supporters rivaled Centennial’s home crowd’s energy, and Riddell credits the crowd for inspiring the team’s comeback.
Riddell also said defensive adjustments and important plays by quarterback Aris Vasseur secured the win.
With six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Vasseur rolled out of the pocket to avoid a blitz. He connected with receiver Jordan Hunter for the game-clinching touchdown.
“He provided that spark,” Riddell said about Vasseur. “He’s putting in a lot of effort, so to see him step up in those big plays…it was awesome.”
As the clock hit zero, fans spilled onto the field. Families and classmates applauded. Players cheered. Some even cried.
“People are just reaching out to me left and right,” Riddell said. “It’s not about me, but I’m just saying, they care about McNary football.”
Riddell hopes to leverage McNary’s momentum on Friday, Sept. 19, against Forest Grove, which went 5-4 last season. The Celts, who travel for the game, must contend with the Vikings’ size and run-pass-option playbook. The Vikings are 1-1 this season, losing last week to Central 38-0.
“This is an opponent that’s significantly improved from Centennial,” Riddell said. “We want these matchups. We want to go compete with these teams. This is a game that is against a likewise opponent that we should be able to compete with. I like our chances,” Riddell said.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected]
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