HERLONG – The Dunsmuir Tigers finished up their preseason schedule a perfect 5-0, with a 54-18 thumping of the Herlong Vikings.

With winds howling up to 45 mph, the Tigers scored four times in the first seven minutes of the game. Each of the first three scores came on the third play of Dunsmuir’s possessions.

Nate Gonzales put the Tigers on the board with an 18-yard run. Next, Lt Hisey hit Gonzales with a 30-yard TD pass. Hisey followed up with a 21-yard strike to Zach Bartoo. Justin Declusin finished off the first quarter scoring with a 46-yard run to the end zone.

Dunsmuir added another TD in the first minute of the second quarter, after recovering an onside kick. Hisey found Jordan Van Wilgen for a 60-yard TD pass on the second play of the possession.

According to Dunsmuir Coach Steve Van Ert, the offensive outburst was set up by strong defensive play by the Tigers, including sacks by Michael Day, Tiger Mekeel, Justin Shuler, Zack Shirley, and Crash Sordahl. Zach Bartoo and Sordahl each recovered a fumble, and Hisey picked off a pass.

“The Tigers were able to hold the Vikings to 18 points while utilizing all members of the team for three quarters,” said Van Ert. “We head to our first league game next Friday where we will square off with 4-0 Hayfork. This should be quite a game!”

For the game, Lt Hisey went 4/6 for 119 yards passing, with three touchdowns. Nate Gonzales rushed for 67 yards and two TDs on five carries, as well as having one reception for 30 yards and a TD. Justin Declusin ran four times for 54 yards and a TD. Zach Bartoo scored a rushing TD and gained 40 yards on three carries. Jordan Van Wilgen scored two TDs, on a 30-yard run and a 60-yard reception. Crash Sordahl carried the pigskin six times for 57 yards.

Defensively, Bartoo had seven tackles. Declusin and Tiger Mekeel each had six take downs, and Sordahl had five.