Dec. 1, 2009 — The Westwood High School Lumberjacks varsity football team fell 8-46 to the Hayfork Timberjacks in the Northern Section Division 6 finals held on Wednesday, Nov. 25 in Hayfork, Calif.   

“Our kids played hard and hit hard,” said Westwood Coach Phil Bryant. “They just had too much team speed for us, and everyone else in the division.     

“They were simply better than us this year and deserved the win. I am extremely proud of our kids. After we graduated eight of our seniors last year, we were still able to get back to the championship game.       

“Dalton Stadelman, Derick Vega and Matt Bietz each had great games. We moved Dalton to a linebacker spot, and he had 20 tackles on the game. Vega was his usual pass catching self, and Bietz ran hard against a stacked Hayfork defense all night long.     

“We return 22 of 26 players and expect to back there again next year,” Bryant said.   

Previous to the section finals the Lumberjacks took a 30-22 semi-final victory over Dunsmuir on Friday, Nov. 21 in Westwood.   

“We have played snow games in the past,” said Bryant, “but nothing like this.”    

There was approximately 6-to-8-inches of powder on the field at any given time during the game with red lines painted on the top of the snow so the players could get their bearings straight.   

The lines did not help as the two teams battled through the frigid conditions.   

“Dunsmuir had beaten us 55-48 at their place during our second game of the season,” said Bryant. “We had five turnovers in that game, and we were determined to not let that happen again.”   

The Jacks did cough up three fumbles during the semi-final game, but weather conditions were certainly to blame for this.   

Dunsmuir struck first with a 65-yard score from Nathan Gonzales followed by a two-point conversion play giving the Tigers an 8-0 lead.    

Westwood was quick to answer with a 60 run in from Lumberjack running back Matt Bietz. The Jacks were also able to pop in a two-point conversion tying the game at eight.   

The game stood still as it was back and forth in the snow with punts and failed fourth down attempts for both sides until Dunsmuir was able to score a touchdown.   

The Tiger lead diminished as Westwood answered with a touchdown and two-point conversion play. Topping the Tigers 16-14 at the half.   

Neither Westwood nor Dunsmuir could muster a score in the third quarter as conditions and temperatures worsened.   

Eventually Dusmuir was able to tack on another touchdown in the fourth quarter followed by a two-point conversion, which gave the Tigers a 22-16 lead.   

Westwood answered swiftly tying the game at 22, as the Lumberjack defense again prepared for a Tiger attack.     

With just under two minutes remaining in the game, Dunsmuir took possession of the ball only to fumble it on the 30-yard line.    

Vega was able to scoop it up with 15 seconds left on the clock. After a quick Stadelman to Vega pass Westwood found itself at first and goal on the Tiger two-yard line.    

Westwood was called for lining up in the neutral zone, which Coach Bryant said was nearly impossible due to the depth of the snow and the fact that no lines were visible.   

Westwood, from the seven-yard line went into a play action pass formation. Vega found an opening on the far side of the endzone where Stadelman hit him with the winning pass with one minute remaining on the clock.     

Peters ran in the conversion, which put Westwood on top 30-22. The Lumberjacks had to kick off to the Tigers for one final play, but Dunsmuir could not come through.       

“It was a tremendous defensive effort on our part,” said Bryant. “They were the highest scoring team in the California League and we made several alignment adjustments that helped keep them off of their blocking.”   

“Long time football fans in Westwood said there have been several snow games played here, but this was by far the deepest in terms of snow on the field that anyone could remember.” Bryant said.