Tigers’ second-half surge does in Vikes

Alan Dale

Wausa Gazette

WAUSA — Call it growing pains or evolution, but either way the Wausa Vikings football journey in 2020 is equal parts frustration and optimism.

The Vikings fell to 1-4 this season after a 62-22 home loss to Osmond last weekend as they are also 0-1 in District play.

They hope to bounce back 3 p.m. Friday when they travel to Winside as the schedule winds down into its final weeks.

“Friday afternoon was tough for us,” Wausa coach Adrian Alonzo said. “We came out flat and just didn’t perform the way we are capable of. In all five games that we’ve played, we continue to

give up big plays at bad times and way too many penalties.” Wausa quarterback Steel Claussen went 12-for- 22 for 90 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 102 yards on 20 carries.

Carson Barney, Josh Wattier and Jaxon Claussen all caught a touchdown pass apiece. “Steel continues to give us good performances,” Alonzo said. “He played really well on the offensive side of the ball this week. Josh led the team on

the defensive side of the ball with 10 total tackles.” Wattier’s play has continued to shine as he along with many other youngsters develop their games. “Josh is second on the team in tackles,” Alonzo said. “As a sophomore, he is playing his tail off as

a first-time starter. He is one of our team leaders on defense.” Wattier feels optimistic about the direction of his defense and so far, the campaign has still offered plenty of positives. “The season has been going pretty good and our

defense is pretty strong,” Wattier said. “Our offense needs to be a little bit better and find something that fits us a little better. I am very impressed with our defense. “The first couple games I was scared because I am so small – I am not the biggest guy on the team. I was a little intimidated, but once I got over that, I found out it was not so bad, and I started to want to hit some people and tackle.” Wattier says he is about 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds, but he uses all of it to make an impact.

“I just practiced my tackling and getting my footwork down,” Wattier said. “You have to be focused 100 percent and not take any tackling drill for granted. If I don’t get it right, I am going to get run over and it’s going to hurt. So, tackle correctly

equals less pain and more time playing.” Wattier assures other like him that size isn’t theonly thing someone needs to be a decent defensive player. “It takes a lot of technique and the way that we teach it,” Wattier said. “If you have technique and hit the right spots, you can tackle just about anyone. It’s knowing what you are aiming for when you are tackling. “You have to have the willingness to take a hit and having the team there to back you up makes it

worth it.” With a playoff spot still possible, the Vikings will have to rebound against Winside and that will be the expectation. “This week I expect our kids to work hard, coaches to game plan well and go out and do what know body expects us to do, win,” Alonso said. “Winside is a really good football team that is playing good football right now. They have made steps in the right direction: The Escalante (Gabe and Art) brothers are a great one two punch at quarterback and running back. “I’ll stand by what I’ve said from the beginning of the season: We are a good team, when we play as a team from the opening kickoff but we can’t keep coming out and playing from behind because of big plays. We need to set the tempo of the game and get all of our athletes and playmakers involved from the beginning.” Admittedly it’s not been made easier when playing during a pandemic. “We can only take care of our team and we have to trust that everyone else is taking care of theirs,” Alonso said. “We have played five of six scheduled games and are looking forward to finishing this season strong.”

Wausa 0 8 0 14 — 22

Osmond 22 0 8 32 — 62

PASSING Wausa - Steel Claussen, 12-22-90. Osmond - P

Vinson, 14-18-241.

RUSHING Wausa - Steel Claussen, 25-102; Jaxon Claussen,

3-19; Tucker Wright, 2-13; Cashe Carlson, 1-9; Carson Barney,

1-2. Osmond - C Gutz, 9-70; B. Solorzano, 7-59; P Vinson,

14-32; H Buchannon, 3-16; Xavier Brown, 1-12; A Vinson,

2-3; E Davids,1-2.

RECEIVING Wausa - Carson Barney, 3-44; Jaxon Claussen,

7-30; Tucker Wright, 1-10; Josh Wattier, 1-6. Osmond - B. Solorzano,

5-100; R Schmit, 5-69; A Vinson, 2-67; Zach Huwaldt, 2-5.