Grays Harbor Newspaper Group

A muddy field did little to slow down Montesano on Friday. The Bulldogs racked up 371 rushing yards as they defeated Tenino, 56-14, in an Evergreen 1A League contest.

The win enabled the Bulldogs to clinch no worse than a share of the league title and the top-seeded crossover district berth.

The Bulldogs (3-0, 8-0) jumped out to an early lead with Carson Klinger rushing for touchdowns of 5 and 15 yards in the first six minutes and never looked back. Klinger finished with four total touchdowns, including a 60-yard fumble return. and 172 yards rushing.

“We jumped out on them pretty quick,” Montesano coach Terry Jensen said. “We came out and executed really well. We were able to move the ball right away and we scored on defense and special teams. We came out and took care of business in really sloppy field conditions.”

After the two scores by Klinger, Nathan Olson tacked on a 14-yard touchdown to make the score 21-0 after one quarter.

Montesano’s Dakoyta Reninger broke a 25-yard run just one minute into the second quarter, but it was the Bulldog defense that added the next touchdown. With 6:25 to go in the first half, Hayden Klinger was able to block a Tenino punt and Dakoyta Reninger came down with the ball and scampered 14 yards for the score.

Tenino’s Spencer Brewer followed his blockers on a screen pass for a 30-yard touchdown with just two seconds left in the half.

Montesano’s Nathan Olson broke a 40-yard run and Carson Klinger broke a 55-yard run to each score in the third quarter before Klinger’s fumble return capped the Bulldog scoring in the fourth quarter.

Brewer caught a 17-yard pass to add Tenino’s other score.

Olson rushed for 121 yards, while Reninger finished with 77 yards on the ground.

Jensen cited Taylor Rupe, who finished with 12 tackles, Carson Klinger, Hayden Klinger and Tyler Reninger for their defensive performances.

Montesano hosts rival Elma on Friday, Oct. 28.