Prep Football: Churchill’s late scores lead Lancers to 30-22 win over Roseburg
EUGENE — A pair of fourth quarter rushing scores by Churchill’s Ryder Nagel sent the Lancers past the Roseburg Indians 30-22 in a Class 5A Special District 5 matchup Friday night at Floyd Halvorsen Field.
Nagel accounted for three touchdowns in Churchill’s third consecutive win over the Indians. The loss was the first on the season for Roseburg (5-1, 2-1 S.D. 5).
“We had a couple players go down (with injuries) and it’s tough. Luckily we do have some depth, but you can’t replace what those two guys bring to the field,” Roseburg coach Matt Watson said.
“Normally after a game we talk about did you have fun? Did you notice a player get better? Last night, just with with everything that has happened the last couple of weeks, it was about finding something to be grateful for, and noticing players that that gave everything that they could,” Watson added.
Roseburg’s leading rusher, Leto White, was knocked out of the game with a leg injury on the opening drive. They also saw junior linebacker Kit Curry, one of their top tacklers, go down with a leg injury in the second half.
The RHS offense had moved the ball to near midfield before White was tackled for a loss on a third down play. The junior immediately began writhing in pain and eventually had to be helped off the field without putting any weight on his right foot.
When play resumed, Churchill (3-3, 3-1) benefited from a bad snap on Roseburg’s punt attempt and the Lancers started their first drive in the red zone. The Indians defense came up big and forced a fourth down try by the Lancers, but a tipped pass in the end zone found Nagel’s arms and the junior hauled in the first of his three scores.
Despite the early bad luck, Roseburg managed to overcome and took a 7-6 lead before the end of the first period. RJ Elliott connected with Danner Wertz for a score from 6-yards out and freshman Bles Scanlan nailed his debut PAT to give the Tribe a lead.
Wertz caught his second touchdown of the night to put Roseburg ahead 14-6 early in the second quarter. The tight end caught a pass over the middle and shed multiple would-be tacklers to break free for a 30-yard score. The Indians held on to the lead going into halftime as both teams traded turnovers to finish the half.
“We’ve been trying to find ways to get Danner (Wertz) to the ball. I mean, he’s a huge target. He’s a great player for us, and he’s been doing his job in the box incredibly well, whether it be on defense or offense,” Watson said. “Credit to the work that he’s been doing, and coach Conor Neal put him in excellent positions to be able to score twice.”
Both sides found the end zone in the third quarter. Churchill tied the game on a lengthy opening drive. Quarterback Talon Jerabek connected with tight end Jackson Ingram for an 8-yard score that capped off a 14-play, 8 minute and 20 second drive for the Lancers.
Roseburg managed to answer in a more timely manner. Elliott tossed his third TD of the night to Emery Hurtienne, who ran under a rainbow pass and sprinted to the end zone for a 50-yard score that put the Indians in front 22-14 going to the fourth quarter.
“I have to keep reminding myself that (Elliott’s) a sophomore, because he shows up in big times. I mean, he’s a clutch player and he rises to the occasion,” Watson said. “There hasn’t been a moment too big for him. We just need him to start a little faster.”
The final period heavily featured Nagel, one of the top rushers in Class 5A. He had rushing touchdowns of 38 and 6 yards. The first came on the opening play of the quarter and the ensuing two-point run by Jerabek tied the game at 22-22.
Nagel’s final score came with about seven minutes remaining and the Lancers again converted the two-point try to take a 30-22 advantage. The 6-1 208 pound running back was a workhorse and finished with over 180 yards on 36 carries. He eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the season and became the first individual to run for more than 100 yards against the Indians this season.
Roseburg had chances to even the score, but the offense struggled to move the ball as the Lancers gained confidence and momentum in front of the home crowd.
Roseburg’s last gasp came with 65 seconds remaining. The Indians thought for a moment they might have pulled off a hook-and-ladder play for a breakaway score by Caden Moon, but the play was called back for an illegal formation.
Elliott finished the night 8-for-15 through the air for 112 yards and three touchdowns. Roseburg’s prolific ground-attack was held in check without White in the backfield.
The Indians’ defense was stout throughout the contest and turned away the Lancers multiple times deep in Roseburg territory. Vai Polamalu had a fumble recovery and Hurtienne had an interception. The RHS defense has now had a takeaway in 23 of its last 24 games dating back to the start of the 2024 season.
Up next, Roseburg will head to Silke Field to face the Springfield Millers at 7 p.m. Friday.
Roseburg;7;7;8;0;—;22
Churchill;6;0;8;16;—;30
First Quarter
C — Nagel 8 pass from Jerabek (Pass fail)
R — Wertz 6 pass from Elliott (Scanlan kick)
Second Quarter
R — Wertz 30 pass from Elliott (Scanlan kick)
Third Quarter
C — Ingram 8 pass from Jerabek (Jerabek run)
R — Hurtienne 50 pass from Elliott (Fisk run)
Fourth Quarter
C — Nagel 38 run (Jerabek run)
C — Nagel 6 run (Ingram pass from Jerabek)
