Dual-threat quarterback Joey Krupsky has led Scappoose to a 6-1 record while outscoring foes by a combined count of 339-107. Scappoose is the MaxPreps Oregon Team of the Week, presented by the Oregon National Guard.
Courtesy photo by Kyle Boggs
football coach Sean McNabb said his team has been focused. Judging from their four-game win streak, some might say driven.
Following a 35-21 loss to Gladstone, the Indians have outscored opponents 208-28 in those four games and 339-107 for the season.
David Krupsky on the receiving end of a TD.
Courtesy photo by Kyle Boggs
McNabb knew the Gladstone loss would be beneficial. He just didn't know how valuable.
"Gladstone was a tough opponent," McNabb said. "Even though we hate to lose, I feel it helped, and will help us during the playoffs. It definitely allowed us to see where we are as a group. How we responded from a setback is so important. We have been more focused since."
For their focus, 6-1 overall start and No. 25 state ranking, the Indians have been selected the MaxPreps Oregon Team of the Week, presented by the Oregon National Guard.
Coming into 2014, McNabb had coached the Indians to nine winning seasons in 10 years, including back-to-back 9-3 records in 2012 and 2013. The team is 77-43 since 2003. They've won three state titles — 2000, 2001 and 2002.
The 2014 Scappoose squad is extremely well balanced, with 1,899 yards via the air and 1,437 on the ground. They've passed for 26 touchdowns and rushed for 19.
More than touchdowns and yards, the team shares one important component, McNabb says: camaraderie.
"I have been pleased with our efforts and team-first attitudes," he said. "We distribute the ball to a bunch of different cats. Everyone supports one another."
It starts at quarterback with senior quarterback
Joseph Krupsky, who leads the team in passing and rushing. One of the state's top dual threats, Krupsky has rushed for 774 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 80 of 137 passes for 1,204 yards and 15 scores.
"Game planning for Joey must be an arduous task," McNabb said. "He's a very dynamic dual-threat quarterback."
His twin brother
David Krupsky is the team's leading pass catcher with 30 catches for 571 yards and nine touchdowns, while
Jake Ford (16-241-2) and
Jacob Wendelschafer (15-207-3) are other top pass catchers.
"The (twins) have been playing together since the second grade," McNabb said. "They are huge football-loving family and they've been around it all their life. … Both have been committed to the weight room and have definitely benefited from their off-season training."
Johnathon Tardif, Scappoose
Courtesy photo by Kyle Boggs
The team's running game has many more contributors than Joseph Krupsky. Junior
Braden Clark (352, three touchdowns), senior
Johnathon Tardif (264, 4) and junior
Jarrett White (238, 4) are also top rushers.
Backup quarterback
Robert Lohman, a junior, has been superb in relief, going 15 of 19 for 234 yards and four more scores.
Seven different defenders have at least 34 tackles, led by senior Tardif (58), senior
Robert Backus (49) and
Devin Ray (48). Tardif has six sacks and Ford has four of the team's 14 interceptions.
McNabb, who has been the team's head coach for 16 years, said the program's family environment is a big reason for Scappoose's success.
"I would say my longevity is from having such a supportive family, community and administration," he said.
It's been more than a decade since the Indians have won a state title. Friday's game at Seaside (5-2) will go a long way to tell if the current squad has what it takes to go all the way.
The league title is on the line.
"There are some very good teams out there; some of them I have not had a chance to scout," McNabb said. "I do however, feel we match up well with other programs."
Like most successful coaches, McNabb isn't comfortable with looking past Friday.
"We have set goals to win league and make a run at the state title," he said. "Our players have bought into it and understand that everyday we are getting better and working towards our goals."
