North Eugene couldn't quite beat Crater on Friday, but the three-point margin was a huge improvement compared to the 34-point loss they were dealt last Thursday. The North Eugene Highlanders fell just short of the Crater Comets by a score of 32-29. The Highlanders haven't had much luck with the Comets recently, as the team's come up short the last six times they've met.
Despite the defeat, North Eugene saw an underclassman step up: Brody Gilliam rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown on only six carries, and also threw for 198 yards and a touchdown. Those 88 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Gilliam. Grady Kik-Down was another key player, picking up 76 receiving yards and a touchdown.
North Eugene wouldn't let Crater keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. It was truly a group effort as Josiah Corsini, Elijah Klemmer, and Riley Whitwood picked up one apiece.
North Eugene's loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 4-4. As for Crater, the win snapped their losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 4-3 record.
North Eugene is taking a road trip to face off against Thurston at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Thurston is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 39.3 points per game this season. As for Crater, they will welcome Willamette at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Willamette is coming into the game with three straight defeats on the road, meaning Crater will have to defend against a squad hungry for a victory.
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