SPSL 4A | Auburn coach earns 50th win on emotional night

By Sandy RingerSeattle Times staff reporter 

KENT — They played with their hearts, instead of their smarts.But on an emotion-filled night, the fifth-ranked Auburn Trojans proved they have enough talent to overcome their mistakes as they rolled to a 42-7 North Division victory over Kentlake Friday at French Field to remain unbeaten at 6-0.

Trojan players especially wanted this one for coach Gordy Elliott, who attended the funeral of his father-in-law earlier in the day. This was his 50th victory at Auburn, something he said he didn't realize until his daughter told him after the game.

When players began chanting, "Fifty! Fifty! Fifty!" during the postgame huddle, Elliott looked confused and said, "I'm 54," then paused and grinned, "Oh, 50 wins."

Elliott is 50-20 in seven seasons. But this league win didn't come easily as Auburn led stubborn Kentlake (3-3, 3-2) just 14-7 at halftime, thanks in part to three early turnovers.

"We were kind of getting in our own way a little bit," Elliott said, noting that his players were perhaps overly intense trying to get this victory for him. "Our kids really wanted to play well."

In the end, there was no stopping Auburn, which amassed 458 yards rushing and just missed having a trio of 100-yard rushers for the first time this season. Junior Chris Young had 126 yards on 10 carries, while sophomore Austin Embody had 119 on 12 attempts. Senior Jeff Gouveia came up short with 86 yards on 13 carries, but he scored two touchdowns, giving him 14 for the season.

The Trojans started the first quarter from their own 6-yard line and had no trouble going the distance in the other direction, overcoming a 16-yard holding play along way that meant the drive actually went 110 yards. Gouveia jogged into the end zone for the touchdown.

But the Falcons answered right back. Quarterback Lewi Larson connected with Ryan Esping for the 9-yard score early in the second quarter and it was 7-7. Carlo Lavoi put Auburn back in front with a 29-yard touchdown run with 7:41 left in the half and that's the way it stayed at the intermission. 

Summary:

A-Gouveia 1 run (McMahon kick).
KL-Esping 9 pass from Larson (Wright kick).
A-Lavoie 29 run (McMahon kick).
A-Gouveia 6 run (McMahon kick).
A-Kasa 18 run (McMahon kick).
A-Young 30 run (McMahon kick).
A-Clarke 24 run (McMahon kick).

Extra Points | Which school has the biggest home-field football advantage?

We asked readers which school has the biggest home-field football advantage.

Some responses:

Auburn | Troy Field in Auburn is a great stadium with great tradition. The name was changed to Auburn Memorial Stadium when Auburn Riverside opened, but the locals and "old-timers" still refer to the place as Troy Field. Big home stands with a tunnel at the 50-yard line is impressive. The visitors must enter and exit their locker rooms under the student and band section of the field. The Trojans practice there every day and the "old school" turf is fast. Very few places compare. The Trojans are on a four-year unbeaten streak on the friendly confines. The crowds are big and the steep seating makes them seem very loud. It's a great setting for a high-school football game. — Kent Rodseth  

Special kudos go out to Senior TE/DE 6 Isaiah Johnson.  On a 4th and 7, Johnson was thrown a perfect screen pass which he was unable to hold onto leading to a Trojan turnover on downs.  Johnson was inconsolable on the sidelines.  Instead of sulking, Johnson took his next opportunity; a jet around right end to share his pain with the Kentwood Conqs.  Johnson plowed over 3 Kentwood defenders and it took five others to finally bring him down on the way to a 17 yard run.  Always share your pain!