Warrenton players celebrate in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against Dayton.

It was only right that Warrenton High School’s Tyson McGrorty would have a big game wearing No. 44.

The number, which was also worn by McGrorty’s uncle, Dusty, was set to be immortalized during halftime of Friday’s game against Dayton. McGrorty, honoring his uncle, made sure to do the number justice as he rumbled to two rushing touchdowns in the Warriors 36-8 thrashing of No. 5 ranked Dayton.

McGrorty started the night off with a run that would make his uncle proud. He ran to the left after getting the handoff and broke tackles of four Dayton defenders before sprinting into the end zone for 45-yard touchdown.

McGrorty, along with Brayden Greenawald, Odin Wilson, Ryder Sturgell and Zephan Pierce, led the Warriors to an efficient offensive outing. The Warriors ran for 265 yards on the night. Warrenton also had two interceptions on defense to put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball.

“It was great to see this performance on the night we honored our greatest runner that our offensive line and backs ran the ball so well,” Warrenton head coach Lennie Wolfe said. “Tyson was pretty motivated to run hard and play well tonight, and he did. Our offensive line, we just did such a great job blocking.”

This was a much needed win after Warrenton let one slip away against Amity the week before.

“I don’t remember beating Dayton in all of my years here,” Wolfe said. ‘They’re a quality program who do things right. It was a good night.”

The Warriors dominated Dayton with physical play. Perhaps the only blemish on the night were penalties. Though the Warriors had a lot of penalties, Wolfe said it gives them something to work on as they will host Kennedy this Friday.

“We just have to get better each week,” Wolfe said. “We have to get better each week and try to execute what we prepare for the night. We expect Kennedy to be good and we’ve got a whole week to prepare.”

Astoria flips the script

Astoria High School football had a throwback performance Friday night against The Dalles at CMH Field.

After losing the first two games of the season by a combined score of 73-14, the Fishermen flipped the script and posted their first shutout since 2021. Behind quarterback Sam Schacher, and phenomenal defense, the Fishermen won 29-0.

Schacher filled in at quarterback for the injured Quin Gohr and delivered a great performance. The Fishermen have a bye this week and will have extra time to prepare for Molalla.

Seaside outplayed by Banks

It was not a happy home opener for Seaside High School football as they struggled in all parts of the game against Banks in their 32-14 loss.

Turnovers were the difference in this game as the teams were pretty much even in total yards. Seaside had 223 yards and Banks had 236, but five Seaside turnovers led to points for the Braves all night.

Banks picked off Zayden Anderson three times — one that was returned for a touchdown. They also forced two fumbles and had a punt return for a score.

Seaside will have a chance to put this game behind them as they play host to Marist Catholic in a rematch of last year’s state semifinal this Friday.

Heppner rolls by Knappa

After a big win against Toledo on opening night, Knappa High School ran into a machine known as No. 2 ranked Heppner.

The Mustangs started off fast, going up 28-0, and then were able to cruise to a 42-14 victory.

Knappa’s schedule does not get any easier as they make a road trip to Gaston. Gaston are the defending 2A Special District 1 champions, so the Loggers gauntlet of an early schedule continues Friday.

Jewell shut out

Jewell/Vernonia were blanked by Central Linn 44-0 in a nonleague game. The team returns home to host Clatskanie in the opening of league play.