Trojans grind out win over Ravens; Lions fall | SPSL football

When push came to shove, Auburn showed itself up to the task, surviving a 48-minute battle with its neighbors to the south Friday night.

Jonah Aumua expected no less from a rival.

“It was a great fight. You couldn’t ask for a better fight from Auburn Riverside,” said Aumua, a 5-foot-11, 320-pound junior, part of the Trojans’ massive line. “They came out strong, but we brought our game today.

“A got a win, and a win is a win, but we have to get ready for the next one and come back strong, mentally and physically.”

Staying on the ground, Auburn’s “jet” offense took flight. Aumua and friends showed the way, enabling the Trojans to compile 235 rushing yards to subdue the mistake-prone Ravens 30-3 in the South Puget Sound League 3A game at Auburn Memorial Stadium.

Quarterback Justin Ioimo ran for one touchdown, threw for another, and fullback Dillon O’Gray rushed for two more as Auburn secured its first win of the season against three difficult defeats.

Auburn (1-1 league, 1-3 overall) held the Ravens (0-2, 0-4) to six first downs and 126 yards of offense.

“This win was very important. It’s a confidence boost for our team,” said Ioimo, who ran for a team-high 77 yards. “We know we have to win out. That’s the only way we can make the playoffs.”

O’Grady scored from 1 and 8 yards out to give the Trojans a 14-3 halftime lead.

Auburn put the game out of reach with 10:11 left to play when Ioimo scrambled out of the pocket and found Malik Williams all alone behind the Ravens’ secondary to haul in a 40-yard TD.

A pair of Raven fumbles led to the Trojans’ final 10 points – Caden Borden’s 32-yard field goal and Ioimo’s 12-yard keeper.

Auburn produced 311 yards of offense, moving the chains to the tune of 21 first downs.

True to who they are, the Trojans were patient, methodical and dogged when they had the ball.

“That’s kind of our style. When we can do that, that’s when we’re most successful,” said Auburn coach Gordon Elliott. “Keep the ball from them. They have some playmakers.”

The Trojans prevailed but took some hits.

O’Grady injured his knee and his status was known heading into Thursday’s home game against Enumclaw.

Auburn already has plugged in new faces up front as it deals with a rash of injuries.

“When it counted, we did a good job,” Elliott said. “We by no means dominated them, but our kids did a great job.”

The Ravens were undone by nine penalties for 61 yards, three turnovers and mental mistakes. They also drove deep in Auburn territory on two occasions but turned the ball over on downs.

“When you’re not disciplined enough, it will come back to hurt you,” said Ravens coach Bryant Thomas. “We played hard, but they executed better than we did. They deserved it.”

Tiano Malietufa, a sophomore quarterback, led the Ravens with 45 yards passing. Odariuos Shaw ran for 24 yards and caught three passes for 49 yards.

Andy Starkel booted a 36-yard field goal for the Ravens.

“We just have to get ready for the next one,” Thomas said. “Every week you prepare and get ready to play. …. We’re building a little bit but that’s no excuse for not winning games. We have got to keep working, get better and execute at a higher level at both sides of the ball.”

Auburn Riverside takes on Auburn Mountainview on Friday.

Elsewhere

At Sumner 31, Auburn Mountainview 12: Connor Wedington ran for two touchdowns, leading the Spartans (4-0, 2-0) past the Lions (3-1, 1-1) in an SPSL 3A game last Friday.