The Shockers scored their lone touchdown in the first half on their opening drive.

SOUTH BEND — Naselle senior quarterback Joe Strange faked a hand-off to Kolten Lindstrom then weaved through the Waterville/Mansfield defense for an 89-yard touchdown.

Through big offensive plays and a punishing defense, the Comets (8-1) overpowered the Shockers (5-4) 68-12 in the opening round of the Washington 1B State Playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 13 at South Bend High School.

Naselle will next face Pomeroy (10-0) in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Lybecker Field in Pomeroy.

The Shockers methodically marched down the field on their opening drive with carries by Luis Rodriguez, Abraham Diaz and Trevor Moore before a Cole Borden touchdown pass gave Waterville/Mansfield a 6-0 lead midway through the 1st quarter.

Naselle quickly answered on their first possession, with powerful running from senior running back Kolten Lindstom, who punctuated the drive by shaking of a Shocker tackler for the game-tying score less than two minutes later.

The Comets continued to build momentum on their second offensive series after a quick three-and-out on defense.

The Naselle offense churned out yardage in chunks, including a 29-yard keeper by Jacob Lindstrom that set up the second score, a 14-yard spurt from Kolten Lindstrom, giving Naselle a 16-6 lead to end the 1st quarter.

In the second quarter, Naselle continued to put the clamps on a stable of hard-running Shocker backs, forcing long conversions and desperate 4th down attempts, including a failed 4th and 17 from inside the red zone.

A Joe Strange 89-yard keeper touchdown gave Naselle a 24-6 lead and delivered a devastating blow to any remaining Waterville/Mansfield morale. The Shockers turned over on downs on the following possession and Strange delivered the final nail in the coffin with a 23-yard score, giving the Comets a 32-6 lead early in the second quarter. A zig-zagging 45-yard Jason Harman touchdown closed the first half with a 46-6 Naselle lead, culminating in a 64-12 final.