McGowan era begins with 19-0 victory

By the Gazette-Times

WEST SALEM - Corvallis High opened the Chris McGowan coaching era in impressive fashion Friday night with a 19-0 Valley League victory over West Salem.

It was the first game for McGowan, a former Spartan standout who succeeded longtime CHS coach Gary Beck in the off-season. It was also the first game for West Salem, which is a new school this year.

Cory Dickson caught touchdown passes of 75, 20 and 5 yards from quarterback Jason Tacchini to account for all the CHS scoring. The Spartans outgained the Titans 265-173 and forced three turnovers to post their second consecutive shutout over the past two years.

It was also CHS's first season-opening win since 1994.

Tacchini completed 7 of 13 passes for 161 yards and had one intercepted. Dickson had three catches for 100 yards and Billy Clontz had three for 39 yards. Jason Graves had three carries for 54 yards, including a 50-yard run in the final minute, to lead the rushers.

"It was a great game; they are not a bad team,'' CHS assistant coach Nick Todorovich said of the Titans. "They moved the ball but we stiffened when we had to defensively.

"We're young; we start six juniors and a sophomore on defense, but we have some guys who can run around and make plays. It's nice to have Ron Sather back as our defensive coordinator; we were definitely well-prepared to play them.''

Sather, who doubles as CHS wrestling coach, was the Spartans' defensive coordinator for many years under Beck when they dominated the Valley League.

CHS plays host to West Albany next Friday in its home opener. The Spartans haven't won three games in a row since closing the 1992 regular season with four consecutive victories.

Corvallis 19, West Salem 0

CORVALLIS 7 6 6 0 - 19

WEST SALEM 0 0 0 0 - 0

First quarter

C - Cory Dickson 5 pass from Jason Tacchini (Dickson kick)

Second quarter

C - Dickson 20 pass from Tacchini (kick failed)

Third quarter

C - Dickson 75 yard pass from Tacchini (kick failed)

Rushing: West Salem - Phil Dupont, 18-50, Ken McCloud 9-31; Corvallis, Jason Graves 3-54, John Strowbridge 4-18; J.J. Manning 2-17; Max Chaney 9-17.

Passing: West Salem - Dupont 12-27, 84, yards, 1 int.; Corvallis, Tacchini 7-13, 161, 3 TD, 1 int.

Receiving: West Salem - Shane Cardenas 4-41; Corvallis, Dickson 3-100, 3 TD; Billy Clontz 3-39; Chaney 1-22.