Ross Snitker powers Cedar Rapids Washington past rival Jefferson

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Washington's offense lacked a little bit of a punch in the season's first three weeks.

Ross Snitker may be able to provide the wallop the Warriors need to deliver to opposing defenses.

Snitker ran rampant, scoring five touchdowns and propelling Washington to a 54-14 victory over crosstown rival Cedar Rapids Jefferson on Friday night at Kingston Stadium. The Warriors became the first to claim the newly created East/West River Rivalry Traveling Trophy, which goes to the winner of the annual contest that dates back to 1957.

The Warriors (2-2) led throughout and received an early boost from the 5-foot-8, 160-pound running back listed as a receiver on the roster. Snitker amassed 243 rushing yards, following last week's 138-yard rushing effort in Washington's first victory. He also hauled in three passes for 60 yards.

Snitker juked and jived his way to 187 yards and four TDs before the half and nearly matched the Warriors' total points (26) through the first three weeks.

Snitker capped the Warriors' first two possessions with touchdown runs of 22 and 7 yards. He slithered his way through defenders, bouncing to the left for the first score and capping a seven-play, 76-yard drive.

On the next possession, Washington drove 91 yards, leading to the second Snitker score and a 14-0 lead with 3:24 remaining in the first frame.

Snitker added two more TD runs in the second quarter. He demonstrated his elusiveness, sprinting down the right sideline, slipping through a couple tackles and sneaking inside the pylon for a 38-yard score and 21-7 advantage.

The J-Hawks (0-4) provided some unnecessary assistance, going for it on 4th-and-short on two consecutive series and giving the Warriors the ball at the J-Hawks 28. Washington transformed both turnovers on downs into points.

Sophomore Henry Clymer scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak before Snitker closed Washington's first-half score with a 10-yard TD run. Clymer threw for 95 yards, completing eight passes including an 8-yard scoring strike to Lincoln Riley in the third.

Clymer and Snitker added fourth-quarter touchdowns for a running clock. Clymer again scored on a QB sneak and Snitker rushed for a 15-yard score.

Jefferson scored both touchdowns in the first half. Jacob Thompson rushed for a 15-yard TD on the opening snap of the second quarter, closing within 14-7.

The J-Hawks scored right before the break. Dymonte Hawkins jumped and stole the ball away from a defender and then waltzed in for a 37-yard TD, making it 34-14 with 22 seconds left before the half.

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