Monster game for Nissen helps Springville to 68-36 win

SPRINGVILLE — Springville is off to the quarterfinals after outlasting Easton Valley, 68-36, in a dominant offensive performance last night.

The Orioles (11-0) were led by senior running back Elias Nissen, who, in his last night on his home turf, rushed for 444 yards and six touchdowns.

'He (Nissen) was our workhorse tonight,' said Springville Coach Joe Martin. 'It's great to know that when things aren't clicking, we always have number 40 to hand the ball to.'

Springville's Cody Blake got the ball rolling, scoring from 33 yards out to give the Orioles a 7-0 lead.

Easton Valley's defense responded, forcing a rare Nissen fumble on Springville's next possession. River Hawks quarterback Craiton Andresen then found Chase Zaruba for a 6-yard TD pass to complete a short, 30-yard drive.

Nissen responded with a 42-yard nearly untouched run to give Springville a 14-6 lead.

The River Hawks once again found success through the air as Andresen found Zaruba again, this time for a 65-yard TD.

Nissen then scored in each of Springville's next three possessions, running in from 15, 75 and season-long 78 yards out. Nissen's TDs gave the Orioles a 35-14 halftime lead.

To no one's surprise, Nissen was the first to strike in the second half. His fourth TD came on a 65-yard run as the Orioles took a commanding, 42-14, lead.

Easton Valley showed resiliency, scoring 22 points in the second half. But the River Hawks had no answer for Nissen, who added two more TD's to seal the win for Springville.