Early scores help Houston grab first victory of the season

KETCHIKAN — The Houston Hawks can finally put a check in the win column.

Zack Qual and Colton Buzby scored touchdowns, and Buzby recorded a safety to help Houston grab a 14-12 win over the Ketchikan Kings in Ketchikan on Saturday.

“We’re excited about the win,” Houston head coach Norm Bouchard said by cell phone from Ketchikan after the victory.

Houston jumped on the scoreboard almost immediately when Qual caught a Beau Frank pass and took it 70 yards for the score on the team’s first drive of the game.

The Hawks pushed their lead to 12-0 later in the first quarter when Buzby plunged into the end zone from two yards out.

Although he was happy to see his players get a taste of victory for the first time this season, he said the Hawks struggled after taking the two-score lead.

“We’re still learning how to win,” Bouchard said. “Learning how to win, not trying not to lose.”

Ketchikan scored in the third quarter to cut Houston’s advantage 12-6. The Kings posted their final score with less than a minute to score.

The difference turned out to be Buzby’s safety, a play made with 3:58 to go in regulation.

Ketchikan had the chance to tie the score late in the game. With their second touchdown, the Kings cut the score to 14-12. Bouchard said Ketchikan fumbled the snap on the conversion attempt, and that sealed the win for the Hawks.

Houston (1-4) returns to the Valley to host Kodiak on Friday.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.