Senior Adan Ellis had a huge performance in the final game of his career for the Neah Bay Red Devils football team.
Ellis, a receiver and defensive back, provided much of Neah Bay’s offense in a rugged, defensive battle in the 1B state quarterfinals Nov. 23 against Almira-Hartline-Coulee, 14-12, but Ellis did everything in his power to will the Red Devils to a near-victory.
ACH focused on stopping Neah Bay’s Jodell Wimberly and other than one 35-yard touchdown run, they managed to bottle him up. Ellis, however, gave ACH fits, making four catches for 84 yards, with three of those catches with defenders draped all over him.
His plays included a clutch 23-yard catch on a third-and-12 play during the Red Devils’ final drive to set them up with the a first-and-10 at the 30. Neah Bay wasn’t able to punch it in, but Ellis’ play gave them the chance.
Ellis also had a crucial pressure on defense against dangerous ACH quarterback Caden Correia on a third-and-20, forcing Correia to throw the ball away. That forced a punt to give the Red Devils the ball for their final drive.
ACH is a good team that lost to presumptive state champion favorite Liberty Christian by just one touchdown 36-28. Liberty Christian and Wilbur-Crestonb-Keller play for the state title this weekend.
Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles.