Turnovers aid Forks in 43-0 football win over Bruins

WHITE SALMON — Columbia High School’s young football team was bit by the turnover bug Sept. 4 during a 43-0 loss at Forks High School.

WIAA Class 2B Forks used three fumble recoveries and an interception to build a 28-0 lead en route to the season-opening win. The Spartans added two other scores following a Columbia punt and another interception to take a 43-0 halftime lead. The second half was played with a running scoreboard clock.

Columbia’s initial drive was impressive, as the Bruins moved the ball downfield — earning a first down inside the Forks’ 4-yard line. But the drive stalled and Columbia had to settle for a field goal attempt which failed after the center-to-holder snap went awry.

Forks scored on its initial series and the Spartans got the ball back after an onside kick caught Columbia by surprise. Forks capped that drive with another short TD run early in the second period. A pass interception gave the ball back to the Spartans less than a minute later and the home team was in business again near midfield.

Forks scored and then recovered a fumble and scored again. The final Spartan score came on a pick-six with nine seconds remaining in the opening half.