By Pierre LaBossiere

Olympic Peninsula News Group

RAINIER — The Forks football team responded to the loss of starter Ryan Rancourt with a thundering 76-22 win over Rainier, the Spartans’ biggest win of the year.

Nate Dahlgren had more than 200 yards rushing for Forks, said coach Trevor Highfield.

“Nate Dahlgren did a tremendous job running the ball,” Highfield said.

Highfield said the Spartans scored on every single possession except for one late in the game that ended in a fumble.

The Spartans lost Rancourt to a broken ankle in a 26-7 win last week over Friday Harbor. Highfield said that injury forced his players to examine their priorities.

“Guys are really realizing that they have to take advantage of every opportunity. Nothing is guaranteed,” he said. “I think the guys really took that to heart.”

Hayden Baker, a star for the Spartans who graduated recently, also came to a practice and spoke to the team last week, Highfield said.

In addition to Dahlgren, Highfield said Gunner Rogers played well at quarterback and offensive linemen Sloane Tuamua and Matthew Wallerstedt also had big games blocking. Brody Lausche also was moved to fullback and had an outstanding game blocking, Highfield said.

It was the third win in four games for the Spartans, who are starting to roll over a 1-2 start to the season.

Forks (2-2, 4-2) plays its third straight on the road next Friday at Pe Ell-Willapa Valley (3-1, 3-3).