When a new football season kicks off, it’s common to assume many teams’ defenses are one step ahead of their offenses.

Washougal and Mountain View found that to be true for the opening minutes of their non-league clash Thursday at McKenzie Stadium, until the game turned into an all-out track meet.

After both teams came up empty on their opening possessions, Washougal scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives and outlasted Mountain View in a 56-33 shootout win.

“We saw our defense making stops. It puts trust in us. … We knew we were going to go down there and score,” senior quarterback Tripp Leifsen said.

In his first start at QB for the Panthers, the 6-foot-1 Leifsen displayed that same confidence on the field, throwing for 288 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He provid

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