Boulder City senior looks back with pride

By Brent Hinckley

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 | 4:47 p.m.

Boulder City High senior defensive end Matt Causey wanted to make sure his last game at Bruce Eaton Field, the Eagles home football stadium, would be one to remember.

Boulder City led Faith Lutheran 34-7 in the fourth quarter, but the Crusaders were mounting a comeback.

That’s when Causey broke through the offensive line and chased down Faith Lutheran quarterback Joe Portaro for a sack and a 12-yard loss.

“It was exciting because we played a good game and I got a win in my last game here,” Causey said.

He had also batted down two pass attempts earlier in the game to help Boulder City emerge victorious on its senior night.

“I get stoked every time I make a play like that,” he said.

It’s those type of small plays Causey said he’ll miss when the season ends. He knows that more than likely these are the final games of his career.

“I’m happy with what we’ve been able to accomplish this year. We’ve gotten better every week. Now, we’ll just have to see what happens the rest of the way,” Causey said.

First-year coach Alex Kazel has been impressed by Causey since he first met him in spring practice.

“He’s coachable. He loves to play and he’s intense,” Kazel said.

At 5-3 overall, this is Boulder City’s first winning season during Causey’s career. The team finished 1-8 in 2006, and 3-7 in 2007. The Eagles are seeded No. 3 for the 3A Southern League playoffs and will play at either Moapa Valley or Virgin Valley Nov. 7.

“It’s great that we’re finally winning. This is a fun year,” he said.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Causey was called up to the varsity team midway through his sophomore year in 2005 and has started ever since. Teammates Tyler Ercolani and Jeremy Smith were also part of the varsity team two years ago, but Causey was brought up earlier in the season.

“As a freshman I dominated the other kids, but when I got up here I wasn’t as good as they were. This year and last year I’ve gotten a lot better,” Causey said.

Ercolani has known Causey for a long time and said the one thing that stands out is his toughness.

“No one messes with him,” Ercolani said. “He’s the toughest guy out here. He’s a really good defensive end. I’d rather go against other people than him.”

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-7822 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.