SHERWOOD - "I guess they know who No. 1 is now."

Randy Nyquist's West Albany team left no doubt as to the designation of the state's top-ranked 5A squad following Friday night's performance.

The No. 2 Bulldogs dominated every aspect of the game, knocking off No. 1 Sherwood 21-0 in front of a packed house.

West forced Bowmen quarterback Ian Donovan into a 5-of-20 showing, including four interceptions. Will Murphy took back the last pick 36 yards for a touchdown with 26 seconds remaining to put a cap on the night.

Sherwood managed 121 yards rushing, the majority of that coming from Kevin Hausner, who totalled 86 on 15 tries.

"That's Bulldog football, like it has been for a long time," Nyquist said. "That's a butt-kickin'. We were very physical, played with a lot of intensity and took care of the football."

West Albany sophomore running back Anthony LaCoste scored two touchdowns and ran for 140 yards, including 123 on eight carries in the first half as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-0 lead at halftime.

"The line did an awesome job this game," LaCoste said. "I had some good runs, but it's all the line."

Senior defensive back Jesse Strickland, starting in place of the injured Nick Herrera, came up with two interceptions in the first half. Strickland said his team's pass defense wasn't up to par last week in a 49-6 home win against Pendleton.

"We just wanted to step it up," he said.

The Bulldogs did that and more as they prepare for the Mid-Willamette Conference opener at Silverton next week.

"Good morale for the preseason," Strickland said.

Strickland's first interception, near midfield in the first quarter, put West in good field position. The Bulldogs scored six plays later on a 6-yard pass from Reese Miller to LaCoste.

A defensive stop gave West another good opportunity early in the second quarter as the Bulldogs started at the 50.

Matt McHenry's 21-yard run started the drive, and LaCoste scored one play later - following a penalty - from 24 yards out.

West has allowed just 12 points in its first three weeks of the season.

"I can't be prouder of how they've stepped up and gotten better every week," said defensive coordinator Jim Phillips.

West Albany 21, Sherwood 0

West Albany 7 7 0 7 - 21

Sherwood 0 0 0 0 - 0

First quarter

WA - Anthony LaCoste 6 pass from Reese Miller (Tyler George kick) 2:17

Second quarter

WA - LaCoste 24 run (George kick) 10:02

Fourth quarter

WA - Will Murphy 36 interception return (George kick) 0:26

Individual statistics

Rushing: West Albany - LaCoste 17-140, McHenry 12-44, Miller 5-12, Spevacek 1-3, team 2 (-10); Sherwood - Hausner 15-86, Lutes 5-33, Karpeles 6-17, Blake 1-6, Dickson 1-1, team 3 (-22).

Passing: West Albany - Miller 5-8-2-55; Sherwood - Donovan 5-20-4-68.

Receiving: West Albany - LaCoste 2-21, O'Bryan 1-15, Foss 1-12, Murphy 1-7; Sherwood - Krieger 2-46, Lutes 2-11, Butterfield 1-11.