Eastside Catholic Advances to 3A State Final for Second Year in a Row

Posted on November 30, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

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Friday	Nov 29th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	7	14	7	0	28
O'Dea	0	7	0	7	14

See game recap below

Eastside Catholic Advances to 3A State Final for Second Year in a Row
By Colin Caruso

In their second matchup of the season, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders were looking to avenge their only conference loss of the season in this state semifinal matchup against the powerhouse O’Dea Fighting Irish. After a spectacular interception by Eastside linebacker/running back Brandon Wellington, the Crusaders struck first with a 3 yard pass from Harley Kirsch to Matt Laris to take a 7-0 lead. O’Dea answered with a 61 yard run from star running back Myles Gaskin to tie the contest at seven.

After an injury to workhorse running back Brandon Wellington early in the second quarter, Eastside turned to their aerial attack and connected on a 64 yard pass from Kirsch to Colin Macilvennie to take a 14-7 lead. O’Dea put together a great drive after the Eastside score, but quarterback Pierre LeDorze was intercepted in the end zone by Wellington, his second on the day, who came back from injury to help the Crusader defense. That interception led to an 80 yard drive from the Crusaders, capped off by another Kirsch touchdown pass to Colin Boit with just 21 seconds left in the half. Eastside Catholic took a commanding 21-7 lead into halftime.

O’Dea received in the second half but was forced to punt after a good defensive stand from Eastside Catholic. The Crusaders then put together another long drive, this time 90 yards, capped off by a 22 yard run from Wellington to place a commanding 28-7 lead on the Irish. After the teams exchanged punts, O’Dea started to drive down the field but was halted after a fumble on the exchange between LeDorze and his fullback Jack Flor. Eastside recovered but was forced to punt back to the Irish just before the end of the third quarter.

O’Dea capitalized quickly in the fourth with a much needed score, a beautiful LeDorze pass for 41 yards to Bobiono Sims to make it a two score game, 28-14. But the Irish couldn’t put together another solid drive; the Crusader defense was stifling, filling gaps and relentlessly pursuing the football. Eastside Catholic closed the game with a 28-14 victory and will play next weekend in the Tacoma Dome for the 3A state championship.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch – 19/31 for 294 yards and 3TD
Brandon Wellington – 14 carries for 66 yards, 1TD, 2 defensive interceptions

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 20 for 134 yards TD

Neah Bay Scores 46 unanswered to Knock off Rival Lummi, Advances to 1B State Final

Posted on November 30, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 29th	2013	1B	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Neah Bay	8	8	14	16	46
Lummi	14	0	0	0	14

See game recap below

Neah Bay Scores 46 unanswered to Knock off Rival Lummi, Advances to 1B State Final
By Colin Caruso

In a clash of teams all too familiar with each other, the Lummi Blackhawks and the Neah Bay Red Devils faced off in a 1B eight on eight Washington state semifinal. The Tacoma Dome was the site of the contest for these two squads who faced off earlier this season, with Neah Bay taking the first matchup 76-32.

The underdog Lummi Blackhawks started the game with a great opening quarter, capitalizing on two Logan Toby touchdown passes and taking a 14-8 lead into the second. With normal course of action in eight on eight ball resulting in outrageous scores, the second quarter presented the opposite, with only one score from the Red Devils in the frame. The Red Devils sealed their 16-14 halftime lead with a goal line stand after a Blackhawk first and goal from the two with under two minutes to play.

The Red Devils started the second half strong with an 88 yard drive capped off by a 23 yard pass from Josiah Green to John Reamer to take the lead 24-14 after another successful two point conversion. The Red Devil defense held firm the entire quarter and the offense added a Josiah Greene 1 yard run quarter to take a commanding 30-14 lead into the fourth.

Two more scores for Neah Bay in the fourth and another shutout quarter pitched on defense ended this game with a commanding Red Devil win, 46-14. They will face the winner of Touchet and Rosalia in the 1B state final on December 6th at 4PM in the Tacoma Dome.

Top Performers:
Neah Bay
Josiah Greene – 8-10 179 yards, 3 passing TD. 18 carries for 89 yards and 1TD
Cody Cummins – 15 carries for 115 yards and 2TD

Lummi
Logan Toby – 13-28 128 yards and 2TD

2013 Christmas Hoops Classic hits Vancouver, Washington

Posted on November 29, 2013 by rnovak@zumamedia.com

John Jackson – State Farm Insurance
Community Partner of Vancouver and SW Washington Families

The 2013 Christmas Classic hits SW Washington the weekend of December 7-8, 2013 and will take place at Mountain View High School in Vancouver, Washington. This community event will also benefit Evergreen School District, American Red Cross, Share House and PAL.

The tournament will field 4th-8th grade boys teams and will showcase some of the top talent in each classification. Top Teams will participate throughout the weekend. Space is limited! If you wish to enter your team submit your team’s information today! You may request multiple teams to be entered into the tournament. Click on the registration links below.

Participating teams:
NW Panthers
ICP
Team Balance
Maeko
Team Impact
Titans
All In One
MAC
Score
Rose City Thunder
Cagers
I-5 Elite
Chrome

Event Details
Mountain View High School
1500 SE Blairmont Dr.
Vancouver, WA 98683

Accommodations
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Vancouver Columbia Tech Center
1421 SE Tech Center Dr. Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone 360-258-5902 Fax 360-260-0302
www.springhillvancouver.com

Event Director
dmorgan@theFinalScore.TV

Click here to submit team registration – Team 1

Click here to submit team registration – Team 2

Click here to submit team registration – Team 3

Click here to submit team registration – Team 4

Click here to submit team registration – Team 5

Cascade Christian Dethrones King’s in Castle

Posted on November 25, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 23rd	2013	1A	Boys	Football
Woolsey Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cascade Christian	0	12	12	13	37
King's	0	7	6	0	13

See game recap below

Cascade Christian Dethrones King’s in Castle
By Steven Dion

Playoff football is exciting for every classification, and the crowds increase greatly from regular season play. For 1A schools like King’s, Saturday night’s game filled parking lots to capacity and nearby streets served as overflow. A meeting with the Puyallup powerhouse Cascade Christian put a trip to the semifinals on the line. The crowd on the home side of Woolsey Stadium were hoping they would be in the same seat next week in the semis, but the Cougs had other plans.

After a scoreless first quarter, CCHS got onto the scoreboard on the first play of the second frame on a goal line blast by stocky senior Hunter Austin. Hunter was one of many productive ball carriers out of the backfield by Cascade Christian as Riley Ramos ran the ball with regularity, one of which a 5 yard run for six points. With less than a minute remaining in the first half, King’s capitalized on a lengthy drive by pounding in a two yard run with Chris Yand. The Cougars led 14-7 at intermission.

With only seven points of separation going into the second half, it appeared that game was up for grabs. However, the Cougs were able to deflate the home team by combining circus catches with defensive pressure leading to turnovers and putting Knight’s QB Koa Wilkins in a pressure cooker. A pair of 5 yard quarterback sneaks by Jaelin Goldsmith forced KHS to adjust their game plan to catch up. The Knight’s just didn’t have the firepower to respond to the Cougar assault. A tip drill catch by Mason Tobeck in the fourth sealed the victory for CCHS as they left with a convincing 37-13 win. They will host the semis and are one win away from a trip to the Tacoma Dome.

Top Performer:
Cascade Christian
Mason Tobeck- 2 rec TDs of 76 yards 12 yards

Eagle Soars As Camas Shreds Wolves

Posted on November 25, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 23rd	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Eastlake High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Camas	14	13	13	7	47
Eastlake	7	7	14	0	28

See game recap below

Eagle Soars As Camas Shreds Wolves
By Steven Dion

A chilly November afternoon in the Sammamish plateau served as the site for a 4A quarterfinal matchup between the number one ranked Papermakers against host Eastlake. The winner was set to host a semifinal matchup with Bellarmine Prep next week who topped Bothell. The visitor sideline was too small for the large Camas crowd as many Papermaker fans watched from the fence. If Eastlake was going to pull an upset, they would have to get off to a strong start and set the tone.

The Wolves caught Camas flat-footed early as the first play from scrimmage was a 70-yard touchdown run by UW commit Drew Lewis. Camas didn’t reach 10-0 and score at least 44 points every game this season for no reason as they responded quickly with a Zach Eagle run for six. Before the first half concluded, Eagle added a receiving score and fumble recovery for touchdown as part of his four on the contest. Lewis was a workhorse for Eastlake by scoring 3 rushing TDs on countless carries, using his 6’3” 205 frame to pick apart the stout front seven of CHS. At the break, Camas led 27-14.

EHS was going to have to open up the playbook to find a way to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half to propose a chance to make a comeback. They successfully recovered an onside kick to start the half but were unable to capitalize. Joe Longcore came up with a Thomas Richard strike in the end zone in addition to Lewis’ third score to pull the Wolves within one score. The Camas defensive line stopped Eastlake on multiple fourth downs late and were able to turn the stops into points. The Papermakers ability to close strong was rewarded with a 47-28 victory. They will make a trip north to Tacoma to face the Lions next week.

Top Performer:
Camas
Zach Eagle- 4TDs – 1 rushing 10 yards, 1 fumble recovery 7 yards, 2 receiving 78 and 38 yards

Bellarmine Advances to State Semifinal in OT Thriller

Posted on November 24, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 23rd	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Mt. Tahoma Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bothell	0	7	7	3	17
Bellarmine Prep	7	3	0	7+3	20

See game recap below

Bellarmine Advances to State Semifinal in OT Thriller
By Colin Caruso

With the stands packed at the newly constructed Mt. Tahoma Stadium, the Bellarmine Prep Lions hosted the 4A state quarterfinal matchup against the Bothell Cougars. Defense was the story throughout, as both teams struggled to put together strong drives that resulted in scoring.

Bellarmine broke the 0-0 tie late in the first quarter with an 11 yard touchdown run from junior Jamal Ervin. The Lions added a 33 yard field goal later in the second as well, taking a 10-0 lead. But Bothell put together a strong drive in the waning seconds of the first half to punch their first score in, an 11 yard pass from junior Ross Bowers to classmate Dayzell Wilson to close the gap to 10-7 at half.

The Cougars put the only score on the board in the third quarter, a 2 yard run from junior tailback Sam McPherson. But again both teams played stellar defense, as both secondaries intercepted the opposing quarterback in the quarter.

Bothell added a field goal early in the fourth to take their largest lead of the game, seven points. But Bellarmine drove down the field and answered immediately, a pass from Lou Millie to Nick Selden tied the game at 17. Bothell put together a great drive on their next possession, with a first and goal at the six yard line. Just two plays later, Bowers lofted a ball towards the sideline and was intercepted again, returned close to midfield. With 3:11 on the clock, Bellarmine was poised to put together a game winning drive. But penalties and a sack forced the Lions out of field goal range and the game went to overtime, 17-17.

Bellarmine kicked another field goal on their first possession to put the pressure on the Cougars, who were again with a first and goal situation. But Lion Garrett McKay wanted nothing to do with a Cougar touchdown, and intercepted Bowers again, to win the game 20-17. The Lions will play Camas in the state 4A semifinal.

Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Team defense – 4 interceptions, sack, forced fumble
Matthew Philichi – 2 field goals of 37 and 33 yards

The Crusaders Advance to Another State Semifinal

Posted on November 24, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 23th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Meadowdale	0	6	3	7	16
Eastside Catholic	7	0	14	0	21

See game recap below

The Crusaders Advance to Another State Semifinal
By Colin Caruso

On a cold autumn evening in Seattle, the Meadowdale Mavericks made the trip southward to take on the state runner-up from last year, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders. The Crusaders came into the matchup with two losses on the season, one to O’Dea, a team who had already punched their ticket into the state semifinal, and Eastlake, a team who lost in the 4A state quarterfinal to a juggernaut Camas club. Meadowdale essentially backed their way in, four losses on the season but a good win in the round of 16 over Lakes to clinch a quarterfinal birth.

Eastside Catholic began the scoring in the first quarter with a beautiful pass from Harley Kirsch to Devon Arbis-Jackson from 44 yards out. Jackson also added an interception on defense later in the first quarter. But the Mavericks would not take long to answer. Early in the second quarter quarterback Jeremiah Evans put his head down and ran 26 yards into the endzone. Unfortunately, the PAT was missed and the Crusaders held the slightest of leads, 7-6 at half.

Eastside Catholic got a good talking to from coach Theilbar at half and responded well in the third quarter. Outscoring the Mavericks 14-3 in the quarter on the back of a Kirsch pass to sophomore workhorse back Brandon Wellington and a rush from Elisha Pa’aga put this game away. Meadowdale responded with a touchdown midway through the fourth, but couldn’t capitalize and achieve another score.

Eastside Catholic will play their Metro football rival O’Dea in the state semifinal after a 21-16 win over Meadowdale.

Top Performers:

Meadowdale
Jeremiah Evans – 2 TD, 1 rushing of 26 yards and 1 passing of 13 yards

Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch – 2 TD passes of 44 and 69 yards

A Tale of Two Halves; Federal Way Tops Richland

Posted on November 23, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 22th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Federal Way Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Richland	14	14	0	6	34
Federal Way	7	14	14	6	41

See game recap below

A Tale of Two Halves; Federal Way Tops Richland
By Colin Caruso

In a contest that filled both sets of stands and Memorial Stadium, the Federal Way Eagles hosted the Richland Bombers for a spot in the 4A state semifinals. Richland, making the almost 250 mile trip to Federal Way, started the scoring onslaught early. The Bombers put up 14 points in the first quarter on a touchdown run from Nathan Perry and a touchdown pass from Zach Whitby to Hayden Whitby. The Eagles, with a smaller and faster team, started slower and did not break their scoring drought until late in the first with a Keenan Curran QB keeper, his first of two touchdowns on the day.

The scoring continued in the second quarter, with Nathan Perry punching in two more scores for the Bombers and Curran and star running back Chico McClatcher both rushing in scores for the Eagles. The Bombers held a 28-21 lead going into the half and looked poised to make a good push in the second.

The confidence and speed that the Bombers held going into the locker room dwindled during the 15 minute halftime. Federal Way came out executing on all cylinders in the second half, with a half-back passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown from McClatcher in the third quarter alone. Federal Way’s defense began to heat up as well, forcing five turnovers and a punt in Richland’s first six possessions in the second half.

The Bombers were on the ropes early in the fourth, down two scores to a high octane Federal Way offense and a second half smothering defense. McClatcher added two interceptions in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Eagles, 41-34. Federal Way will play the winner of Chiawana vs. Wenatchee for a trip to the state final. This is the first appearance for the Eagles in the state semifinal since 1976.

Top Performers:
Richland
Nathan Perry – 3 total TD, rushing of 18 and 4 yards, 13 yard catch

Federal Way
Keenan Curran – 20 carries for 211 yards, 2 rushing TD, defensive INT
Chico McClatcher – 20 carries for 104 yards, 3 rushing TD, passing TD, 2 defensive INT

Two Years in a Row, Crusaders end Tomahawks Season

Posted on November 18, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 16th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Marysville-Pilchuck High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	14	14	7	7	35
Marysville-Pilchuck	7	7	14	7	28

See game recap below

Two Years in a Row, Crusaders end Tomahawks Season
By Colin Caruso

Kryptonite to the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks comes in the form of the Crusaders from Eastside Catholic. Last year the contest ended in a 64-35 Crusader rout. This year the contest was much, much closer, but still barely out of reach.

With such a highly anticipated game, both stands were completely full and people were spilling out to surround the stadium. The Crusaders broke the 0-0 tie early in the first with a 2 yard run from sophomore workhorse back Brandon Wellington, his first of three scores on the day. But MP was not phased by the Crusader score, and answered with a 39 yard pass from senior Jake Luton to classmate Chris Jones to tie the score at 7-7. Wellington would add his second touchdown later in the first to take a 14-7 Crusader lead into the second quarter.

Star junior Austin Joyner tied the game again for the Tomahawks, this time early in the second frame with an electrifying 47 yard touchdown run. Eastside Catholic answered with two more scores on a pass and a run by sophomore quarterback Harley Kirsch to take a strong 28-14 lead into half.

Marysville-Pilchuck put together their strongest quarter just after half after senior Deion Stell for the Tomahawks punched in two touchdowns. Eastside Catholic 270 lb back rumbled for one score in the third, but MP closed the gap to just seven points entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter saw back and forth action, but no points scored until the final minute of play. With 56.7 seconds left, Tomahawk Austin Joyner ran in from 10 yards on his second touchdown of the day to tie the game at 28. The MP sideline and fans went crazy, enough to make the grandstands start shaking uncontrollably.

But just 20 seconds later, on the Crusaders first play from scrimmage after the tie, Wellington caught a pass out of the backfield and bolted down the right sideline for a 75 yard score. An unbelievable turn of events for the home-side Tomahawks, who thought they were set on an overtime thriller. The Tomahawks were unable to score on a couple of late deep throws, and the Crusaders ended the MP undefeated season with a 35-28 victory.

Top Performers:

Eastside Catholic
Brandon Wellington – 3 total TDs, 2 rushing, 1 receiving
Harley Kirsch – 3 total TDs, 2 passing, 1 rushing

Marysville-Pilchuck
Austin Joyner – 2 TD runs of 47 and 10 yards
Deion Stell – 2 TD runs of 37 and 25 yards

Prosser Holds on after Late Sedro-Woolley Charge

Posted on November 18, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 16th	2013	2A	Boys	Football
Sedro-Woolley High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Prosser	7	7	7	7	28
Sedro-Woolley	6	0	0	19	25

See game recap below

Prosser Holds on after Late Sedro-Woolley Charge
By Colin Caruso

In the second contest of the afternoon at Sedro-Woolley High School, the home team Cubs took on the Prosser Mustangs for a trip to the state quarterfinal. Prosser is accustomed to playing games of this magnitude, with a state title under their belt in 2007 and a couple of second place finishes in the 2000’s. But the Cubs weren’t afraid of the Mustang history, and came out strong with their first possession in front of their unbelievably large fan base.

Senior Shawn Kennedy for the Cubs ran in his first touchdown of the day from 11 yards out on their first possession, but the Cubs failed to make the point after, leading 6-0 early in the first. And then the drought began for the home side Sedro-Wooley club. The Cubs could not break into the strong Prosser defense for almost thirty minutes of football, held scoreless until early in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Prosser didn’t slow down offensively, with quarterback Mason Schutt running for one TD and passing for two more to lead 21-6 entering the fourth.

The Cubs fans did not let their team go down quietly, as Sedro-Woolley began to put their foot on the gas in the final quarter of play. Senior running back Clayton Johnson began the Cub comeback with a 14 yard run to cut the lead to 21-13. But the Mustangs responded with another TD pass from Schutt, his third of the day to bump the lead to 28-13 with less than 9 minutes to play. And Shawn Kennedy answered the call for the Cubs. Two more scores in the next three minutes of play cut the Prosser lead to just three, 28-25 with just over five minutes remaining.

But Sedro-Woolley couldn’t break into the Prosser defense any further, and a late interception by the Mustangs sealed the victory on the road, 28-25.

Top Performers:

Prosser
Mason Schutt – 4 total TD, 3 passing, 1 rush

Sedro-Woolley
Shawn Kennedy – 3 rushing TDs of 41, 13, and 11 yards

Lions and Tigers, Oh My!

Posted on November 18, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 16th	2013	2B	Boys	Football
Sedro-Woolley High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Napavine	7	15	15	7	44
Concrete	8	8	0	0	16

See game recap below

Lions and Tigers, Oh My!
By Colin Caruso

In the 2B playoffs round of sixteen, Sedro-Woolley hosted the Concrete Lions and the Napavine Tigers on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Napavine’s fans came all the way from south of Chehalis, a close to 300 mile round trip to watch their Tigers put on a show, and the athletes did not disappoint.

Concrete jumped out to an early 8-0 lead on a 2 yard rush by senior Josh Rogge and a successful 2-point try. Napavine quickly answered with a 4 yard quarterback draw by Brady Woodrum to cut the lead to 8-7. The Tigers then forced a Lion punt and struck again on a long pass from freshman Wyatt Stanley to classmate Mark Fagerness to take a 14-8 lead. Concrete answered on their next drive with another 2 yard run, this time by Gibson Fichter, and a successful 2-point try by Fichter to take the lead back from the tigers, 16-14.

But the Lions would fail to see the endzone again on the day and Napavine began pouring on the points. Two more Wyatt Stanley touchdown passes and two more rushing touchdowns closed the contest for the Tigers, who pitched a shut out in the second half against a strong Concrete club. Napavine took care of business and will advance to the state quarterfinals with a 44-16 victory.

Top Performer:

Napavine
Wyatt Stanley – 3 TD passes of 30, 11, and 11 yards

O’Dea Runs Wild over the Cats

Posted on November 17, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 15th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mount Si	0	0	0	7	7
O'Dea	7	21	21	0	49

See game recap below

O’Dea Runs Wild over the Cats
By Steven Dion

A drizzly Leon H. Brigham Field at Memorial Stadium in Seattle served as the site for a second round playoff contest between Mount Si and the Fighting Irish. O’Dea head coach Monte Kohler has implemented a run-heavy offense led by an elite backfield of Myles Gaskin and Jack Flor. Mount Si reached the sweet sixteen largely on the arm of Oregon State commit Nick Mitchell. Second ranked O’Dea would demonstrate a great divide against the rest of 3A and the 4th ranked Wildcats.

The first quarter got off to a slow start as drop passes and turnovers plagued both sides early. The battle of field position was altered greatly by strong winds affecting punts positively and negatively. Before the first frame concluded, Myles Gaskin broke off a 76 yard run for six. This first score opened the valve for a surge of more Gaskin touchdowns. By halftime, he logged three more from 6, 12, and 52 yards out. At break, the Fighting Irish led 28-0.

The third quarter picked up where the game left off as Myles Gaskin dazzled the O’Dea sidelines with his fifth and final TD, from 42 yards. Mount Si struggled to wrap up the strong ball carriers from O’Dea as quarterback Pierre LeDorze broke tackles as frequently as MG. Mount Si refused to go scoreless on the contest as senior quarterback/receiver circuit Nick Mitchell and Trevor Daniels connected for a three yard TD completion. At the end of regulation, O’Dea cruised to a 49-7 victory. This result coincided with a 48-6 victory for 1st ranked Bellevue over Glacier Peak. Depending on bracket structure, it seems O’Dea and the Wolverines are poised to meet up down the playoff road.

Top Performer:

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 5 rushing TDs of 76, 52, 42, 12, and 6 yards

Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport

Posted on November 17, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 16th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Newport High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bellarmine Prep	0	14	7	17	38
Newport	14	14	0	7	35

See game video highlights below

Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport
By Steven Dion

The second round of the gridiron postseason featured a marquee matchup between a strong pair of 4A programs in Newport and Bellarmine Prep. Both teams entered the contest with a 7-2 record and a ticket to the final eight up for grabs. Despite cold temperatures and chilling winds, both sidelines were packed with enthusiastic fans rooting on their schools.

The home team got down to business early as the Knights found the end zone twice in the first frame; once through the air and the other on the ground. A 51 yard Drew Sample reception and 52 yard scamper by Conner Baumann created an early 14-0 lead. Baumann’s 6’3 222lb frame continued to punish the Lions’ front seven by notching two more TDs in the first half. The Lions built some momentum late in the 2nd by punching in two scores from QB Lou Millie to Garrett McKay. After trailing 21-0, it was evident that if Bellarmine were to stage a comeback, they would not be able to surrender another score. At the half, the Knights led 28-14.

Both teams exited the locker room with a mindset of increased defensive intensity. Lion linebacker Brandon Thompson and Knight D-line captain Bennett Long were two standout performers on defense, assisting in the process of forcing punts. The lone fumble of the contest was recovered by Newport at the 7:19 mark of the third and appeared a touchdown was the only thing separating them from securing a victory. Minutes later, Bellarmine found themselves in the end zone on a Jamal Ervin run. Newport’s fifth and final TD came early in the 4th, a 54 yard grab by Sample. Trailing 35-21 with only three minutes remaining, the Lions pulled within a score on a McKay touchdown. After a quick three-and-out by the Knights offense, Bellarmine had the ball once again. A run by Ervin and a two point conversion that appeared incomplete to the Newport sideline brought the game to a 35-35 tie.

The hungry BPHS defense forced a turnover on downs less than a minute later and set up kicker Matthew Philichi for a game winner from 20 yards out. The ball sailed through the uprights and sealed an improbable comeback for the 2012 state runner-up. Bellarmine ventures on, Newport finishes with a respectable 7-3 record.

Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Garrett McKay – 3 rec TDs of 57, 12, and 12 yards

Newport
Conner Baumann – 3 rushing TDs of 54, 52, and 4 yards

Even Blackouts can’t Stop the Eastlake Wolves

Posted on November 16, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 15th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Eastlake High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Union	7	13	0	7	27
Eastlake	13	7	7	7	34

See game recap below

Even Blackouts can’t Stop the Eastlake Wolves
By Colin Caruso

The two blackouts on the evening at Eastlake High School didn’t phase the home side from narrowly holding onto their victory over the visiting Union Titans. The first blackout came just minutes before kickoff, and the second with just over four minutes remaining in the game, with Eastlake barely clutching a seven point lead.

Amazingly, the visiting Titans who travelled all the way from Vancouver, Washington, had a great support base and cheer section. The intensity was high for the entire contest, and the game itself did not disappoint. Eastlake scored first on a 35 yard run from junior running back Justin McOmber and Union responded immediately with a 47 yard pass from quarterback Nolan Henry to Alex Berfanger. The Wolves would add another score at the end of the first on Drew Lewis’ first of two touchdowns on the day.

Union came storming back in the second quarter with another touchdown pass from Henry, this time to Tyler Dionne, and a touchdown run from Leon Siofele to take their first and only lead of the game. The Wolves responded with a Richard ‘Blue’ Thomas run that resulted in a fumble but was picked up by fellow Wolf Gage Casal for a score. Shockingly enough, this happened in the fourth quarter as well, where Union fumbled, recovered their own fumble, and scampered for a score. This score for the Titans tied the game at 27.

Just three minutes later, Eastlake put together a fine drive that resulted in the last score of the game, a 1 yard touchdown run by Thomas. Eastlake narrowly escaped defeat, but held on 34-27 after a late interception and fumble recovery on defense. The Wolves will play Camas next weekend in the 4A state quarterfinals.

Top Performers:

Union
Nolan Henry – 2 TD passes of 47 and 4 yards

Eastlake
Drew Lewis – 2 TD runs of 36 and 2 yards

Bellarmine Lights up Knights in Opening Round of Playoffs

Posted on November 11, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 9th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Mt. Tahoma High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Kamiak	14	0	0	7	21
Bellarmine Prep	28	21	7	7	62

See game recap below

Bellarmine Lights up Knights in Opening Round of Playoffs
By Steven Dion

On the same night Bellarmine Prep Lions’ former quarterback Sefo Liufau made his homecoming as starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes against the Washington Huskies, Bellarmine was set to host a first-round playoff game at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma. The perennial 4A powerhouse from the Narrows League was the runner-up in the state finals last year with Liufau at the helm and ended the regular season at 7-2 eager to visit the Tacoma Dome in December once again. However, the Kamiak Knights from the Wesco League were eager to apply their ground-and-pound attack to challenge the Lions.

The scoring spree started early as BPHS Lou Millie tallied a touchdown on a 19-yard QB keeper. On the ensuing kickoff, Bellarmine recovered a fumble and capitalized on one of Nathan Goltermann’s four scores of the ball game. Kamiak responded by incorporating their big tight end Henderson Belk in the aerial attack, culminating in a 24-yard TD reception. However, the Knights could not stop the balanced offense of Prep and trailed 42-14 at halftime.

An early touchdown after the half by Goltermann allowed the clock to roll without stoppage as Bellarmine led by over 40. Kamiak found the end zone for the third and final time on a one-yard QB sneak by Connor Alexander. The Lions’ reserves were incorporated in the second half and a 56 yard scamper for six by Ahmad Lewis put an exclamation point on a well-executed game by the home team.
Bellarmine advances to the round of sixteen, Kamiak’s season is over.

Top Performers:

Bellarmine Prep
Nathan Goltermann – 4 rushing TDs of 56, 8, 3, and 2 yards

O’Dea Makes Quick Work of Kelso

Posted on November 11, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 9th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Kelso	0	0	7	0	7
O'Dea	21	21	0	7	49

See game recap below

O’Dea Makes Quick Work of Kelso
By Colin Caruso

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Seattle Center’s Memorial Stadium, the Hilanders of Kelso took the trip to the big city to face off against Metro’s finest, the O’Dea Fighting Irish. Both teams brought a good fan base, even the Hilander fans making the 125 mile trip.

O’Dea began the scoring onslaught early in the contest. Quarterback Pierre LeDorze threw two touchdowns in the first quarter and added a rushing touchdown in the second. O’Dea running back Myles Gaskin added two rushing touchdowns of his own in the first half, and the Irish took a commanding 42-0 lead into halftime.

The 40 point rule was in effect throughout the second half, shortening up the game as it was fully in O’Dea’s control. Kelso was able to jump on the board late in the third quarter with a touchdown run by Lloyd Melone, which turned out to be their only score of the game. O’Dea added another touchdown in the fourth, and advances to the 3A round of 16 with a 49-7 win.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hilander Tanner Hendrickson and his family. Tanner sustained a head/neck injury in the first quarter and was taken off the field in an ambulance.

Top Performers:

O’Dea
Pierre LeDorze – 2 passing TDs of 18 and 28 yards, rushing TD of 29 yards
Myles Gaskin – 2 rushing TDs of 20 yards and 75 yards

Bothell Drops Puyallup in First Round of Playoffs

Posted on November 9, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 8th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Pop Keeney Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Puyallup	0	0	7	7	14
Bothell	19	14	14	7	54

See game recap below

Bothell Drops Puyallup in First Round of Playoffs
By Steven Dion

The Bothell Cougars had a full week to think about their loss to Skyline last Friday. The 10th ranked team in 4A earned the opportunity to host a first round playoff game versus Puyallup from the SPSL. The Cougs have protected Pop Keeney Stadium nicely this year by beating their opponents by the combined score of 173-34 at home. Tonight was no exception. The Cougs broke the game wide open early by forcing three-and-outs and capitalizing on offense. Sam McPherson returned a punt 70 yards for the score to put BHS up 12-0 in the first. Before halftime, Bothell opened the playbook to the back page by testing senior receiver Cameron Gale’s arm from the flat; a connection with Jackson Keimig in the back of the end zone. At half, the host was up 33-0.

Halftime did not seem to halt the Bothell onslaught as the second half kickoff was returned 100 yards by McPherson. The Viks responded and were finally able to sustain a drive that yielded a handful of red zone snaps, one of which ended with a DJ Winter touchdown. The running clock was in effect during the second half so the scoring subsided greatly. A late score by Bothell was capitalized by a made point-after-touchdown by junior kicker Nicole Daoura. The Cougar sideline erupted as the lone female on either roster notched her first score of the season. Puyallup scored once more on a reception by Levi Jordan to cease the offense for both sides. After four quarters of play, Bothell walked away with a 54-14 win in dominating fashion. The Cougs advance, the Viks end their season 6-4.

Top Performer:

Bothell
Samuel McPherson – 4 total TDs, 2 rushing of 11 and 9 yards, 2 kickoff returns of 70 and 100 yards

Eastside Catholic Runs a Crusade Against the Abes

Posted on November 9, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 8th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Charlie Acosta Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Lincoln	0	7	7	7	21
Eastside Catholic	7	21	13	0	41

See game recap below

Eastside Catholic Runs a Crusade Against the Abes
By Colin Caruso

On a crisp November evening in Sammamish, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders faced off against the Lincoln Abes in the 3A playoffs round of 32. This was a tough first round playoff matchup, with both teams ranked in the top 10 in the state in 3A. Eastside Catholic jumped out to a 21-0 lead early, capitalizing on two Abe turnovers and showing great success in both running and throwing the football. Lincoln needed a first half score and put together a great 2-minute drill drive at the end of the first half, capped off by a 2 yard TD run from sophomore quarterback Jordan Kitna with just 46 seconds remaining in the half. On the ensuing kickoff, Lincoln gave up a 60 yard return and a three play touchdown drive to the Crusaders in just 33 seconds, a brutal blow to the Abes. Eastside Catholic took a comfortable 28-7 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the locker room at half Lincoln needed another quick score to stay in the ballgame and got it on a beautiful pass and catch from Kitna to senior Rayshaun Miller. But again the Crusaders responded, this time a touchdown run from sophomore workhorse back Brandon Wellington, his second touchdown of the game. Both teams added another score before the contest was over, and the Crusaders topped the Abes by a final of 41-21. Eastside Catholic’s next contest will be Marysville-Pilchuck in the round of 16 in Marysville.

Top Performers:

Lincoln
Jordan Kitna – TD pass of 80 yards and TD run of 2 yards

Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch – 3 TD passes of 20 yards, 15 yards, and 22 yards
Brandon Wellington – 2 TD runs of 4 yards and 2 yards

Highline Picks Up First Win of Season in Finale Against Franklin

Posted on November 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	Nov 7th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Highline Memorial	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Franklin	0	6	0	16	22
Highline	14	7	14	7	42

See game recap below

Highline Picks Up First Win of Season in Finale Against Franklin
By Steven Dion

A blustery evening at Highline Memorial Stadium was the perfect recipe for the host Pirates to garner their first win of the season. The obstacle standing in the way of the Pirates’ treasure was Metro League opponent Franklin. The first of several big plays by Highline was a 70 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by junior linebacker Kingston Aloua. Before the first quarter ended, HHS’ Brandon Baker returned a punt 52 yards for a score. Franklin responded early in the second on a 39 yard scamper by James Flowers III. Before halftime, the Pirates scored conventionally on a reception by Baker from Kyle Tief. At break, Highline led 21-6.

Special teams miscues haunted the Quakers in the first half and the trend continued in the final 24 minutes. Brandon Baker took a punt to the house for the second time early in the third, this time from 65 yards out. This gave the Pirates a comfortable lead that was sustainable for the remainder of the contest. Montae Rainwater scurried to the corner pylon from three yards out in Lodrigo Omar’s jersey after Rainwater’s was ripped on a run. The fourth quarter featured a resurgence by the Quakers, but it was too late. Scores from Flowers III and a passing touchdown by Montique Jenkins highlighted the final frame for Franklin. When the horn sounded, Highline picked up their coveted first victory of the season with a 42-22 result.

Top Performers:

Franklin
James Flowers III – 2 rushing TDs of 39 and 2 yards

Highline
Brandon Baker – 3 total TDs, 2 punt returns from 65 & 52 yards, one reception of 17 yards

Spanaway Lake Offense Erupts Versus Mount Rainier

Posted on November 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	Nov 7th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Highline Memorial	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Spanaway Lake	8	16	8	6	38
Mount Rainier	0	0	6	0	6

See game recap below

Spanaway Lake Offense Erupts Versus Mount Rainier
By Steven Dion

The final game for both SPSL’s Rams and Sentinels was played at a windy, rainy Highline Memorial Stadium Thursday night. This game did not have any playoff implications but school pride was on the line, and the effort displayed during all 48 minutes was evident. Spanaway Lake set the tone early by establishing the running game and finding the end zone on a 14-yard run by Kyle Mason. The Sentinels’ ability to pound the ball up the field on the ground led to lengthy possessions. Joseph Martin punched in a 3-yard QB keeper to give Spanaway Lake a 14-0 lead early in the second frame. A safety and another Martin score were added before intermission to give SLHS a 24-0 lead.

The teams emerged from the locker room to close out their seasons with a more competitive second half of play. Ram senior quarterback Matthew Dammeier remained poised in the pocket despite heavy pressure by the likes of Augustus Ndow. Mount Rainier found the scoreboard on a goal-line push, but the incompletion on the two-point conversion squelched any chance of a comeback. The Sentinels were able to find the end zone twice more before the final buzzer to finish the season on a high note with a 38-6 win.

theFinalScore.tv Rankings

Posted on November 7, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

theFinalScore.tv Football Pre-Playoff Rankings

4A:
1. Camas
2. Graham-Kapowsin
3. Skyline
4. Chiawana
5. Ferris
6. Union
7. Edmonds-Woodway
8. Curtis
9. Richland
10. Bothell

3A:
1. Bellevue
2. O’Dea
3. Marysville-Pilchuck
4. Mount Si
5. Shadle Park
6. Eastside Catholic
7. Lincoln
8. Mt. Spokane
9. Glacier Peak
10. Blanchet

2A:
1. Tumwater
2. Lynden
3. Sumner
4. Ellensburg
5. Lakewood
6. WF West
7. Lindbergh
8. Mark Morris
9. RA Long
10. Othello

Bellevue Christian Lights up Scoreboard Against Chimacum

Posted on November 4, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 2nd	2013	1A	Boys	Football
Mac Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Chimacum	0	0	0	0	0
Bellevue Christian	21	21	14	0	56

See game recap below

Bellevue Christian Lights up Scoreboard Against Chimacum
By Steven Dion

The first of two crossover games for the Vikings of Clyde Hill and Cowboys from the peninsula was played on a chilly Saturday night on Mac Field at Lake Washington High School. This was the second matchup between the two squads; the first contest a 28-6 victory by BCHS at Chimacum on September 20. The six weeks between then and now demonstrate drastic separation between the two teams. The Viks were able to double their offensive output by putting up a staggering 56 points while pitching a defensive shutout in the process.

The first score of the game was a dazzling 70-yard run by Viking QB Kemper McQuaid. The 5’10 senior was effective with his legs as well as his arm as he tallied 5 total touchdowns, all in the first half. The BCHS offensive line allowed McQuaid along with the other backfield options like Josh Hazen and Michael Dougherty to get to the edge and turn up field. A wrecking ball on offense and defense was Vik TE/DL Tate Razor. His ability to catch passes over defenders and run through defensive lineman was a difference make in the contest. The display of sportsmanship was top notch despite the lopsided score as opposing players picked each other up and gave helmet taps after plays to show respect for the competition. The final score was Bellevue Christian 56 Chimacum 0. With the win, BCHS travels to Nooksack Valley to face the Pioneers next Friday.

Top Performers:

Bellevue Christian
Kemper McQuaid – 5 total TDs

Bellevue Closes Another Undefeated Regular Season

Posted on November 2, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 1st	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Bellevue High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mercer Island	0	7	0	0	7
Bellevue	7	21	7	14	49

See game recap below

Bellevue Closes Another Undefeated Regular Season
By Colin Caruso

In somewhat of a rivalry game, the Bellevue Wolverines were matched with the Mercer Island Islanders to close another undefeated regular season for the Wolverines. The rivalry is much more apparent in basketball, as these two teams battle competitively on the hard-court but Bellevue has had the upper hand on the gridiron.

Bellevue struck fast and early, with a 78 yard touchdown pass from QB Timmy Haehl to sophomore standout receiver Isaiah Gilchrist. The story of this game was Gilchrist, who added another touchdown catch and a blocked FG return for a touchdown, for three scores on the day. The Wolverines scored 28 points in the first half but allowed a late score to the Islanders, a pass from backup QB Alfonso Gonzalez to Eric Kim to trim the lead to 28-7 at half.

Bellevue was again dominate in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points to secure the 49-7 victory and another undefeated regular season. Mercer Island, after three losses to close the season, will finish with a respectable 4-4 record.

Top Performers:
Mercer Island
Alfonso Gonzalez – TD pass

Bellevue
Isaiah Gilchrist – 3TD (2 receiving, one blocked FG return)
Timmy Haehl – 2TD passes of 78 and 41 yards

Oak Harbor Improves Playoff Path with Win Over Meadowdale

Posted on November 2, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 1st	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Edmonds Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Oak Harbor	0	13	0	14	27
Meadowdale	0	2	6	0	8

See game recap below

Oak Harbor Improves Playoff Path With Win Over Meadowdale
By Steven Dion

A 3A Wesco showdown between the Mavericks of Meadowdale and Oak Harbor Wildcats carried significant playoff implications. This matchup on Friday night at Edmonds Stadium provided the winner with hosting Mount Si next week; the loser to travel to 3A juggernaut Bellevue to take on the Wolverines. Both teams got off to a slow start as no points were put on the board in the first quarter. The field position battle was evident early as big runs by Wildcat tailbacks Dejon Devroe and Julian Faralan and booming punts by Mavericks’ Taylor Linton neutralized one another. Meadowdale was credited with a safety after a Wildcat long snap rolled out of the end zone. However, Oak Harbor responded by turning a Savion Hollins-Passmore interception into a touchdown run by Faralan. Before half, O.H. found the end zone once more on a 52-yard strike from Clay Doughty to Dyllan Harris. Score at the break was 13-2 in favor of the visitors.

When play resumed, the Mavericks quickly brought the game back with one possession on a 1-yard run by Muhleak Braxton. Perhaps the most critical play of the game occurred minutes later and likely decided the victor. Meadowdale drove down the field after forcing a quick three-and-out after the Braxton TD. As a Maverick receiver was diving into the end zone, the ball was jarred loose and recovered by Oak Harbor. This play deflated a Meadowdale squad which began to capture the momentum of the contest. From that point on, the Mavs offense struggled as dropped balls hurt QB Jerremiah Evans’ confidence, who threw a pair of late interceptions. Oak Harbor capitalized on TD scampers by Princeton Lollar and Faralan for the second time. When the final buzzer sounded, the Wildcats walked away with a 27-8 victory.

Top Performers:
Oak Harbor
Julian Faralan – 2 rushing TDs of 6 and 17 yards

Meadowdale
Muhleak Braxton – rushing TD