Archbishop Murphy Routs King’s, Remains Undefeated

Posted on October 25, 2015 by Steven Dion

Friday	Oct 23th	2015	2A/1A	Boys	Football
Woolsey Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Archbishop Murphy	7	14	14	14	49
King's	0	7	0	0	7

See game recap below

Archbishop Murphy Routs King’s, Remains Undefeated
By Steve Dion

There are two leaders in the Cascade League that have emerged from the rest of the pack and week eight would retain one of two blemish-free records between Archbishop Murphy and King’s. The visiting AM Wildcats entered the ballgame with a remarkable 353-19 scoring tally in the first seven games. Jim Shapiro’s home King’s squad opened the season with an impressive victory over perennial 2A contender Lynden and kept winning. It was senior night for King’s at Woolsey Stadium; would the Knights defend their home field against league rival?

After receiving the opening kickoff, Wildcat tailback Kerry Jackson rumbled 82 yards to the house and gave AMHS an early lead. This immediate strike gave the visitors an upper hand off the bat and would serve as a catalyst for the remainder of the contest. Midway through the first, the Knight’s defended a fake punt by AM in Wildcat territory. Would the Knight’s make them pay? Nope. Anfernee Gurley intercepted a Knight’s pass thirty seconds later and was rewarded with a 10 yard touchdown pass by Connor Johnson on the first play of the second quarter. King’s put together a scoring drive set up by a Jake Welch pick that allowed Andrew Cline to pound the rock into the endzone and bring the score to 21-7. Archbishop Murphy didn’t blink. Kerry Jackson scored another touchdown minutes later after steamrolling a King’s defender at the goal line. At the half, the visitor led 21-7.

The opening drive for King’s in the second half seemed important to set the tone for the remainder of the ball game. Unfortunately, they were unable to move the sticks and were forced to punt immediately. The Wildcats put the game out of reach on the ensuing drive when Jackson completed the hat trick on another touchdown run. The rout was in full effect as Archbishop Murphy recorded 21 more points before the final whistle. With a 49-7 final score, Archbishop Murphy has emerged as the clear favorite in the Cascade League. However, King’s has the ability to steer the ship back in the right direction moving forward. They need to get some key starters healthy and put this fluky loss behind them.

The Final Score:
Archbishop Murphy 49, King’s 7

Kentwood Maintains Divisional Dominance

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Steven Dion

Friday	Oct 16th	2015	4A SPSL	Boys	Football
French Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	14	21	13	6	54
Bishop Blanchet	6	0	0	0	6

See game recap below

Kentwood Maintains Divisional Dominance
By Steve Dion

The Conks have been a force to be reckoned with for several years and have established themselves once again as a top dog in the 4A classification. However, the other Kent schools that share French Field appear to be gradually closing the gap. Kent-Meridian stepped up to the plate with an opportunity to grab a crucial win against the division-leading Conquerors. The pregame events concluded with a firework show and proved to be a symbol for the style of game out of the chutes.

Within the first four minutes, there were three interceptions. This frenetic start for both offenses led to limited production early on. KW struck first as senior tailback Isaiah Williams moved the chains several times and was rewarded with the game’s first points. He deceived the KM defense by acting as a blocker on as quarterback Brian Campbell shifted to the left. Williams broke toward the left and Campbell found him uncovered and a short 5 yards from the endzone for six points. Kent-Meridian received a boost by Shamar Malik-Woollery as the running back/defensive back combo made an impact on both sides of the field. He took an interception back into deep Kentwood territory, but the Royals failed to capitalize. These would be the only points of the first half as the Royals failed to challenge the Conks red zone defense.

Kentwood’s Connor Benson took the opening kickoff of the second half 80 yards which eventually set up Campbell for a 3 yard quarterback sneak touchdown. Davonte Sanchez led the Conqueror defense with a toughness that limited KMHS offensive success. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Kent-Meridian punched it in to avoid the shutout, but the fate of the game was sealed. The Conks secured a comfortable 28-7 victory and continue to dominate the SPSL Northeast division in 2015.

The Final Score:
Kentwood 28, Kent-Meridian 7

Student-Athlete Interview with Tumwater’s Cade Otton

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Steven Dion

2015 Varsity Football Live Interview
Tumwater Thunderbirds – Junior
Cade Otton

Grandson of longtime Tumwater head coach Sid Otton and current junior for the T-Birds Cade Otton talks to Dick Fain about his high school football experience thus far. He also discusses his involvement with Shirts Across America and the positive takeaways he had from his time with the organization that is focused on helping those affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

To catch the complete radio interview with Tumwater Junior Cade Otton, simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Coach Interview with Tumwater Head Coach Sid Otton

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Steven Dion

2015 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Tumwater Thunderbirds – Head Football Coach
Sid Otton

The winningest head coach in Washington high school football history Sid Otton joins Dick Fain for a few minutes to talk about his 2015 team and the successful Tumwater program over the years. He also chats about his Grandson Cade whom currently plays for the T-Birds and makes him proud on and off the field. This is a must-listen interview with a local legend.

To catch the complete radio interview with Tumwater Coach Sid Otton, simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Coach Interview with Lake Stevens’ Head Coach Tom Tri

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Steven Dion

2015 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Lake Stevens Vikings – Head Football Coach
Tom Tri

Lake Stevens has emerged as a top 4A team in 2015 led by Georgia commit Jacob Eason as the Vikings will strive to improve on their elite 8 finish in 2014. Dick Fain catches up with head coach Tom Tri as he talks about his playmakers and expecatations this season.

To catch the complete radio interview with Lake Stevens Coach Tom Tri, simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Eastside Catholic Remains Unscathed, Tops Blanchet on Senior Night

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Steven Dion

Friday	Oct 9th	2015	3A	Boys	Football
Acosta Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	14	21	13	6	54
Bishop Blanchet	6	0	0	0	6

See game recap below

Eastside Catholic Remains Unscathed, Tops Blanchet on Senior Night
By Steve Dion

First year coach of Bishop Blanchet Kyle Moore led his team to one of the biggest wins in program history in week five of the 2015 campaign as they knocked off O’Dea for the first time in over two decades. The Braves were rewarded by putting their 5-0 record on the line against the top team in the state Eastside Catholic at Acosta Field on the plateau. Coach Thielbahr’s Crusaders are firing on all cylinders in the state championship title defense season. Two teams entered the contest undefeated, which record would remain intact?

The home team put their offense on the field following a quick defensive stop and turned the possession into a score by Devon Arbis-Jackson in which the senior wideout shed multiple tackles. The critical drive following this Cru touchdown was highly successful for Blanchet as Alex Freeman marched his team down the field and O’Shea Trujillo closed the deal by crossing the goal line shortly after BBHS converted on a 4th and 21. Minutes later, Harley Kirsch found himself in the endzone after a 4-yard quarterback sneak to put ECHS up by 8. The Crusader defense started to clamp down on the green and yellow clad Braves as linebacker Noah Failauga among others controlled the middle of the field. A 62 yard punt return for touchdown by captain Jonathan Webster extended the Eastside Catholic lead and the blowout was starting to take form.

Missed opportunities for Blanchet such as not recovering a fumble forced on their 1 yard line played into their inability to keep pace with the state champs. Trailing 35-6 at the break, the fate of the game was virtually sealed as Kirsch and Co. entered halftime on a 6-yard touchdown run at the buzzer.

The lopsided matchup continued into the second half as the home squad would log 19 more points for a total of 54. What’s more is the Crusader defense disallowed any second half points for Blanchet. With the win, EC will likely run the table in league play with bigger goals in mind during late November and early December. Blanchet will retain its position in the second tier of Metro and fight for seeding once postseason play begins.

The Final Score: Eastside Catholic 54 Bishop Blanchet 6

Blanchet Ends 22-Year Winless Streak to O’Dea in Comeback Fashion

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Steven Dion

Friday	Oct. 2	2015	3A	Boys	Football
Bishop Blanchet High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bishop Blanchet	7	0	0	26	33
O'Dea	0	14	7	0	21

Blanchet Ends 22-Year Winless Streak to O’Dea in Comeback Fashion
By Steve Dion

All good things come to an end. For the O’Dea Fighting Irish, their 22-year streak of victories against league opponent Bishop Blanchet did just that Friday night. A large crowd amassed at BBHS to see two undefeated Metro teams battle to maintain a blemish-free record. The home crowd would be rewarded for staying a full four quarters.

BBHS nearly scored early in the game as quarterback Alex Freeman was approaching the endzone coughed up the ball and was smothered by an O’Dea defender for a touchback. However, the defense held strong for first-year Braves Head Coach Kyle Moore. Freeman was able to avenge the early turnover when he connected with Jamiek Satterwhite for a 17 yard strike. O’Dea woke up after that score as their quarterback Nathan West’s nerves appeared to settle down. He matched Blanchet’s touchdown with a 17 yard dart to Sam Sanchez and followed that up with a 21 yard pass to Race Porter following a Blanchet fumble. The Irish carried a 14-7 lead into the half.

An interesting coaching decision that proved successful for the Braves was staying on the field during the intermission. It appeared that Blanchet’s players were gassed and Moore chose to refrain from making his team schlep down the hill into the team locker room.
This payed dividends early as a renewed sense of green and gold energy resulted in an interception by Ryan Howard. Unfortunately, the offense stalled and were forced to give the ball back up. Monte Kohler’s troops responded with a sustained drive that culminated with a 1-yard quarterback sneak by West which was set up by multiple strong runs by tailback Hunter Franco. That would be the Fighting Irish’s last points of the game.

The Braves began their improbable rally by finding the endzone to bring it back within a score. They would then recover a pair of onside kicks and fumble recovery for touchdown. But a lead was not enough. After taking over with a six minutes remaining, the Braves tacked on another touchdown for good measure to secure a 34-21 victory and end to a streak older than any player on the field!

The Final Score: Bishop Blanchet 33 O’Dea 21