University Prep Pumas Pounce on Eastside Prep

Posted on December 18, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday Dec 14th	1A Boys Basketball
University Prep High	Final
Eastside Prep	28
University Prep	74

See game recap below

University Prep Pumas Pounce on Eastside Prep
By Steven Dion

On a night with a light slate of high school hoops, there was business to take care of between host University Prep and Eastside Preparatory at the Puma Dome. The visiting Eagles’ roster was a few men short of a full nest which meant long minutes for the squad from Kirkland. The Pumas established their dominance early as they got into a groove converting transition buckets and shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. After the contest UPrep coach Bill Sauvage emphasized the importance of staying disciplined and not straying from Puma basketball in contests that are one-sided. Eagle junior James Rimmer knocked down some jumpers to build some competitive momentum for EPHS.

Unlike Eastside, the Pumas had the luxury of spreading minutes to the extent of their bench. With a running clock for the bulk of the second half, the scoring was reduced based on the time constraints. When the buzzer sounded, the Pumas picked up a comfortable win in front of the home crowd by the final score of 74-28. Coach Sauvage says his UPrep team has tough games ahead, so enjoy the win, but understand there is much work to be done. When his team shoots well and rebounds efficiently despite being slightly undersized, the Pumas can challenge for a Northwest crown this season.

With a Fourth Quarter Surge, Franklin Boys Top Mountlake Terrace

Posted on December 16, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 14th	2013	3A	Boys	Basketball
Highline CC	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Franklin	10	16	11	21	58
Mountlake Terrace	12	11	18	12	53

See game recap below

With a Fourth Quarter Surge, Franklin Boys Top Mountlake Terrace
By Colin Caruso

Talk about a very evenly matched game with playoff implications, both of these teams will have a legitimate shot at playing late into February. With Highline Community College as the destination, the Franklin Quakers took on the Mountlake Terrace Hawks for out of conference bragging rights. Both teams returned strong players from last season, making this a great matchup.

The game was close throughout, with neither team taking more than a seven point lead. The matchup held 7 ties and 12 lead changes, with back and forth action from tip off to the final whistle. After a strong third quarter from the Hawks, Mountlake Terrace took a four point lead into the fourth quarter.

On the back of Eugene Artison Jr. and Keith Smith Jr., the Quakers started the fourth quarter with a bang and took a two point lead with just under two minutes to play. A couple of plays later, senior star Greg Bowman for the Hawks ran coast to coast for a game tying layup and he was fouled for an and one. Unfortunately, he missed the free-throw and the game was tied at 52. After the Quakers failed to convert on their next possession, they fouled Yonnas Tewolde of the Hawks who hit one of two from the line for a 1 point Hawk lead. The remaining 36 seconds in the game all belonged to Franklin.

A layup by Quaker Jamari Lewis and four free-throws for Smith Jr. after two costly Hawk turnovers gave the final six points to Franklin. This proved to be the difference in the game, as Franklin won 58-53.

Top Performers:
Franklin
Keith Smith Jr. – 29 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Eugene Artison Jr. – 14 points, 9 rebounds

Mountlake Terrace
Greg Bowman – 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals

Todd Beamer’s Stifling D Smothers Inglemoor

Posted on December 16, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 14th	2013	4A	Boys	Basketball
Highline CC	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Inglemoor	7	4	7	15	33
Todd Beamer	8	20	12	13	53

See game recap below

Todd Beamer’s Stifling D Smothers Inglemoor
By Colin Caruso

The Todd Beamer Titans gave the Inglemoor Vikings a long Saturday afternoon, allowing just 11 points in the first half to the Vikings, and forcing nine steals. The first quarter was close, with Beamer taking the slightest one point lead into the second. But with a veteran team with the likes of Trey Burch-Manning and Bogdon Bliznyuk, you knew the Titans were going to start heating up.

The Beamer 1-3-1 press in the second quarter was stifling. They forced turnover after turnover and the Vikings could not seem to figure the press out. After a 20-4 second quarter in favor of the Titans, the game was fully in Todd Beamer’s hands.

Beamer came out in the second half still hot from the second quarter, but slowed the game down as the third quarter winded down. In the fourth, Lynnwood was finally able to break the 10 point mark in a quarter, scoring 15 against the Titan reserves. Beamer showed a great defensive performance in this game. Don’t be surprised if you see them playing late in February like they did last year.

Top Performers:
Inglemoor
William Luckett – 9 points, 8 rebounds

Todd Beamer
Trey Burch-Manning – 16 points, 8 rebounds
Bogdon Bliznyuk – 12 points, 8 rebounds

Lynnwood Girls Take Down Mount Rainier in Double OT Thriller

Posted on December 16, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 14th	2013	4A	Girls	Basketball
Highline CC	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT1	OT2	Final
Lynnwood	13	12	11	9	5	7	57
Mt. Rainier	7	14	10	14	5	4	54

See game recap below

Lynnwood Girls Take Down Mount Rainier in Double OT Thriller
By Colin Caruso

In a battle between some of the best girls basketball teams in the state of Washington, the Lynnwood Royals took on the Mount Rainier Rams in the 2013 Muscle Milk Preview tournament at Highline Community College. Lynnwood took charge in the first half, doing well containing the dangerous McPhee twins by holding them to just nine first half points. The Royals also dominated the glass, grabbing ten more rebounds than the Rams leading towards ten more first half shot attempts. Lynnwood took a four point lead into the half, but they controlled the pace of play and led by as many as nine.

Mount Rainier began to heat up in the second half on the back of Emily Fiso, who finished with 15 points on the day. She hit a layup with just over a minute to play to cut the Royal lead to two points, 42-40. After the Royals failed to convert on their next possession, Jordan McPhee knocked down a three pointer for the Rams with just 22 seconds left on the clock, giving them their first lead since the first quarter. But Monty Cooper responded for the Royals with just 12 seconds left with a three of her own, giving the Royals a two point lead. You know Brittney McPhee was going to get into the action at some point, and the future Stanford Cardinal made a game tying layup on Mount Rainier’s next possession to send the game to OT.

Lynnwood controlled the first overtime as well, going ahead by as many as five points in the short frame. But Fiso struck again for the Rams, knocking down a three with 13 seconds in the frame to tie the game at 50 and send this great game to another overtime.

Lynnwood again took control of the second overtime, as both McPhee twins fouled out early in the final frame. This proved to be the difference in the game, without Jordan and Brittney the Rams were in trouble. Lynnwood closed out the game at the free-throw line, and a last second attempt from Rams guard Aqeelah Williams fell just short to give Lynnwood a 57-54 win.

Top Performers:
Lynnwood
Mikayla Pivec – 12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals
Jasmin Edwards – 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
Monty Cooper – 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals

Mount Rainier
Brittany McPhee – 18 points, 20 rebounds, 3 steals
Jordan McPhee – 10 points, 11 rebounds
Emily Fiso – 15 points, 6 rebounds

Orme’s Last-Second Bucket Propels O’Dea Over Eastside Catholic

Posted on December 14, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Dec 13th	2013	3A	Boys	Basketball
O'Dea High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	16	13	14	20	63
O'Dea	16	14	14	20	64

See game recap below

Orme’s Last-Second Bucket Propels O’Dea Over Eastside Catholic
By Steven Dion

In the sink or swim Metro League, games in December are crucial to keeping up with the pack. This mid-December affair with the host Fighting Irish of O’Dea and Eastside Catholic Crusaders felt like a late-February matchup. There were lead changes from the tip off to the final seconds of the contest. There was a sense of heated familiarity between the student sections as the Crusaders knocked off O’Dea in the football semifinals two weeks ago.

The first quarter set the tone for the game as buckets were traded and momentum swings were brief. Crusader junior guard Mandrell Worthy scored 7 of his game-high 23 points in the first frame. He shot an impressive 10 of 11 from the charity stripe. O’Dea found some rhythm in transition late in the second quarter, finishing at the rim and earning trips to the line. The home team took a one-point lead into the locker room, 30-29.

The intensity rose in the third quarter as slashers like O’Dea’s Jamie Orme and EC’s Matisse Thybulle fired up their squad with dunks. The Irish’s aggression on the offensive boards led to second-shots and free-throws. As the fourth quarter progressed, it became evident that the team with the final possession would win the contest. Eastside Catholic Crusader senior Zach Wallin buried a three with 18 seconds remaining to take a 63-62 lead. On the ensuing possession, Tyler Kidd worked his way into the paint for a four-footer; it clanged off the back iron, but Orme was there for the put-back to give O’Dea the lead. A desperation shot at the buzzer by EC hit the rim, but didn’t fall through. O’Dea escaped with the 64-63 win.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Mandrell Worthy – 23 points (10/11 FTs)

O’Dea
Tyler Kidd – 20 points

Down 13……1 Minute to Play,
Chiawana Comes Back to Win the
State Title?

Posted on December 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

: Camas prior to Kickoff of State Title Game.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Blake Bishop of Chiawana pulls down the ball carrier.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Chiawana Fans during the game.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

Saturday	Dec 7th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Chiawana	7	6	0	14	27
Camas	0	6	20	0	26

See game recap below

Down 13, 1 Minute to Play, Chiawana Comes Back to Win the State Title?
By Colin Caruso

I will spare you the details that can be spared. Chiawana played Camas in the Tacoma Dome for the 4A Washington state final on Saturday night, and neither team had ever played for a football state title prior to this game. The favorite, the Camas Papermakers, came into the contest winning every game by a minimum of 19 points and scoring an average of 56.6 points per game. The underdog, the Chiawana Riverhawks, held a perfect season with one blemish, a loss in Coeur d’Alene to Lake City High School.

Chiawana held the powerful Papermaker offense in check for the first half, with Camas’ only score coming on a 55 yard fumble recovery where the football looked like a pinball bouncing off bumpers. Unfortunately for the Riverhawks, the bumpers were Chiawana players. Chiawana had three players with legitimate opportunities to pick up this football yet they all somehow missed, and Michael Johnson for the Papermakers bolted the other direction with the football Camas’ only first half score.

The offense for the Riverhawks in the first half was pretty consistent. They scored two touchdowns; the first a Clifton Lozano run and the second a Clifton Lozano catch. Due to the kicking woes of both teams, Chiawana led 13-6 at the break.

Camas dominated the first 23 minutes of the second half, which equates to all but one minute of the remainder of the game. The Papermakers scored three touchdowns in this timeframe, two of which were passes from Reilly Hennessey, and the other a Nate Beasley rushing touchdown. Beasley also caught one of Hennessey’s two passing scores. Camas led 26-13, with their final offensive possession of the season resulting in a turnover on downs to Chiawana with just over a minute to play.

This is when Chiawana decided to win the football game, down 13 points, not having scored in the second half, with 1:05 on the fourth quarter clock and no timeouts.

On the next play, Chiawana quarterback Joey Zamora dropped back to pass and threw a 57 yard touchdown strike to Dre Dorton. After the successful PAT, the Riverhawks trailed 26-20 with 55 seconds on the clock. (There were four (4) PATs missed in this game, FOUR) I shrug my shoulders and ask who is this going to haunt?

Chiawana attempts an onside kick, the ball pops probably 15 feet in the air, 10 young men all leap for the ball, the Riverhawks recover on the Camas 43. This brought an urgent silence to the Camas sideline.

Joey Zamora’s next pass finds Camas’ only player, Dylan White, without two usable hands because one was so heavily casted, and amazingly pinballs (just like before, but this time in the air) into Chiawana’s WR, Blake Bishop’s hands for a completed pass and a first down. Zamora’s next pass is a heave into the end zone, but he benefits from a pass interference call, moving the ball closer to the goal line. Chiawana’s next play results in a Zamora rush up the middle for a first down on the Camas four yard line, followed by a spike to stop the clock at 5 seconds.

Everyone in the Tacoma Dome is thinking, “What in the world…..is going on here?!?!?!”

I watch as Zamora rolls right on the final play. Receiver Blake Bishop runs a slant, it’s covered, but he turns back outside to run parallel with his quarterback towards the Camas sideline. He’s open. Oh my goodness he’s actually open.

Zamora throws another strike, Bishop catches, looks down at both of his feet which are in bounds by a yard, and celebrates with the clock at 0:00. They are tied at 26 and need the PAT to win. The PAT which in this game is as rare as papa’s steak on the dinner table (and that’s rare).

Matt Winn steps up to take the kick. What is going through his mind? Winn kicks the ball, it whistles through the uprights. Are you kidding me?

Chiawana scores two touchdowns in less than 1 minute to win by 1 point in the 4A Washington state final, 27-26. My hat goes off to the Camas team, coaches, fans, the whole town; this is the most difficult athletic loss they will ever endure.

No one could believe what happened; I’ve never seen so many people cry in agony on one side and in ecstasy on the other. This game reminds us why we play sports.

The 2014 football season is officially a wrap…….

Top Performers:
Chiawana
Joey Zamora – 17/32 for 301 yards, 3TD
Clifton Lozano – 28 carries for 162 yards, 1TD, 3 catches for 44 yards, 1TD

Camas
Reilly Hennessey – 10/22 for 184 yards, 2TD
Nate Beasley – 24 carries for 162 yards, 1TD, 1 catch for 74 yards, 1TD

Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Win Second Straight Hyphen Bowl; Back to Back 2B Titles

Posted on December 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 7th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Lind-Ritzville-Sprague	7	0	0	0	7
Morton-White Pass	0	0	0	0	0

See game recap below

Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Win Second Straight Hyphen Bowl; Back to Back 2B Titles
By Colin Caruso

In this year’s hyphen bowl, for the second year in a row the Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Broncos faced off against the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves for the 2B Washington state football title. The defending champs Lind-Ritzville were going for two straight, while Morton-White Pass was attempting to break their two game losing streak in the 2B football final in Tacoma.

Lind-Ritzville-Sprague started this contest with a bang. They received the opening kickoff and their first play resulted in a 69 yard touchdown run from senior running back Connor O’Neill. Little did they know, but that would be the only score of the game, just 15 seconds into the contest. Morton-White Pass put together a nice drive to counter but they could not convert on a fourth and 11 in the red zone. LRS led 7-0 after one quarter.

The defenses kept up their sturdy play in the second quarter, with neither team putting together a drive that led to a score. The Broncos held on to their 7-0 lead into the half.

Neither team was able to offensively convert again in the third quarter. Morton-White Pass forced a fumble and recovered in Broncos territory but after a penalty and a 14 yard sack, the Timberwolves had to punt the ball again back to Lind-Ritzville.

After a LRS punt back to Morton-White Pass, the Timberwolves fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and gave the Broncos good field position, on the Timberwolves 34 yard line. But again the Timberwolves defense held firm and forced a turnover on downs.

Morton-White Pass’ last ditch effort came on a fourth and ten in Bronco territory, but Rylon Kolb’s pass was intercepted, which sealed the contest for Lind-Ritzville-Sprague. Congratulations to the Broncos for winning their second state title in a row!

Top Performers:
Lind-Ritzville-Sprague
Connor O’Neill – 16 carries for 121 yards and the only touchdown

Lynden Lions Win 3rd Straight 2A State Title; Fifth Title in Six Seasons

Posted on December 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 7th	2013	2A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Lynden	14	14	7	3	38
Tumwater	7	6	0	15	28

See game recap below

Lynden Lions Win 3rd Straight 2A State Title; Fifth Title in Six Seasons
By Colin Caruso

You know you have a battle on your hands when you have the two time defending champion Lynden Lions playing last year’s runner up and 2010 champion, the Tumwater Thunderbirds. Both teams began the game undefeated and brought monstrous fan sections for support.

Lynden jumped all over the Thunderbirds early, as the Lions forced an early fumble, recovered by Blake Browning and returned for a 40 yard touchdown. The Lions also capitalized on a short punt on Tumwater’s next possession and two plays later scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass to Scooter Hastings to take a 14-0 lead.

Tumwater needed a response, and junior running back Trevor Davis answered with a beautiful cutback run for a 47 yard score to close the Lynden lead to 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Davis touchdown didn’t slow the Lions one bit, they responded with an 11 play, 83 yard drive capped off by a Sterling Somers 1 yard run. Both teams would add another score before the half, and Lynden had a strong 28-13 lead going into the locker room.

After a punt from each team to start the second half, Lynden put together a five play 67 yard drive, finished off by another Jaremy Martin rushing TD. The Lions took a commanding 35-13 lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Following Martin’s touchdown, the Thunderbirds were able to put together a quality drive of their own to give some life to their team. The drive was capped off by a quarterback keeper that was fumbled but recovered by tight end Nick Foerstel for a one yard score. With a successful two point try, the lead was again just 14 for the Lions, 35-21.

After a snap that quarterback Lions quarterback Sterling Somers was not prepared for, the Thunderbirds jumped on the loose ball and took possession on their own 48 yard line, down 14 with under nine minutes to play. They turned that possession into a five minute scoring drive, to cut the Lion lead to just seven with 4:26 on the clock.

Tumwater lined up for the onside kick and they just missed recovering, and the Lions received possession and drove down for a game clinching Alex Otano-Guenther 30 yard field goal. Congratulations to the Lynden Lions for winning three straight 2A state finals!

Top Performers:
Lynden
Sterling Somers – 16/21 263 yards and 1TD, 10 carries for 31 yards and 1TD
Jaremy Martin – 12 carries for 90 yards and 2TD

Tumwater
Jayden Croft – 11 carries for 24 yards and 2TD

The Scotties take the 1A State Crown to Freeman

Posted on December 8, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Dec 7th	2013	1A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mount Baker	6	7	0	0	13
Freeman	7	12	6	6	31

See game recap below

The Scotties take the 1A State Crown to Freeman
By Colin Caruso

The Washington state 1A football state final saw two teams both vying for their first ever state championship. The Freeman Scotties had made one trip to the championship game back in 2004, and this was the Mount Baker Mountaineers first ever trip to the finals.

Freeman started the game about as well as you can, with Marcus Goldbach returning the opening kickoff 85 yards for a score. Mount Baker responded with an eight minute touchdown drive of their own, capped by a 1 yard run from Liam Short. Their PAT was missed, and Freeman took a 7-6 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams put together scoring drives early in the second quarter, with Mount Baker blocking the point after from Freeman’s second score to keep the game tied at 13.

The Scotties were at it again after Mount Baker’s score. A five play 84 yard drive finished by a 2 yard run from Max Laib, his second on the day, gave Freeman a 19-13 lead that they rode into halftime after another missed PAT.

Mount Baker received the second half kickoff and was forced to punt the ball back to the Scotties. Freeman made great use of their possession again, compiling a 10 play 91 yard drive ending in another Marcus Goldbach touchdown, taking the lead 25-13. Mount Baker drove into the red zone on their next possession, but Freeman held strong on a fourth down and took the ball back on downs.

Goldbach struck again early in the fourth, this time from four yards out, gathering his third touchdown of the day. His score put the game effectively out of reach, with the Scotties ahead 31-13. Neither team was able to break free from the other’s defense, and the Scotties captured their first state title with a 31-13 win over Mount Baker!

Top Performers:
Mount Baker
Liam Short – 17 carries for 104 yards and 1TD
Izaiha Schwinde – 18 carries for 80 yards and 1TD

Freeman
Marcus Goldbach – 23 carries for 170 yards and 2TD, 85 yard kickoff return for TD
Max Laib – 20 carries for 72 yards and 2TD

The Wolverines Conquer 3A Again,
6th Straight Title

Posted on December 7, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Dec 6th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bellevue	7	28	10	7	52
Eastside Catholic	0	7	0	13	20

See game recap below

varsity-football-live-webarticle2

The Wolverines Conquer 3A Again, 6th Straight
By Colin Caruso

3A Washington state football has been dominated by the Bellevue Wolverines for the past 12 years. Ten state titles in that timeframe and a win in Friday’s matchup against the Eastside Catholic Crusaders would make six in a row.

Eastside came out throwing on their first possession, putting together a good drive after a 57 yard completion to Colin Macilvennie. Quarterback Harley Kirsch dropped back to pass on the next play, tossed the ball into the end zone for running back Brandon Wellington but the pass was a tad underthrown. Safety (also quarterback) Timmy Haehl was able to make a leaping interception, giving Bellevue their first possession. Five plays later Haehl connected with Ross Connors for a 65 yard touchdown to give Bellevue the early 7-0 lead.

After two punts from Eastside and one from Bellevue, the Wolverines got the ball back on their own 27 yard line. Two plays later Haehl busted free for a 70 yard touchdown run to give the Wolverines a 14-0 lead.

The Crusaders needed an answering drive and they put together a well-executed eight play 57-yard drive that was capped off by a 1 yard quarterback keeper by Harley Kirsch to close the Wolverine lead to 14-7. But Bellevue stormed right back and converted on a 9 yard Sam Richmond run to elevate the lead back to 14, 21-7.

After two Crusader offensive plays, senior Wolverine Shane Bowman forced a fumble that was recovered by Bellevue on the Crusader 14 yard line. Two plays later Richmond struck again, his second on the evening, to put the Wolverines up 28-7. After a three and out by the Crusaders, Bellevue struck again on a Haehl run, his second of the day. Bellevue took a 35-7 lead into halftime.

Bellevue received the second half kick but was forced to punt to the Crusaders. Deep inside their own territory on their second offensive play, Kirsch dropped back and threw a deep ball over the middle that was intercepted again by Haehl of the Wolverines, who returned in 32 yards for another Bellevue score. After another Crusader turnover, Bellevue added a Kian Khodamoradi field goal to push the lead to 45-7.

To make the game a little more respectable, the Crusaders put together a great drive in the beginning of the fourth quarter that was capped off by a 1 yard Elisha Pa’Aga run. Both teams added a score to close out the fourth quarter and Bellevue pulled off another win in convincing fashion, 52-20. Congratulations to the Bellevue program for winning 6 straight state titles, and 11 of the last 13.

Top Performers:
Bellevue
Timmy Haehl – 7/7 for 91 yards 1TD, 8 carries for 116 yards 2TD, 2 defensive interceptions, one return for TD
Budda Baker – 18 carries for 101 yards and 1TD

Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch – 27/37 for 266 yards and 1TD

Neah Bay all the Way!
1B State Champs Again

Posted on December 7, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Dec 6th	2013	1A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Neah Bay	6	8	6	16	36
Touchet	12	0	0	6	18

See game recap below

varsity-football-live-webarticle2

Neah Bay all the Way! 1B State Champs Again
By Colin Caruso

Eleven years have passed since the Touchet Indians have made an appearance in the 1B state finals; a place that their opponent, the Neah Bay Red Devils, have found themselves three years in a row. Both teams and fans traveled a combined 425 miles to Tacoma to witness a great matchup in eight on eight ball. Touchet did not seem fazed by the Tacoma Dome’s championship atmosphere despite it being so long since their last trip here, as they had no problem marching for scores on their first two drives, both from Elias Martinez touchdown passes.

Down two scores early, the Red Devils rallied for a score after a great kick return from Josiah Greene. He added the 15 yard touchdown run two plays later. Neah Bay forced a three an out on Touchet’s next possession and were knocking on the end zone door at the end of the first quarter.

The Red Devils tied the contest on the first play of the second quarter, a 2 yard run from Cody Cummins. They added the 2 point conversion on a reception from senior wide receiver Zeke Greene to take a 14-12 lead. Neah Bay kept the momentum with a critical fourth and one stop on their own two yard line, forcing a turnover on downs and holding Touchet to back to back scoreless drives. Neither team was able to score again in the quarter and Neah Bay took their 14-12 lead into the half.

Neah Bay received the second half kickoff and marched down the field on a 12 play drive, capped off by another Cody Cummins touchdown run, his second of the day. The Red Devils kept their momentum soaring as they forced a turnover on downs on Touchet’s next possession and punched in another rushing TD to take a commanding 28-12 lead with 10:41 remaining in the contest.

Touchet needed a big play to get them back in this game, and it came with a 50 yard run from quarterback Elias Martinez all the way down to the Red Devil four yard line. But the Devil defense stood strong and forced another turnover on downs. Neah Bay then put together an eleven play 90 yard drive to score its 36th unanswered point against the Indians. Touchet would punch in a score on the last play of the game, but congratulations to the Neah Bay Red Devils for their second state title in three years!

Top Performers:
Neah Bay
Cody Cummins – 24 carries for 183 yards 2TD
Josiah Greene – 19 carries for 149 yards 1TD

Touchet
Elias Martinez – 9/14 for 195 yards 3TD, 7 carries for 76 yards

Basketball Has Begun! Seattle Prep Dominates Bishop Blanchet

Posted on December 4, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Dec 3rd	2013	3A	Boys	Basketball
Bishop Blanchet High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Prep	13	17	25	17	72
Bishop Blanchet	15	6	5	10	36

See game recap below

Basketball Has Begun! Seattle Prep Dominates Bishop Blanchet
By Colin Caruso

A great way to tip off the basketball season is a rivalry game. That is what showcased on Tuesday night, as the Seattle Prep Panthers made the three mile trip to Bishop Blanchet to battle the Braves. These teams have shared some amazing games in the past, but this one did not live up to any hype.

Blanchet held the lead after the first quarter on the back of Matt Welch, who scored 13 of his teams 15 first quarter points. Amazingly enough, he actually totaled 28 of his teams first 30 points in the contest. Unfortunately, Blanchet didn’t break the thirty point barrier until midway through the fourth quarter.

On the back of 16 points from 6’6″ junior Jordan Kitchen and 14 points from 6’7″ sophomore Sean Gummersall, the Panthers dominated the final three quarters, outscoring their rivals 59-21 to close out the game. Aside from Welch’s 28 points, no one on Blanchet scored more than two, and the Panthers completely controlled the paint and the three point arc throughout.

In speaking with Coach Mike Kelly at the end of the contest, he is excited about the competition this year in the always dominate Metro league. Metro 3A has taken the state crown in 10 of the last 12 seasons.

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
Jordan Kitchen – 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals
Jack Stewart – 13 points, 5 steals, 3 rebounds
Sean Gummersall – 14 points, 5 rebounds

Bishop Blanchet
Matt Welch – 28 points, 6 rebounds

Mount Baker Captures First Ever State Finals Berth

Posted on December 1, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 30th	2013	1A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Final
Mount Baker	14	7	0	7	3	31
Cascade Christian	7	7	0	14	0	28

See game recap below

Mount Baker Captures First Ever State Finals Berth
By Colin Caruso

The first Saturday game in the Tacoma Dome hosted the one loss Mount Baker Mountaineers against the undefeated Cascade Christian Cougars for a trip to the 1A state finals on December 7th. The first half saw back and forth action, with Mount Baker capitalizing on two fumbles by the Cougars and turning those into 14 points.

Mount Baker looked to be the more aggressive and energetic side early on, but Cascade Christian stuck to their game plan and continued to execute on deep passing plays to keep the game within a touchdown after the first half. Mount Baker led 21-14 at halftime on the back of two rushing touchdowns from Izaiha Shwinde.

Defense was seemingly the focal point for both coaches at half because the defenses on both sides heated up in the third quarter. No score from either team allowed Mount Baker to hold their seven point lead going into the fourth.

The Mountaineers struck early in the fourth quarter on another Shwinde run, his third of the contest, to take a comfortable 28-14 lead with just under 11:30 to play in the contest. But Cascade Christian wasn’t done yet; on their heels and needing a score, quarterback Jaelin Goldsmith rushed five yards up the middle for his second rushing touchdown on the day, putting his team within one score of the Mountaineers.

The Cougar defense held strong and forced a punt from Mount Baker, getting the ball back with 89 yards to go and just under six minutes to play. Cascade Christian put together a spectacular drive, marching all 89 yards and scoring on a Hunter Austin 5 yard run to tie the contest with 1:39 remaining, and ultimately sending the game to overtime.

Cascade Christian got the ball first in the extra frame but could not crack the stingy Mount Baker defense who forced a turnover on downs. Mount Baker started their possession from the 25 yard line, needing any score to win the game. After a big 11 yard Andrew Zender rush on their first play, Mount Baker was in field goal range. After three downs that resulted in no gain, Alex Tyska stepped up for a 28 yard field goal and smashed it through the uprights for the win. Mount Baker will now play in the Washington state 1A final on Saturday, December 7th.

Top Performers:
Mount Baker
Andrew Zender – 23 carries for 106 yards, TD
Izaiha Schwinde – 15 carries for 71 yards, 3TD

Cascade Christian
Jaelin Goldsmith – 14/27 for 179 yards, 1TD. 7 carries for 32 yards, 2TD

Morton-White Pass Stamps Third 2B Finals Ticket in a Row

Posted on December 1, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 30th	2013	2B	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Raymond	0	0	7	7	14
Morton-White Pass	0	7	7	13	27

See game recap below

Morton-White Pass Stamps Third 2B Finals Ticket in a Row
By Colin Caruso

The second of three games in the Tacoma Dome on Saturday, November 30th saw a 2B semifinal clash between the Raymond Gulls and the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves. The Timberwolves came into this contest undefeated, and Raymond came in with one loss early in the season to Charles Wright Academy.

Both these teams are accustomed to scoring lots of points, but the first quarter saw a scoreless draw with two punts from both squads. The scoring had to come at some point, and Gianni Bertucci finally broke free for Morton-White Pass with a 22 yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter. Raymond responded with a drive that took them all the way down to the Timberwolves two yard line, but Rayce Newman’s pass was intercepted by Tommy Seaman with just 5 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Morton-White Pass held their 7-0 lead going into halftime.

Raymond received the second half kick and quickly ended their personal scoring drought, capitalizing on a four yard touchdown run by Darol Ratsavongsy to tie the game at seven. The Timberwolves responded on their next drive. On a fourth down and two yards to go, Morton-White Pass ran an end-around and converted a 46 yard touchdown run from Ben Powell to reclaim the lead.

Morton-White Pass held firm to their touchdown lead through the majority of the fourth quarter, and extended their lead with two more scores late in the frame to take a commanding 27-7 lead. Raymond added a Rayce Newman touchdown pass with 14 seconds left to Marvin So to make the score more respectable, 27-14. Morton-White Pass will play next week in the Tacoma Dome for their third straight shot at a 2B championship.

Top Performers:
Raymond
Alex Sida – 15 carries for 130 yards

Morton-White Pass
Brian Reynolds – 14 carries for 66 yards, TD
Kalen Dunlap – 2 catches for 62 yards, TD

Too Much Hennessey for Bellarmine, Camas Advances to 4A State Final

Posted on December 1, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

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Saturday	Nov 30th	2013	4A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bellarmine Prep	7	7	0	7	21
Camas	21	14	7	7	49

See game recap below

Too Much Hennessey for Bellarmine, Camas Advances to 4A State Final
By Colin Caruso

In the primetime game at the Tacoma Dome on semifinal Saturday, the Bellarmine Prep Lions faced off against the Papermakers of Camas for a trip to the 4A state final. Bellarmine came into the contest with two losses this season, Camas entered undefeated.

The Papermakers came out strong in this contest, scoring two touchdowns in the first five minutes of the game, both on passes from Reilly Hennessey to Zach Eagle. Bellarmine was able to respond with a Garrett McKay touchdown catch later in the quarter, but the Papermakers kept the pressure on with another scoring drive to close the quarter with a 21-7 lead.

Of the Papermakers six first half possessions, five resulted in touchdowns. Bellarmine could not find a way to slow down the Papermakers, who amassed 406 first half yards. Camas led 35-14 at the break.

Scoring slowed down in the third quarter, with only a Jason Vailea touchdown run for the Papermakers, his second on the night. Bellarmine did put together a great drive in the quarter but a fourth down touchdown pass by Lou Millie was negated by an illegal forward pass which gave the ball back to Camas.

With the game in hand, both teams added another score in the fourth quarter. Camas closed Bellarmine Prep’s season with a commanding 49-21 win. The Papermakers will play Chiawana on December 7th for the 4A state championship.

Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Lou Millie – 13/25 for 183 yards and 2TD
Garret McKay – 5 catches for 89 yards and 2TD

Camas
Reilly Hennessey – 21/32 for 343 yards and 3TD
Zach Eagle – 11 catches for 170 yards and 3TD
Nate Beasley – 27 carries for 128 yards and 1TD

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

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