Puyallup Fends off Kentlake

Puyallup Fends off Kentlake
By Steven Dion

A non-league matchup at Sparks Stadium between the Puyallup Vikings and Kentlake Falcons had a striking similarity to the many park rides next door at the Washington State Fair on Thursday night. Fortunately for Puyallup, their point production in one quarter secured their victory. The Vikings scored first on a red zone strike to Levi Jordan from Brendan Illies. The next Kentlake possession resulted in a fumble recovery score by Puyallup’s Quinn Rawson.

The Viks kept their foot on the pedal by turning an interception into another passing touchdown to DJ Winter as they gained a comfortable 20-0 lead after one frame. Kentlake got on the board with a 2-yard quarterback sneak by D’Marye’ Dedrick. Before the first half concluded, Puyallup’s Trent Nivala returned a fumble 78 yards for six more on a long, sustained drive by the Falcons. Both teams returned to their respective dressing rooms with the scoreboard reading 27-7.

The superior pass protection of Puyallup by the likes of Rawson, Nolan Myers, and Nivala allowed Illies to stand in the pocket and roll out when needed. The junior quarterback found the endzone in the third on a QB keeper to extend the lead to 27 points. But Kentlake’s offense woke up in the fourth as Danstan Kaunda broke through twice to bring Kentlake back within two scores. The third touchdown by Illies late in the fourth ended the Falcons attempt at a comeback. Both teams conducted an up-tempo read option offense, but both defensive units resisted nicely. The difference maker was Illies aerial attack to his many wideout options. Puyallup improves to 3-0 with the win as Kentlake falls to 0-3.

Top Performers:
Kentlake
Danstan Kaunda – RB 2TD

Puyallup
Brendan Illies – QB 3TD