Game Recap below

Peninsula Survives Shootout with Lions, Claim First Place in League Standings
By Steven Dion

The 3A classification of the South Puget Sound League has been a roller coaster ride this season starting with the logjam at the top. The big surprise thus far Auburn-Mountainview would put their undefeated mark on the line as battle-tested Peninsula rolled into town. With a win, the Lions would capture the league title. The Seahawks would be able to claim the crown with a win in the final two games. When the final whistle sounded, everyone had witnessed an instant classic.

Heavy rainfall picked up right at kickoff, making for a slow start for both squads. Peninsula started the scoring on a pair of 24 yard field goals by Logan Marten. Following the second score, the AMHS got rolling as Gresch Jensen found a passing rhythm with his wideouts, capped off by a 25 yard touchdown pass to Abenego Kondiano. The Seahawks responded with a drive of their own in the waning ticks of the first half. Robert Kvinsland connected with Kyle Olson-Urbon on a well-placed ball to the corner of the endzone with twenty seconds remaining. At the half, Peninsula led 13-7.

The Seahawks appeared to address their lack of an effective rushing attack in the first 24 minutes as Major Ali would carry his team on his 5’7” 189 pound frame. But before he could make his presence felt, he watched Gavin Robertson carry the ball into the endzone from seven yards out, regaining the lead for the home team. Ali strung together several big gains to put the Hawks within scoring position, but an interception by Robertson near his own goal line turned the ball back over. Fortunately for PHS, Jack Filkins returned the favor by picking off Jensen.

In the final quarter trailing 14-19 on 4th and 6, Gresch Jensen found his steady playmaker Gavin Robertson downfield to move the chains. On another 4th down moments later, Ki’Jan Weisinger hauled in a pass which put the Lions up 20-19. The Seahawks had three minutes to march down field and at least get within field goal position. With a steady dose of Ali runs, Peninsula was on the red zone. A penalty by AMHS put the Hawks on the 7 with a running clock. Sticking to what kept Peninsula clicking, Kvinsland handed the ball off to Major who rumbled to the endzone with 7 seconds left in the contest. The Peninsula faithful in the bleachers erupted with excitement. To put the icing on top, PHS recovered the ensuing squib kickoff and ran down the final seconds. In a game reminiscent of basketball where the team with the ball last would win, Peninsula rose to the occasion and now control their own destiny to win the SPSL 3A title. Auburn-Mountainview’s dream season is in the balance as next week will decide their outcome.

Top Performers:
Peninsula
Major Ali- Game winning 7 yard touchdown with 7 seconds remaining

Auburn Mountainview
Gavin Robertson- 7 yard touchdown run, Defensive Interception