| 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 | |
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