The Crusaders Advance to Another State Semifinal

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