Bellarmine Prep’s Michael Rector is known as one of the state’s top wide receivers but it was his performance at defensive back that proved vital for second-ranked Lions on Friday night.
Rector intercepted two passes, returning the first for a 98-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and Bellarmine Prep capped an undefeated regular season by surviving a 27-20 scare from Gig Harbor at Roy Anderson Field in Purdy.
The Lions (7-0 Narrows League 4A, 9-0 overall) said the possibility of becoming the top-ranked team in the state – current No. 1 Eastlake lost to Woodinville on Thursday – wasn’t a source of motivation.
“That’s external stuff,” said Rector, who has given an oral commitment to play at Washington. “We only care about our inner circle, and that’s our team, that’s our fans, that’s our school, that’s our community.”
Bellarmine rallied to take a 17-13 lead at halftime, but Gig Harbor (5-4, 4-3) threatened to take the lead again by driving to the Lions’ 10 midway through the third.
That’s when Tides quarterback Garrett Gallinger made a mistake, floating a pass to the outside. Rector picked it off, avoided a tackler near midfield and raced untouched to the end zone.
“I knew it was time to make a play,” Rector said. “I locked onto my receiver, and then I saw the ball in the air. I just … jumped the route.”
In state play-in games next week, Bellarmine Prep will host Graham-Kapowsin and Gig Harbor travels to Kentwood.
At Mount Tahoma 40, Stadium 26: B.J. Breckenridge piled up 271 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 38 attempts in the Thunderbirds’ win over the rival Tigers. Breckenridge scored on runs of 7, 4, 5, 50 and 12 yards.
At South Kitsap 17, Central Kitsap 10: The Wolves locked up the final berth from 4A Narrows League, knocking the Cougars out of postseason contention.
SPSL NORTH
Kentwood 23, Kentridge 22: Mitchell Cox’s 25-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter helped the Conquerors erase a 22-7 halftime deficit and secure a home game in the state play-in round next week.
A late 33-yard field goal attempt by Kentridge hit the upright.
Auburn Riverside 30, Auburn 23: The Ravens scored twice in the final five minutes, rallying to beat the Trojans for the first time in school history and knock Auburn out of postseason contention.
Trailing 23-16, Auburn Riverside’s Kameron Broadway hauled in a 6-yard pass from Josh Latta, tying the score with 4:39 left. Two minutes later, Jaray Bates, who finished with 127 yards on 25 carries, scored the winner on a 3-yard run.
SPSL SOUTH
Graham-Kapowsin 54, at Spanaway Lake 13: Dylan Campbell ran for 116 yards, and Kyle Madsen rushed for two touchdowns as the Eagles won a tuneup for their game with Bellarmine Prep.
NARROWS 3A
Yelm 47, at Wilson 41 (OT): Quentin Buck scored the winning touchdown in overtime on a 17-yard run. He finished with 145 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns. Yelm’s Jacob Swilley ran for 195 yards, and Austin Brownell had 125 yards on the ground.
At Timberline 41, Foss 0: The Blazers cruised to a 35-0 halftime lead behind touchdowns from James Segura-Mitchell and Spencer Crump.
SPSL 3A
At Lakes 62, Bonney Lake 14: The Panthers struck first, but the Lancers countered with 62 straight points, closing out the regular season as undefeated league champions.
Lakes scored four defensive touchdowns – led by Bryce Dillard interception returns of 50 and 8 yards for scores.
SPSL 2A
White River 30, at Sumner 7: Josh Miller rushed for 158 yards and two TDs, helping the Hornets grab a share of the league title.
At Steilacoom 22, Clover Park 16: Jake Esseln ran for three touchdowns as the Sentinels secured a postseason berth.
Eatonville 20, at Fife 14: Zach Fairhart’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Jarred Keefer in the second quarter turned out to be the game-winner. The win, plus Washington’s loss, launched the Cruisers into the postseason.
Rhys Zenker ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns for Fife.
EVERGREEN
At No. 2 Tumwater 48, Aberdeen 0: Andrew Brown ran for 115 yards on six carries, scoring on runs of 47 and 44 yards, and also caught a 14-yard touchdown pass for the Thunderbirds.
News Tribune staff contributed to this report.
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