Lynden quarterback Josh Kraght was in the zone Saturday night.
Kraght threw for 304 yards and had five touchdown passes in the Lions’ convincing 42-7 victory over the Sumner Spartans in the Class 2A quarterfinals at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner.
The defending 2A state champion Lions scored all of their points in the first half, including a 28-point outburst in the second quarter. Senior wide receiver Jalani Phelps had a game-high three touchdown catches.
Lynden wide receiver Zach Vis, who hauled in two touchdown receptions, said the passing game is peaking at the right time.
“Our receivers are so athletic and we have so many weapons on offense,” he said. “It is awesome to see that we can go to any receiver and it clicks.
“Our coaches devised great strategies for this game. It was just awesome to see all the strategies come together and work to perfection.”
Lions coach Curt Kramme said the offense adjusted to the defensive alignment of Sumner (9-3).
“They decided to stop our running game. We had a very good game running the ball last week. They were playing a lot of man-to-man coverage. When we have one-on-one opportunities with our quarterback and receivers it is really tough for the opposing team’s defense,” Kramme said.
The Lions (11-1) will face Capital in the Class 2A semifinals either Friday or Saturday in the Tacoma Dome.
“They will be the best team we have played in a long time,” Kramme said of Capital. “We’re going to enjoy this one tonight and start getting ready for Capital on Monday.”
Sumner coach Keith Ross said Lynden was the toughest team his squad has faced all year.
“They are great. I have been watching them in the Tacoma Dome for years,” Ross said. “They are just so deep across the board. They can line up four receivers who are all 6 feet, 2 inches or taller and their quarterback is tremendous. We couldn’t stop their passing game early. We fell behind and never got on track.”
Despite the loss, Ross was brimming with pride as he walked off the field for the final time in 2012.
“Nothing that happened tonight can diminish anything about our season,” he said. “We played great. We won nine games and have done some things we haven’t done here in 30 years. I couldn’t be more proud. This season sets the tone for next year and into the future.”
Senior running back Lokahi Kamau scored the Spartans’ lone touchdown on a 23-yard touchdown run with 5:21 remaining in regulation.
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