High school football roundup: Graham-Kapowsin cruises to victory; Timberline wins in dramatic fashion
GRAHAM-KAPOWSIN 58, CURTIS 12
The Eagles’ win over the Vikings was about as complete and thorough as a team could get. After the defense forced a three-and-out against Curtis, the offense took over for the rest of the game and did not look back.
Senior quarterback Joshua Wood had an efficient night passing the ball around, going 14-for-19 for 215 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick. In fact, the very first Eagles’ drive resulted in a 24-yard strike to sophomore receiver Jabez Woods.
The running game was also on point for the Eagles as they combined for 346 yards on the ground. Junior Michael Toa, senior Julian Mason, and Wood all scored a touchdown; while senior Tasi Ainuu had the longest run of the night with an 82-yard touchdown run.
BOX SCORE
GK: 8-22--20-8--58
C: 0-6-0-6--12
TIMBERLINE 31, CENTRAL KITSAP 28
Though they were down 28-14 at one point in the third quarter, the Blazers kept clawing at the lead the Cougars held and eventually found their way to a 28-28 tie.
After junior quarterback Jackson Brown exited the game with a concussion, coach James Jones decided to roll with senior wide receiver Franco Segura under center. The offensive plan was simplified: spread out the Cougars to get runs on the inside and when they cheat in, get passes out to the outside.
The defense also had to step up after allowing Cougar running backs to find open lanes and gash them for yardage. That’s when Jones threw in senior offensive lineman Cameron Sanders out on defense. His main goal was to blow up the Cougars’ offense and free up the Blazer linebackers to make their plays.
After tying the game and keeping the Cougar offense out of the end zone, and with almost no time left on the clock, sophomore kicker Gage Pedro lined up from 40 yards out for a game-winning field goal. As time expired, Pedro’s kick was good and gave the Blazers the come-from-behind win.
BOX SCORE
T: 7-7-7-10--31
CK: 7-7-14-0--28
PUYALLUP 62, ROGERS 0
The Vikings’ offense exploded against the Rams, particularly in the second quarter where they racked up 41 points. How did they do it? Defense and smart decision making from junior quarterback Micah Balzarini.
After a six-yard run by junior receiver Donte Grant, Balzarini opened up the floodgates with a 56-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Jordan Dwyer. Then the points kept coming.
The Viking defense stifled the Rams and gave the offense plenty of possessions in the second quarter to put the game away early.
BOX SCORE
P: 14-41-0-7--62
R: 0-0-0-0--0
PENINSULA 35, RIVER RIDGE 6
Although there were no dramatic finishes in this game, the Seahawks still found themselves the winners as they took down the Hawks in their first road game of the season.
Once again fueled by a tough run game, junior running back Aiden Lester led the rushing attack with eight carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Right behind him was senior Ethan Hogan, carrying the ball 15 times for 110 yards and two scores.
The Hawks’ defense brought pressure against senior quarterback Jack Bice, but he finished his night 12-of-16 for 106 yards and a rushing touchdown.
BOX SCORE
P: 14-7-7-7--35
RR: 0-6-0-0--6
YELM 40, CAPITAL 6
A really fast start for the Tornados ensured by turnovers from the defense gave them the upper hand against the Cougars.
Junior middle linebacker Kyler Ronquillo had a big hand in scoring points for the Tornados, on both sides of the ball no less. He caught the ball seven times for 78 yards and a touchdown, but also had two interceptions on defense; one of which went 63 yards the other way for a pick-six.
Senior quarterback Palaina Hooper had a strong night under center as well, going 15-for-22, throwing for 212 yards and four touchdown passes.
Sophomore running back Brayden Platt finished his night with nine carries, 108 yards, and a touchdown as well.
BOX SCORE
Y: 14-20-6-0--40
C: 0-0-0-6--6
AUBURN 40, THOMAS JEFFERSON 18
What a night for junior quarterback Amari Goodfellow.
He was the absolute center for the Trojans’ offense in their win over the Raiders, running the ball super effectively. He had two big touchdown runs, one for 79 yards and one for 15 yards.
Goodfellow went on to carry the ball 16 times for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
BOX SCORE
A: 20-0-20-0--40
TJ: 0-12-0-6--18
This story was originally published September 30, 2021 at 10:28 PM.