Lummi Nation finds way back to 1B title game through support among family and fans
For some football teams, having the town and community rally behind them helps bring out the best in the players.
Then there’s the Lummi Nation Blackhawks.
Coming from the Lummi Reservation west of Bellingham, the Blackhawks’ success has spread a hope across Washington to other tribes eager to see a state football title.
“We get a lot of support from our community and our tribe, and the surrounding tribes that follow football,” said Blackhawks head coach Jim Sandusky. “That part feels really good because you’re not just counting on local people, but lots of others from surrounding areas.”
That sense of family resonates with the team as well, going back to summer camp at Whitworth. There, players created an understanding that their time would be dedicated to running, lifting and throwing throughout the summer.
The Blackhawks began the season slower than expected as some regular starters did not suit up because of ineligibility or other commitments.
“We got to the first day of practice and several key players that were eligible under the WIAA standards, but under our more strict school policy, they weren’t,” Sandusky said. “It was tough for us to get going.”
But the Blackhawks took it in stride as players stepped up to fill the void of their ineligible teammates. By midseason, Lummi had racked up huge scores in wins over Taholah, Seattle Lutheran, Clallam Bay and Crescent.
After a 62-12 loss to rival Neah Bay, the Blackhawks returned to full strength by the end of the regular season, and that’s when things started to gel.
The Blackhawks showed their potential in the playoffs, blanking Evergreen Lutheran and Quilcene while scoring a combined 90 points.
Finally came the game they wanted, another shot at Neah Bay. A hard-fought game between the bitter rivals resulted in big hits, big plays and a big-time performance from the Blackhawks, who won, 26-20.
“It feels good to be in a position to win it all; that’s what you prepare for,” Sandusky said. “We take nothing for granted. That’s what I prepared these guys for, a battle.”
The Blackhawks will take on Almira/Coulee-Hartline in the Class 1B final at 4 p.m. Friday in the Tacoma Dome.
Class 1B state final
No. 5 Almira/Coulee-Hartline (12-1) vs. Lummi Nation (9-2)
4 p.m. Friday, Tacoma Dome
Coaches: Brandon Walsh is in his 17th season at ACH (101-80 record); Jim Sandusky is in his 13th season at Lummi (123-34 record).
Road to Gridiron Classic: ACH beat Selkirk in the first round (52-8), Touchet in the quarterfinals (30-22) and Liberty Christian in the semifinals (82-70). Lummi beat Evergreen Lutheran in the first round (50-0), Quilcene in the quarterfinals (40-0) and Neah Bay in the semifinals (26-20).
About the Warriors: Didn’t think that ACH, which won the 1B title in 2007, would be a finalist this season? ACH earned it by getting through Touchet and Liberty Christian. The offense is built around QB Dallas Isaak (69 of 119, 1,399 yards, 25 TDs; 2,420 rushing yards, 43 TDs), who constantly burns defenses for big plays because of his mobility. He had 625 total yards and 11 touchdowns last week against Liberty Christian.
About the Blackhawks: After seeing their past four seasons end in the state playoffs against Neah Bay, the Blackhawks ended that frustration by shocking the defending state champions in the semifinals. Having the physical presence of RB Hank Hoskins makes a big difference in Lummi’s pass-happy offense. As a former quarterback, Hoskins can throw it, too. The Blackhawks, who were 1B champions in 2010, are bigger, very physical and determined to break through again.
TNT pick: Lummi, 42-36.
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Lummi Nation finds way back to 1B title game through support among family and fans."