By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
After dropping their season opener to Lake Stevens last week, the Garfield Bulldogs looked to get into the win column as they opened their Metro League schedule against Lincoln, who lost a non-conference game against 1A King’s High School.
Just like their opponent, Lincoln lost in their first game of the season to a non-conference team in King’s High School out of the 1A Emerald Sound Division. Both teams with 0-1 records lined up for their first conference matchup, and Garfield came out with a look of redemption.
Lincoln took the opening possession of the game and held the ball for five minutes, and although they possessed the football for nearly half of the first quarter, Garfield’s defense stood firm to force a punt. Following the punt, the Bulldogs went to work, as quarterback EJ Caminong found receiver Rahshawn Clark on a check-down for 10 yards and running back Reylen Witherspoon rushed for five yards before the three-play drive ended with Clark catching a one-handed 15-yard touchdown pass from Caminong.
Taking a 7-0 early lead, Garfield did not take their foot off the gas. On the ensuing kickoff, Lincoln bobbled the football, which allowed the Bulldogs to recover the ball on the 12-yard line. The Bulldogs would capitalize on the short field, despite having penalties push them back toward the 20-yard line. Caminong would connect again with Clark on a quick slant for his second touchdown of the game, giving Garfield a 14-0 lead going into the second quarter.
Up by two touchdowns, the Bulldogs’ defense applied continuous pressure on the Lynx. Whether it was returning two fumbles for touchdowns, getting in the backfield for sacks, having excellent coverage in the secondary to prevent catches, or recording tackles for loss, the Bulldogs imposed their will on Lincoln.
Imposing their will on defense, which gave their offense back the ball quickly, getting their hands on the ball quickly and often, the Bulldogs found success by throwing the ball as they opened up their playbook to let Reylen Witherspoon show off his unique speed and ability to get past defenders in the process. Witherspoon started with a 15-yard rushing touchdown as he flat out ran by Lincoln defenders. He would go on to score his second touchdown of the quarter by accelerating from Garfield’s 25-yard line for a 75-yard touchdown run.
In the second quarter, Garfield scored 28 unanswered points against Lincoln’s defense, and after 24 minutes of action, they led 42-0 going into halftime. Despite their large deficit, the Lincoln Lynx continued to play hard on each and every possession regardless of the score, and with their players displaying that attitude, it paid off in a major way as they were able to put a touchdown on the scoreboard.
Although they gave up a touchdown, the Bulldogs remained aggressive on both sides of the football, especially on the offensive end, and with their reserves in the game, they would outscore Lincoln 13-7 in the second half.
Witherspoon led all rushers with 149 yards and two touchdowns, while Tawaf Aboudou carried the ball six times for 92 yards. Caminong didn’t have to throw as much, but he completed 71% of his passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Clark, in his second game as a Bulldog, had three receptions for 44 yards and two touchdowns. Ira Washington Jr. had one reception for 27 yards and a touchdown.
In 48 minutes of play, Garfield managed to put the Metro League on notice with a 55-7 conference win against Lincoln. Next week, they’re on the road against an undefeated Seattle Prep team at West Seattle Stadium. Lincoln, who fell to 0-2, will face Ballard High School next week at Memorial Stadium.
Pictorial Highlights of Garfield vs Lincoln
