By DeShaun Presley
The Seattle Medium
The #2 seed Eastside Catholic Crusaders (9-1) hosted the #15 seed Squalicum Storm (9-3) of Bellingham, Washington Friday night at Memorial Stadium in the first round of the WIAA 3A state tournament.
Witnessing Eastside Catholic’s first series on the offense side of the ball did not provide a clue on how this game would develop into a lopsided victory for the Crusaders. Squalicum was able to force the Crusaders into 3 downs and out, and punt the ball to the Storm for their first offensive series.
Eastside Catholic’s defense jump started the scoring onslaught as junior defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau blocked a punt that was scooped up and returned 47 yards for a touchdown by senior defensive back Ayden Hector with 9:22 remaining in the first quarter, resulting in a early 7-0 ball game.
The floodgates began to open up for the Crusaders as they imposed their will on the Storm, scoring 35 unanswered points from a cast of players. The Crusaders’ Gio Ursino led the charge finishing with 113 rushing yards on 6 carries, along with two touchdowns on the night. As the second quarter ended, Eastside Catholic held a commanding 42-0 lead going into the half.
Storm sophomore running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker provided a bright spot for Sqaulicum as he rushed for 68 yards on 13 carries and a solo touchdown late in the third quarter.
The Crusaders ran away with a convincing 55-14 victory to advance to the second round of the WIAA playoffs, where they will face the Bellevue Wolverines of Bellevue, Washington on Nov. 22nd at a location to be determined.
Pictorial Highlights of Eastside Catholic vs Squalicum Playoff Game
