Eastside Catholic Blanks Kennewick 41–0 to Reach 3A Semifinals

Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium

In a complete team performance that combined explosive special teams, efficient offense, and lockdown defense, the No. 3-seeded Eastside Catholic Crusaders overwhelmed No. 6 Kennewick 41–0 in the WIAA 3A state quarterfinals on Saturday night.

The Crusaders struck early and often, erupting for 27 points in the first quarter alone. The tone was set on Kennewick’s opening possession when the Lions went three-and-out, and Eastide Catholic’s Asa Thompson returned the ensuing punt 73 yards for a touchdown. Just minutes later, Eastside Catholic quarterback Luca Villasenor launched a 58-yard touchdown strike to Tytan McNeal to make it 13–0. Eastside’s defense forced another quick punt, and the Crusaders capitalized again, with Villasenor connecting with Thompson for a 33-yard touchdown. Before the quarter ended, Villasenor found Nepo Fareti from 25 yards out, giving the Crusaders a commanding 27–0 lead.

Kennewick struggled to move the ball against Eastside’s disciplined and fast defense. Quarterback Dominic Driver was active both on the ground and through the air but faced constant pressure and tight coverage. While Rivion Brooks broke free for a 13-yard run in the second quarter and Driver added a 9-yard scramble, the Lions lost momentum after an untimely fumble. Eastside Catholic quickly turned that into more points with a sharp offensive series capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass from Villasenor to running back Cayden Pili.

Eastside Catholic led 34–0 at halftime.

Kennewick’s defense came out with more urgency in the third quarter, and Jose Campos III intercepted a pass to give the Lions their best field position of the night. But Eastside’s defense responded by forcing a turnover on downs. On the next drive, Nick Jones churned out yards on the ground, and Villasenor found Fareti once again, this time for a 23-yard touchdown — his fifth of the night.

Kennewick’s final push came in the fourth quarter with Driver connecting with Alexander Pursley for a 20-yard gain and adding a 15-yard scramble. But Eastside again shut the door, as Madden Vestman intercepted Driver’s last deep attempt to secure the shutout.

The Crusaders’ defense stifled every Kennewick threat, forcing three interceptions and holding the Lions to under 50 passing yards on the night. Their pass rush forced errant throws, and their secondary broke up key attempts in crucial moments.

Offensively, Villasenor completed 16 of 22 passes for 255 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He connected with six different receivers, spreading the ball with poise and accuracy. Fareti hauled in four catches for 65 yards and two scores, while McNeal had four receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Thompson added 60 receiving yards and a punt return touchdown. On the ground, Nick Jones carried 13 times for 70 yards to pace the run game. Pili added 10 yards rushing and a touchdown reception.

After the game, Eastside Catholic head coach Dom Daste praised his team’s consistent preparation and focus.

“One of the things we’re always trying to do is get better,” Daste said. “I think we’re starting to really do that, and it shows in our preparation week in and week out.Whether it’s film, workouts, or practice, the guys have bought in.”

The victory propels the Crusaders (10-1) into the 3A semifinals, where they’ll face No. 2-seeded Mount Tahoma next weekend.

Eastside Catholic Offense:

• Luca Villasenor: 16/22, 255 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT

• Jordan Meas: 0/2, 0 yards

• Nepo Fareti: 4 receptions, 65 yards, 2 TDs

• Asa Thompson: 3 receptions, 60 yards, 2 total TDs (including 73-yard punt return)

• Tytan McNeal: 4 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD

• Robert Ingram: 1 reception, 17 yards

• Zavier Traxler: 2 receptions, 6 yards

• Nick Jones: 13 rushes, 70 yards

• Cayden Pili: 2 rushes, 10 yards; 1 reception, 6 yards, 1 TD

• Wassie Lugolobi: 2 rushes, 7 yards