By DeShaun Presley
The Seattle Medium
Friday night the Garfield Bulldogs (2-3) defended their home field against a tough Metro League opponent in the Eastside Catholic Crusaders (5-0).
The Bulldogs intensity and physicality set the tone in the first quarter as Garfield running back Isaiah Kenard punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to give Garfield an early 7-0 lead. The touchdown was setup by the powerful, down hill running of Garfield running back Avery Morrow, who had five carries for 38 yards during the Bulldogs first offensive series.
Eastside Catholic immediately struck back, splitting carries between senior running backs Sam Adams, Jr. and Gio Ursino, as Ursino scored from 3 yards out resulting in a 7-6 score after a blocked extra-point attempt.
A first quarter slug match was shaping up as Garfield wide receiver Tierre Monroe caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Javon Tade, making defenders miss and doing the rest for a 6-yard touchdown reception putting the Bulldogs on top 13-7.
The Crusaders, who utilized the run game on their first offensive series, decided to open things up and spread the ball around in the passing game to wide receivers Gee Scott, Jr., DJ Rogers, and Tavares George.
With 11:51 remaining in the second quarter, Eastside Catholic was able to punch in another 3-yard touchdown run by Ursino, on his second touchdown on the night, leaving the score knotted at 13-13. That touchdown gave the Crusaders the momentum they needed, as they began to impose their dominance and put up three unanswered touchdowns resulting in a 35-13 halftime score.
Second half miscues and injuries hampered the Bulldogs down the stretch leading to the Crusaders fortune, as they took home a 42-21 Metro League victory over the Bulldogs.
Eastside’s DJ Rogers who led all receivers with four receptions for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Next Friday the Garfield Bulldogs (2-3) will face off against the Vikings of Rainier Beach on senior night at Memorial Stadium, 5:00 pm. Eastside Catholic (5-0) will matchup against the Fighting Irish of O’Dea at Eastside Catholic High School at 7:00 pm.
Pictorial Highlights of Eastside Catholic vs Garfield
