By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Now with the regular season at an end, post-season play has arrived, and teams are putting themselves in position to advance to the round of 32 for this year’s 3A State Championship. Seattle Prep’s 4-4-1 record helped them finish fourth in the Metro League’s Mountain Division and with that they’d matchup against a seventh-seeded Roosevelt team in the league playoffs. The two teams faced off against each other just a week ago where the game resulted in a tie, and just a week later the circumstances completely changed, as it became a win or go home situation.
A bittersweet moment for the Panthers considering it was their senior night and a chance to keep the season alive for those seniors whose high school careers are coming to an end. Seattle Prep received first possession and wouldn’t disappoint fans as quarterback Beau Oaksmith and wide receiver Henri Downer connected for the games’ opening touchdown to give their team a quick 7-0 lead. Scoring quickly, Roosevelt looked to respond but the Panthers defense held firm forcing a three-and-out.
Seattle Prep’s defense would lead to offense after receiving the punt from Roosevelt, and just like their first possession they’d score in a matter of three plays with Cooper Stephens rushing into the endzone, extending the lead to 14-0 early in the first quarter. With their offense opening a two touchdown lead at such a rapid pace, and momentum favoring them, the Panthers would take full advantage of the opportunity.
Roosevelt’s second offensive series had some success moving the chains downfield and with an opportunity to complete a critical first down to keep their drive alive, Panthers’ outside linebacker Brendan Cannon would jump a pass route against the Roughriders’ receiver for an interception, which he returned for a touchdown. As Seattle Prep players, staff, and fans would explode with emotions they found themselves leading 21-0 and from this moment the Panthers were in complete control of the game.
The interception only enticed the Panthers’ defense even more as they followed up with sacks, tackles for losses and allowed Roosevelt to gain only minimal yards. Winning defensively at the line of scrimmage, Seattle Prep’s defensive backs were able to force multiple incomplete passes throughout the remainder of the game, as their defensive dominance allowed their offense to thrive even more.
With Seattle Prep holding a commanding lead, the stage was set for their offensive leader throughout the season, 6-foot, 190-pound running back Ishmael Pessner, to make his presence felt. Pessner would score his first touchdown of the game before kicker Caden Lawlor’s field goal gave the Panthers a 38-7 lead going into halftime. Picking up where he left off in the first half, Pessner would score his second touchdown of the game to begin the third quarter and Nick Matthews would score the Panthers final touchdown of the night. The Panthers’ defense held Roosevelt scoreless for the entire second half and secured a 52-7 victor over the Roughriders. With the win, Seattle Prep advances to round of 32 in the state playoffs
